C-Section Scar Care: Everything You Need to Know (and Why It’s Never Too Late)

Bringing a baby into the world via C-section is an incredible journey, and your scar is a lifelong reminder of that strength. As a women's health physiotherapist, I know that while the focus often shifts immediately to the baby, your body deserves just as much care and attention—especially where your abdominal layers have been healed.

If you have a C-section scar, you might have questions, concerns, or even feel unsure about how to care for it. Here is my essential guide to C-section scar recovery and management.

What to Expect: Normalising Difficult Scar Sensations

First, let's normalise some of the most common feelings and sensations women experience around their C-section incision. Recognising these feelings is the first step toward seeking help:

• Numbness: It is completely normal to feel numbness above or around your scar. The incision involves cutting through layers of tissue and nerves, which can lead to a temporary or sometimes longer-lasting lack of sensation.

• Pain or Discomfort: While the initial surgical pain subsides, you might experience lingering tightness, deep pulling, or sensitivity.

• Scared to Touch: It is also normal to feel scared or apprehensive to touch your scar. It can feel foreign, sensitive, or you may be worried about doing damage. This emotional connection (or disconnection) to the area is a significant part of recovery.

These feelings are valid, and a specialist like me understands them completely.

The Secret Weapon: Why Abdominal Scar Massage is Essential

A C-section scar is not just on the skin; it involves layers of fascia, muscle, and uterus underneath. When these layers heal, they can sometimes stick together, forming internal "adhesions." These adhesions can cause symptoms like:

• A pulling sensation during exercise or twisting movements.

• Chronic lower back or hip pain.

• Altered posture.

This is why scar massage is very important for optimal, long-term recovery.

How Scar Massage Helps

1. Breaks Down Adhesions: Regular, gentle massage helps to prevent and break down these internal sticking points, allowing the layers of tissue to slide and glide properly again.

2. Improves Mobility & Reduces Pain: By mobilising the deeper layers, we can relieve tension and reduce the pain associated with tight scar tissue.

3. Desensitisation: Massage is a key tool in desensitising the numb or over-sensitive area, helping you reconnect with your body.

It Is Never Too Late for a Check-Up

A common misconception is that if your scar is old, it’s too late to fix any issues.

This is absolutely not true.

Whether your C-section was 6 months ago or 6 years ago, internal restrictions and adhesions can continue to cause symptoms. It is never too late to book an appointment to check your scar.

A women's health physio can assess:

• The integrity and mobility of the scar tissue (not just the surface).

• The function of the deep core muscles (diastasis recti check).

• The relationship between your scar and your pelvic floor health.

Your appointment is an investment in your long-term comfort and movement.

A consultation with Katy at Physio Katy is a vital investment in your physical comfort now and your long-term health as a mother.

Ready to find expert relief?

Book your specialist Women's Health Physiotherapy appointment with Physio Katy today.