Burn & Scar Recovery
Scar tissue doesn't have
to be the end of the story.
Specialized, trained massage for burn survivors and anyone living with the physical and emotional impact of significant scar tissue — pain, restriction, reduced mobility, and fear of touch.
This is not general massage. This is trained, specialized work.
Ms Nicky holds specific training in both SMRT scar tissue release and Burn Scar Massage Therapy — two distinct hands-on modalities that address scar tissue from different clinical angles. Most massage therapists are not trained or equipped to work with burn survivors or complex scar presentations. This work requires understanding tissue behavior, pain sensitivity, degrees of burn injury, the psychological experience of touch after trauma, and the body's long-term response to scarring.
Burn and scar recovery is not a one-session fix. Results are real and cumulative — but they require consistent, skilled intervention over time.
SMRT created by Dawn Lewis, LMT
Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique was created by Dawn Lewis — a licensed massage therapist, massage school owner, and educator who has been teaching since 1995. Dawn developed SMRT as a positional release modality that works with the nervous system rather than against the tissue. Ms Nicky trained in SMRT scar tissue release through Dawn's Full Circle School of Massage Therapy.
Burn Scar Massage Therapy — trained under Jen Hartley, NCMT
Jen Hartley is a nationally certified massage therapist, a burn survivor herself, and one of only two instructors in the country teaching Burn Scar Massage Therapy. She sustained third-degree burns over 56% of her body as an infant and built an entire career around bringing safe, painless, therapeutic touch back to the burn survivor community. Ms Nicky trained directly under Jen through the Handle With Care program.
Consistent care produces the best outcomes. Whether you're local to NJ or CO, Ms Nicky will work with you to build a care plan that fits your tissue, your timeline, and your goals.
How We Work
Two trained modalities. One integrated approach.
Sessions draw from both SMRT scar tissue release and Burn Scar Massage Therapy — often combined, always tailored to your tissue, your history, and where you are in recovery.
SMRT Scar Tissue Release
Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique applied specifically to scar tissue. Rather than forcing adhesions to break down, SMRT uses precise positional release to signal the nervous system to let go — freeing restricted tissue from the inside out, without pain or force. Effective for scars of any age or location, including areas around metal plates, screws, or surgical hardware where traditional work can't safely reach.
Burn Scar Massage Therapy
A specialized massage protocol developed for burn survivors and those with significant scar tissue from burns, grafts, or excision. Trained through Jen Hartley's Handle With Care program — one of the most respected burn scar massage certifications in the country — this work addresses varying degrees of burns, types of scar tissue, and the physical and emotional realities of receiving touch after burn injury. Safe, intentional, and built around the survivor's experience.
What consistent sessions can produce
Softer, more pliable tissue
Scar tissue that was rigid and thick becomes more responsive and flexible over a series of sessions.
Reduced pain & sensitivity
Chronic pain, burning, and hypersensitivity in and around scar tissue decreases with consistent targeted work.
Restored range of motion
Adhesive scar tissue that restricts joint movement and muscle function loosens, returning mobility that felt lost.
Improved skin appearance
Pigmentation, surface texture, and the raised profile of scars can all improve with consistent manual intervention.
Reclaimed relationship with touch
For burn survivors especially — learning that touch can be safe, painless, and healing changes everything.
Better quality of life
When scar tissue stops limiting movement, causing pain, and affecting daily function, everything else shifts too.
Who this is for
If you're living with the physical or emotional impact of burn injury or significant scar tissue — regardless of how old the injury is or how many other treatments you've tried — this work is for you.
Ready to start the conversation?
Burn and scar recovery is complex. Reach out before booking — Ms Nicky will help determine the right approach for your tissue, your history, and your goals.