Scar & Soft Tissue Management
Treatment for scar tightness, restriction, and tissue sensitivity following surgery or radiation.
Scars are a normal part of cancer treatment, but the changes beneath the skin are often overlooked. Scar tissue can affect movement, comfort, lymphatic flow, and confidence long after healing appears complete. Care focuses on restoring tissue mobility and function while respecting healing timelines and individual tolerance.
How Care Is Delivered
Scar and soft tissue management is delivered one-on-one by an APA Titled Cancer and Lymphoedema Physiotherapist, with care adapted as your body heals and changes over time.
Oncology-Informed Assessment
Treatment begins with an understanding of your surgery, radiation history, and current symptoms. Assessment considers scar depth, tissue mobility, sensitivity, swelling, and how restriction may be affecting movement or daily activities.
Gentle, Progressive Treatment
Techniques are introduced gradually and adjusted to your comfort level. Treatment may involve hands-on soft tissue techniques, guided movement, and education to support tissue adaptation without overload.
Care That Evolves With Healing
Scar tissue continues to change for months and sometimes years. Treatment is reviewed and progressed as healing allows, recognising that needs differ across early recovery, survivorship, and long-term management.
Collaborative and Evidence-Based
Care is guided by current clinical evidence and, where appropriate, coordinated with your broader medical team to support safe recovery.
Understanding Scar & Soft Tissue Changes
Scars following cancer surgery or radiation can affect more than the skin surface. Changes may include tissue tightness, pulling sensations, sensitivity, altered sensation, or reduced range of movement.
Common concerns include:
- Tightness or pulling around surgical sites
- Restricted shoulder, chest, neck, or limb movement
- Sensitivity or discomfort around scars
- Changes in tissue texture or firmness
- Impact on lymphatic flow or swelling
Early and appropriate management can help reduce long-term restriction and improve comfort and function.
What Scar & Soft Tissue Management May Include
Care is tailored to your presentation and may involve:
- Hands-on soft tissue and scar techniques
- Gentle movement and mobility work
- Education on scar care and tissue loading
- Strategies to improve comfort and confidence with movement
- Integration with lymphoedema management where relevant
Treatment is delivered in a quiet Brisbane clinic setting, with time allowed for questions and individual pacing.
What Is The Pentimento Project
The Pentimento Project provides Brisbane-based physiotherapy care for people navigating cancer treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Care is shaped by specialist oncology training and lived understanding of the physical challenges that can follow treatment.
Support focuses on restoring trust in the body, improving function, and helping people move forward with confidence.
Our Experience & Training
Care at The Pentimento Project is delivered by an experienced physiotherapist with advanced training in cancer rehabilitation and lymphoedema management.
Julie Allen holds APA Titling in Cancer and Lymphoedema Physiotherapy and has over 15 years of clinical experience across rehabilitation, pain management, and complex physical presentations.
- APA Titled Cancer and Lymphoedema Physiotherapist
- Over 15 years of clinical physiotherapy experience
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (First Class Honours), The University of Queensland
- Member, Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
- Sports physiotherapist with elite and state-level sporting teams
Clinical Leadership & Founder
Julie Allen is the founder of The Pentimento Project, her professional focus shifted following her own diagnosis and treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Despite extensive clinical experience, Julie experienced first-hand the physical deconditioning, pain, and uncertainty that can follow cancer treatment, and the lack of structured rehabilitation support available at that stage.
Brisbane-Based Scar & Soft Tissue Physiotherapy
Appointments are available at Brisbane Health Connect in Tarragindi. Care is delivered in a calm, professional clinical environment with lift access and accessible parking available on site.
Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
A referral is not required to book. A GP referral may be needed if you plan to claim a Medicare rebate under a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
When can scar treatment begin?
Timing depends on surgery type, healing, and medical clearance. This can be discussed during your initial appointment.
Is scar treatment painful?
Care is always guided by comfort and tolerance. Techniques are gentle and progressed gradually.
Can scar management help lymphoedema risk?
Scar restriction can influence lymphatic flow. Assessment considers lymphatic health where relevant.
Here When You’re Ready to Begin
Appointments are available in-clinic at Brisbane Health Connect in Tarragindi, with telehealth offered where appropriate. On-site parking is available, with additional street parking nearby and lift access within the building.
When you’re ready to take the next step, appointments can be booked online or by contacting the clinic directly.