Scars Tell Stories – And We Can Help Rewrite Them: My Reflections on the HLP Therapy Scar Course

I recently had the privilege of attending the Bespoke Scar Therapy Course led by the brilliant Hannah Poulton, hosted by the Scottish Osteopathic Society in Dunblane. This hands-on, science-backed training brought together therapists passionate about helping people recover more fully from surgery, trauma, and injury — and it delivered above and beyond.

Scar tissue is so much more than skin deep. It can influence posture, movement, breathing, pelvic health, and emotional wellbeing. One of the key messages Hannah shared was that scar therapy isn’t just about the scar itself — it’s about listening to the story underneath it, and supporting the whole person in their recovery.

We explored a wide range of topics including C-section scars, orthopaedic scars (like knees and hips), fascial adhesions, hydration, compression, silicone therapy, and when not to treat. There was a strong emphasis on safe patient assessment, recognising the emotional component of scar work, and adapting techniques to the individual.

What made this course exceptional was not only Hannah’s depth of knowledge, but her warmth, humour, and clarity. She made complex anatomy accessible, and practical techniques feel immediately usable. Her approach empowers therapists to treat with confidence, compassion, and clinical precision.

This course also deepened my own integration of Focused Shockwave Therapy for scar tissue. I’ve used Storz Medical shockwave technology for over 10 years, and combining it with manual techniques and education from this course has opened up exciting new treatment pathways — especially for post-C-section recovery, post-op joint scars, and complex cases involving pain or numbness.

I’m incredibly grateful for the learning, the shared experiences, and the wonderful community of clinicians this course brought together. Thank you, Hannah, for such an inspiring and enriching day.