In our latest episode of Girls with Grafts, we sit down with burn survivor, massage therapist, and instructor Jen Hartley to explore the transformative power of touch in scar healing. Jen opens up about her personal burn injury and how it led her to a career in massage therapy. 💆 She shares insights into her massage therapy business, the different types of scars she works with, and the key differences between burn scar massage and traditional massage.

Beyond the physical benefits, Jen discusses the emotional healing that happens through massage, offering advice for caregivers who want to support their loved ones through touch. ✨ She also shares recommendations for oils and lotions that work best on survivor skin. Whether you’re a survivor, a caregiver, or simply curious about the healing power of massage, this episode is filled with valuable knowledge and inspiration!   

⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

Meet Our Guest 

Jen Hartley is a burn survivor, author, massage therapist and massage therapy instructor. 

Jen was born to a 16 year old mom and the trajectory of both their lives changed on May 30th, 1973. Jen’s mom was giving her a bath in the kitchen sink and left her unattended briefly to answer an emergency phone call. In her absence, Jen accidentally bumped the hot water faucet. It was later discovered that the hot water heater in the rental home was set at 180 degrees. She sustained 3rd degree burns over 56% of her body. 

Jen Hartley developed Burn Scar Massage Therapy and has been passionately sharing her knowledge with therapists for 18 years. She is a 49 year survivor and is deeply rooted in the burn scar community.  She has won CA AMTA Educator of the year and is a CA AMTA Community Service Award Recipient.

Links 

• Visit Jen’s website Handle with Care Burn Scar Massage: https://handlewithcareburnscarmassage.com 
• Learn more about the benefits of scar massage for burn survivors:  https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/the-benefits-of-scar-massage-for-burn-survivors
• Watch “Introduction to Caregivers Massages:” https://resources.phoenix-society.org/resource-marketplace/video-introduction-to-caregivers-massage
• Learn more about Phoenix World Burn Congress: https://www.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-wbc 
• Learn more about cupping: https://www.webmd.com/balance/cupping-therapy 
• Explore BioOil products: https://www.bio-oil.com/en 
• Explore Biotone products: https://biotone.com
• Explore Bon Vital products: https://www.bonvital.com 

Podcast Sponsor 

Today’s podcast is powered by the Bert Martin Foundation! The Bert Martin Foundation was established to assist those who help others and provide financial support for nonprofit organizations. We’re honored to have the Bert Martin Foundation as a long-standing Phoenix Society Partner.  

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.