Caesarean Scar, C-section Scar Massage and Physiotherapy
C-Section Scar FAQS
Caesarean delivery (C-section) is a common way to give birth that can lead to scar tissue formation at the incision site.
This can result in various physical symptoms, impacting daily activities and quality of life.
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in assessing and managing these scars after 6 weeks postpartum, helping to alleviate symptoms.
Common C-Section Scar questions answered:
1.
What are the symptoms of scar tissue formation at an incision site?
Caesarean Scar Pain and Discomfort: This may range from a dull ache to sharp pain, occurring at rest or during activities. While it's not urgent, consulting your Women's Health Physiotherapist can help prevent long-term issues. Our Women's Health Physiotherapist will assess and potentially refer you on to our massage therapist who is qualified in scar tissue massage and can assist with management. Numbness or Altered Sensation: Scar tissue can affect nerve function, resulting in numbness or changes in sensation in the affected area.
2.
What treatments can help manage and heal C-section scars?
Treatments Manual Therapy: Techniques such as scar tissue massage, gentle scar stretching, and soft tissue mobilization can help break down scar tissue and enhance mobility. Exercise Therapy: Specific exercises aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and overall function in the affected area can be beneficial. Neuromuscular Re-Education: This involves retraining the muscles around the scar tissue (such as the rectus abdominals) to improve their function and reduce discomfort. Education and Self-Management: Our Physiotherapists and our Massage Therapist can provide education on self-management techniques to alleviate pain and improve function.
3.
What is C-Section Scar Release Therapy?
C-Section Scar Release Therapy utilises a combination of breathing, manual techniques, and exercises. It is a highly effective scar reduction treatment that addresses both chronic pain and deep tissue scarring from C-sections that can occur post-surgery. Scar release therapy is a gentle hands-on treatment designed to improve the mobility, texture, and function of C-section scars. It can work by: - Softening and breaking down adhesions - Improving circulation and lymphatic flow for better C-section scar healing stages - Restoring core and pelvic floor coordination - Easing discomfort and tension around the abdomen Beyond physical benefits, many women also experience emotional relief—as C-section scars are deeply tied to the birth experience, treatment can help release tension stored in the body.
C-Section Scar Release Therapy
Pre & Post 3 Sessions
In conclusion, managing Caesarean scars is a crucial aspect of postpartum care.
Physiotherapy and massage therapy can significantly enhance symptoms and overall quality of life.
If you have concerns about your scars or related symptoms, we’re here to help. We recommend booking in with our Massage Therapist for Scar Tissue Release session.
*Our massage therapists are specifically trained and qualified in pregnancy, post partum and scar tissue massage. This is an extra qualification and is not offered by all therapists.
If you have other concerns such as pelvic floor or abdominal separation, we recommend booking an initial consultation with our Women's Health Physiotherapist.
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As a Physiotherapist and a mum, I understand how often C-section recovery is overlooked.
You're doing your best to juggle the many demands of motherhood, partnership, friendships, and day-to-day life — all while recovering from major abdominal surgery.
Recovery can feel confusing and isolating. You’re cleared at six weeks — but what about the scar pain, the core weakness, the pelvic heaviness?
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Doctor Catherine McKelvey of Physiotherapy
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Many mums find themselves asking:
“Wait... did my GP actually assess my scar? Did they check for abdominal separation or do a pelvic floor assessment? Was I just too tired to notice, or was I cleared without a thorough check-up?”
These are the exact concerns I hear time and time again. GPs play an essential role in your postpartum care, but the standard six-week check doesn’t always include a full musculoskeletal or pelvic health assessment — which is why many are now referring women to us for this important follow-up.
The symptoms and sensations you’re experiencing are real. They are valid. And you don’t have to just live with them. You’re not broken. You’re not doing anything wrong. You simply haven’t received the complete care you deserve. That’s where we come in.
