Redefining Tissue Rehabilitation

Unlock the Future of Healing: The 2026 International Virtual Scar Tissue Summit

Whether resulting from life-saving surgery, unexpected trauma, or severe burns, scars represent more than just physical marks on the skin. They are complex structural changes that can restrict movement, cause chronic pain, and impact emotional well-being long after the initial wound has healed.

On Sunday, September 13th, 2026, the International Virtual Scar Tissue Summit will bring together five world-renowned experts to share cutting-edge research, clinical case studies, and practical modalities that are redefining tissue rehabilitation.

Fuelling Recovery: The Critical Role of Clinical Nutrition

The journey to optimal tissue repair begins from within. Christine Pope, a seasoned Naturopath, Nutritionist, and Deputy Chair of the Board of COSBOA, brings over 20 years of clinical experience to the summit. Having previously headed Nutritional Medicine at Nature Care College, Christine specialises in healthy aging and post-cancer support.

In her presentation, Supporting Repair and Recovery with Nutrition, Christine will address a critical gap in patient care: the often-overlooked metabolic demands of surgery. She will break down the precise macronutrients and micronutrients required to combat systemic inflammation, handle physical stress, and fuel complex tissue repair, offering science-backed dietary strategies for both pre-treatment and post-surgery rehabilitation.

Functional vs. Problematic: Deciphering the Science of Scars

Understanding how a scar forms is key to changing its trajectory. Catherine Ryan, a registered massage therapist with 35 years of clinical focus and co-author of Traumatic Scar Tissue Management, is a self-proclaimed “fascia nerd” who has influenced international education in post-surgical therapy.

In her session, The Science of Scar Tissue – Functional or Problematic, Catherine will utilise the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Results) critical thinking approach. Attendees will dive into what influences wound-healing outcomes, how early manual interventions can prevent pathological scarring, and how targeted manual therapy can facilitate profound changes even in mature, long-standing problematic scars.

Advanced Modalities: IASTM and Myofascial Cupping

The summit will also showcase powerful, hands-on modalities that manipulate tissue mechanics to accelerate healing:

• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM): Robert Schleip, one of the world’s leading fascia researchers (University of Ulm & Technical University of Munich) and recipient of the Vladimir Janda Prize, will present An introduction to using IASTM tools to treat scars and adhesions. He will share evidence-based insights into how these specialised tools safely increase mobility, accelerate tissue remodelling, and reduce pain.
• Myofascial Cupping Technique™ (MCT): Selena Hagan, lead therapist for the NBL’s Tasmanian JackJumpers with 25 years of sports and clinical rehab experience, will present a compelling burn-care case study. In Using the Myofascial Cupping Technique (MCT) for the Treatment of Burns Scars, Selena will demonstrate how introducing negative, tensional pressure—rather than traditional compression—can dramatically restore mobility and alleviate chronic pain for severe burn survivors.

Compassionate Care: The Oncology Scar Timeline

Scar management requires deep empathy, particularly in cancer rehabilitation. Tania Shaw, Managing Director of Oncology Massage Training Ltd and a member of the Restore Scar Therapy Global Teaching Team, will present Post-Operative Scars and Scar Therapy: A Case Study in the Oncology Scar Timeline.

Focusing on a patient living with a 20-year history of oncology-related scars, Tania will explore how historical surgeries continue to impact tissue quality, body awareness, and emotional well-being decades later. Her session emphasises trauma-informed communication, skilled assessment, and gentle, responsive techniques designed for oncology patients.

Click Here to Secure Your Virtual Seat

The 2026 International Virtual Scar Tissue Summit is an essential event for manual therapists, bodyworkers, and healthcare professionals eager to elevate their clinical outcomes. Join us online on Sunday, September 13th, 2026, to discover the ultimate synergy of nutrition, science, and specialised soft-tissue techniques.