Delivering a baby via C-section is very common – in the UK around 1 in 4 women deliver their baby via C-section. Whilst it is a common surgery it doesn’t diminish the fact that it is major abdominal surgery. Whether it was a planned or emergency C-section, it is important that you give yourself time to heal and that you learn how to manage your scar to prevent problems in the future.
It is never too late to have treatment on your C-section scar, if you are still experiencing C-section scar pain months or years following your C-section, scar massage can help. Scar massage should not take place until around 5-6 weeks after delivery, once the scar has fully healed as the soft tissues need time to repair and build strength.
How can C-section scar therapy help?
As your scar heals, the scar tissue can attach to the skin and muscles around it which can make the scar sensitive, painful and cause a wide range of issues, including;
- Sensitivity around the abdomen and scar
- Adhesions that may be causing a feeling of tightness or tugging
- Pain with intercourse
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation
- Overactive bladder
- Pain and tightness in the scar and surrounding muscles which can impact your abdominal strength, blood flow to the area, posture, and cause hip and back pain.
Massage can stimulate change to scar tissue on the skin surface, and to the adhesions that may have formed in the underlying tissues and improve elasticity of the scar and surrounding muscles, which will help to reduce these wide range of issues. Many women notice a change in the way their scar looks and feels after a session.
What will happen in my scar therapy session?
During your treatment you will be in total control, and all the techniques used will be used with your permission, with gentle care, and understanding that your delivery may have been a traumatic experience for you. For some women, touching their scar can be a trigger and it may prevent them from booking a scar massage or doing any self-massage themselves. If you are one of these women, then know that you are not alone and it is completely understandable. If you are uneasy with having any direct contact with your scar or abdomen then we can use a barrier on the skin, such as a sheet or your clothing, before progressing any further. All sessions will start working away from the scar and as and when you feel ready, we can work directly on the scar itself.
Your scar therapy treatment will target your whole abdomen, back, hips and diaphragm, aiming for you to feel less restricted and to be able to move more freely. During a scar therapy session we use gentle massage techniques, soft tissue therapy, myofascial release and instrument assisted massage therapy to aid the release of any adhesions that have built up around and under your scar.
All sessions are bespoke to you and your needs but there will be certain areas that we will address.
- We will go through a thorough screening regarding your health, pregnancy and labour journey, and the impact of your scar on you and your recovery.
- Scar assessment – I will look at how your scar moves, where any adhesions are and how it is affecting your body as a whole.
- Breathing assessment and correction
- Assessment and treatment of any other problematic areas caused by your scar
- Scar massage – various scar massage techniques will be used within your treatment, all with the aim of getting your scar moving, freeing up the scar and surrounding tissues that may be affected.
- Self massage techniques and exercises will be given to aid your recovery between sessions and into the future.
- A general overview of nutrition to aid soft tissue healing.
- We recommend 2-3 sessions to get the best outcome.
The aim of scar therapy is to get you looking, moving and feeling like you again!
If you have any further questions or would like to book a session please contact the clinic.
Soft Tissue, Pre & Post-natal, C-section & Abdominal Scar Therapist.