2026 International Virtual Scar Tissue Summit

Description
This case study explores the role of scar therapy within the oncology scar timeline, with a focus on working safely and respectfully with a person living with a 20-year history of oncology-related scars.

The presentation considers how post-operative scars may continue to influence tissue quality, movement, sensation, comfort, body awareness, and emotional wellbeing many years after cancer treatment. It highlights the importance of skilled assessment, appropriate clinical reasoning, trauma-informed communication, and gentle, responsive scar therapy techniques when working with long-standing oncology scars.

Tania Shaw
Tania Shaw is Managing Director of Oncology Massage Training Ltd, an experienced remedial massage and decongestive lymphatic therapist, and senior oncology massage educator. She has extensive training in oncology massage, lymphatic therapy and cancer-informed care, with a strong focus on safe, gentle and clinically informed support for people affected by cancer.
Based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Tania continues to work in private practice, assisting clients with the Restore Oncology Scar Specialist techniques, lymphoedema and lipoedema management and neuropathy issues. She is also part of Restore Scar Therapy’s Global Teaching Team, supporting the delivery of specialist scar therapy education.
Passionate about education and best practice, Tania guides therapists to build confidence, expertise and refined clinical skills.

Description
This presentation provides an introduction to using IASTM tools to treat scars and adhesions using an evidence-based approach. Learn how to safely use tools to increase mobility, accelerate tissue remodelling, and reduce pain. Gain valuable clinical insights into the physiological evidence behind this modality to instantly elevate your manual therapy practice.

Robert Schleip
Robert Schleip is one of the leading fascia researchers worldwide. After a long clinical and teaching career as a body therapist with the Rolfing as well as the Feldenkrais method, he now devotes more time to basic research in fascia.
As a psychologist with a doctorate in human biology and as author and editor of numerous publications, he was and is a driving force behind the first Fascia Research Congress (Harvard Medical School, Boston 2007) as well as the follow-up congresses, is head of the Fascia Research Group (University of Ulm & Technical University of Munich), Research Director of the European Rolfing Association as well as Vice President of the Fascia Research Society.
His own publications on active contractility of fascial tissues were awarded the Vladimir Janda Prize for Musculoskeletal Medicine.

Description
Irrespective of etiology, scar tissue ‘constructs’ us back together when tissue integrity has been interrupted. When the wound healing/scar formation process goes well, the outcome can be described as a functional scar. However, when the process goes askew, problematic scars can form.
 
Using the STAR critical thinking approach (Situation, Task, Action, Results) we will dive into the defining features and what influences the outcome (functional vs problematic scarring), how early massage/manual therapy intervention can temper/prevent problematic scarring and how our work can facilitate meaningful changes in mature problematic scar presentations. Understanding the primary players (systems and influencers), the wound healing/scar formation process, the prevailing issues, what to do, when and how are key to achieving safe and productive clinical outcomes.

Catherine Ryan
Catherine (Cath/Cathy) Ryan RMT: clinician, educator, author and self-proclaimed fascia nerd, has presented at conferences and taught continuing education courses internationally, in the areas of postsurgical massage therapy, scar tissue management and myofascial pain and dysfunction, which also constitute her 35+ years of clinical practice focus. 

As a writer, Cath is best known for her keen interest in the fascial system – she has written numerous articles featured in various industry publications and she is the co-author of Traumatic Scar Tissue Management – Massage Therapy Principles, Practice and Protocols (Jessica Kingsley 2016) and a chapter contributor in, Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications, 2nd Edition (CRC Press 2025), and Oncology Massage: An integrative approach to cancer care for manual therapists (Jessica Kingsley 2021).

Description
Nutrition is often critically overlooked prior to surgery and throughout the vital recovery process. However, targeted clinical nutrition is absolutely essential.

To fuel complex tissue repair, combat systemic inflammation, and successfully handle the intense physical stress of an operation, the body experiences a heightened metabolic demand for specific macronutrients and micronutrients.

Christine will break down these essential nutrients in detail, while sharing practical, science-backed dietary strategies for both pre-treatment preparation and post-surgery rehabilitation.

Christine Pope
Christine Pope is a Naturopath and Nutritionist with over 20 years of clinical experience. She has a clinical practice in Naturopathy at Elemental Health St Ives as well as running online training through her programs which include her signature programs “Ageing Outrageously” and “Reducing Recurrence Risk”. Christine was Head of Nutritional Medicine at Nature Care College for several years and delivered training in Nutrition, Homeopathy and Business Skills as well as developing courses in Homeopathy for Naturopaths.

Christine focuses on healthy ageing, chronic disease and post cancer support in her clinical practice and has completed extensive training in the microbiome, genetic analysis and personalised health.

Christine Pope is currently serving on the Board of COSBOA, a peak small business advocacy group and is the Deputy Chair, as well as Chair of the Health Panel and Summit Committee. 

Description
Developed in 2002, the Myofascial Cupping Technique™ (MCT) is a specialised modality that redefines traditional soft tissue therapy. While conventional manual methods rely on compression and shear forces, MCT introduces an additional negative, tensional pressure to achieve deeper tissue release.

In this presentation, Selena will share her clinical experience utilising MCT with a patient suffering from extensive burn scars. She will demonstrate how this unique technique can effectively reduce chronic pain, restore mobility, and significantly enhance a patient’s overall quality of life.

Selena Hagan
Selena is a veteran Tasmanian remedial massage therapist with 25 years of experience spanning elite sports and specialised clinical rehab. Operating out of her private clinic in Taroona, she combines her sports science background with hands-on expertise as the lead therapist for the NBL's Tasmanian JackJumpers.

A turning point in her career came in 2013 when she learnt and applied the Myofascial Cupping Technique™ (MCT) to chronic burn scars. The dramatic improvements in her patient’s mobility and pain management sparked a lifelong passion. Now a lead instructor for the technique which is taught around the world, Selena specialises in incorporating cupping into mainstream treatments to dramatically improve quality of life for those recovering from extensive burn injuries.