That Scar Tells a Story—Let’s Help It Heal

Your Scar Is Tough, But So Are You—Let’s Care for It!

Physical Therapy for the postpartum patient: C-section scar massage

How prepared are you with self-care following a C-section? Was yours planned? Unplanned? One of the biggest questions to tackle is what do I do with this big scar that I now have? If you had a planned C-section you may have had time to research and ask questions about this in preparation, but if it was unplanned, it may not have been on your radar! And now what?

One of the best things you can do following a C-section is diligent scar tissue massage. Scar formation can continue for up to two years post-delivery! It is never too late to begin caring for your scar, but you want to make sure that it is fully healed before you start. Generally, incisions heal within 6-8 weeks and this is likely when you have your first follow-up postpartum. You can get the okay to begin scar tissue management from your health care professional. Your scar is considered healed when there are no scabs and no open areas of raw skin. It begins light pink or red in color. 

Why should I perform scar tissue massage?

The main reason most people perform scar massage is for aesthetics! Certainly, you want your scar to be as thin, flat, and faded as possible! That is definitely one of the benefits of massaging! It breaks up the scar tissue and allows remodeling to take place to thin out and lighten the incision. However, other side effects that can’t necessarily be seen outwardly can occur due to the scar tissue. Scar adhesions can form under the skin layer and can cause pain, issues with urinary urgency or frequency, constipation, painful intercourse, or other abdominal pain issues. By breaking up that scar tissue, it can decrease or eliminate any of these secondary issues — leaving inside and out looking good!

Where do I begin?

• Lay down on your back in a comfortable position in a way that you can easily reach your scar and your abdomen is relaxed

• Grab your favorite scar tissue lotion or oil (such as coconut oil)

  
  

  1. Start at one end of the incision, using 2-3 fingers, apply firm pressure perpendicular to the incision up and down the entire length (see graphic below)

  
  

  

  
  

  2. Repeat moving back and forth in a parallel fashion along the incision (see graphic below)

  
  

  

  
  

  3. Repeat in circles: clockwise and counterclockwise (see graphic below)

  
  

  

  
  

• Lastly, gently pinch the skin on either side of the incision and pull the skin away from you, and gently rock up towards your head and down towards your feet

• Perform for about 5 minutes a day  

What if I can’t even think about touching my scar yet? 

If you are experiencing pain to touch the incision or are wearing loose clothing to avoid contact with the incision, start with some desensitization techniques. Start off with a soft cloth (or use cotton balls) and gently rub the incision back and forth and up and down. Next, gently tap the tissue with the cloth. As you can tolerate, upgrade to a bath towel and then a paper towel which isn’t as soft. Your body will slowly tolerate an increase in firmness and touch around the area. Once you can tolerate touch again, start the scar tissue massage techniques. 

Come see us! We’d love to be part of your healing postpartum journey!

You are a hero, Mama! Let us help you feel like one, too! 💗