At BeActive we like to think of caesarean section recovery as a way of making friends with your scar, no matter your birthing experience or what stage you are at postnatally. One way that you can do this (and it’s clinically backed by fantastic research too!) is by c-section massage. Plus… we all love a massage, don’t we?
Caesarean scar massage helps you to get to know your beautiful body again. Beyond this it has many other benefits. These include:
- Reducing scar pain
- Increasing blood flow to the area for tissue healing
- Improving tissue mobility to prevent adhesions and chronic pain
- Tissue de-sensitisation.
Why is c-section scar massage important?
As your body heals it creates a new, different layer of tissue called ‘scar tissue’. Scar tissue is less mobile and likes to attach itself to other body tissues nearby. A caesarean procedure requires 7 layers of tissue to be cut and re-sutured back together. When any of these layers don’t glide over each other smoothly it can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, abdominal pain and lower back pain to name a few. So, it’s particularly important that we get it gliding.
Image credit: Dinah, 2007
When to start? How often? How long?
- When: Once you have permission from your care team/provider/obstetrician.
- Frequency: Daily
- Duration: 5-10 minutes. We like to do it during/after a warm shower when you’re maxo-relaxo!
How to do it?
- We understand that for some people c-section scars also carry an emotional load. Be gentle on yourself. Begin slowly – you may even start by just looking at it in the mirror.
- Start with a very gentle pressure using the pads of your fingers and gradually increase the firmness as tolerated.
- Use an unscented oil, soap or body wash.
- See below image: #1 and # 2 can be started immediately. #3-6 can be started once you have clearance from your care team.
How your physiotherapist at BeActive can help:
- Assess the firmness of the scar
- Assist in massage techniques
- Pain management strategies
- Product recommendations to help with scar tissue healing
- Reassurance, support and encouragement!
If you would like more information on caesarean massage or would like to book an appointment, you can call our team on 1300 550 622.
Emily x
Emma Tregear, Physiotherapist