2026 INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL SCAR TISSUE SUMMIT FOR MANUAL THERAPISTS
SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2026
PLEASE NOTE TIMES LISTED ARE FOR AUSTRALIA. HEAD TO THE WEBSITE FOR ACCURATE TIMINGS FOR YOUR PROVINCE
Featuring five of the world’s leading international educators in approaches to the treatment of scar tissue
- Ask a Live Question – An interactive Q&A session with each presenter following their presentation.
- Can’t Watch All Sessions Live? Recordings of all presentations will be available for 30 days after the live event.
- Certificate of Attendance
- 10 CPE Points / 5 CPE Hour
PROGRAMME
Welcome & House-Keeping
(10:45am – 11:00am)
David Sheehan (Host)
The Science of Scar Tissue – Functional or Problematic
(11:00am – 11:50am)
Presented by Cath Ryan (Canada)
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.
Post-Operative Scars and Scar Therapy: A Case Study in the Oncology Scar Timeline
(12:00pm – 12:50pm)
Presented by Tania Shaw (Australia)
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.
Treating Hypertrophic Burns Scars with the Myofascial Cupping Technique – Burns Case Study
(1:00pm – 1:50pm)
Presented by Selena Hagan (Australia)
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.
Supporting Repair & Recovery with Nutrition
(2:00pm – 2:50pm)
Presented by Christina Pope (Australia)
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.
An introduction to using IASTM tools to treat scars and adhesions from a fascia perspective
(3:00pm – 3:30pm)
Presented By Robert Schleip (Germany).
This presentation provides an introduction to using Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (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.
Summit Wrap-up
(3:30pm-3:45pm)
David Sheehan (Host)