C-section Scar Problems and Solutions from a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

In Pregnancy and Postpartum Pelvic Health by Shannon Pacella13 Comments

 

By Shannon Pacella, DPT, PHRC Lexington

 

If you’re reading this, you probably know what a Cesarean birth (C-section) is,* but what you may not know is what to do once you have had one. Most women post C-section are not given much information regarding their healing incision, except to “keep it clean in order to prevent infection.”

 

*A Cesarean birth (C-section) is the delivery of a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. The incision can be transverse/horizontal near the pubic hairline, or it may be vertical at midline.1

 

Whenever an incision has been made, a scar may form as part of the healing process. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, during the healing process, a temporary scab forms to close the edges of the incision together, and then the body creates scar tissue from collagen (a tough fibrous protein), which takes the place of the scab.

 

American Academy of Dermatology

 

It is important to note that scar tissue is not only what you can see on the surface, but it can extend into deeper layers below the skin, as seen in the picture above.

 

 

Scar tissue is composed of the same protein as the tissue it replaces, however, the fiber direction and pattern of the collagen is different. The collagen fibers in normal tissue go in all different varying directions (as seen below in box A), while the collagen fibers in scar tissue are formed in a linear single direction (as seen below in box B).

 

American Academy of Dermatology

 

This irregular pattern of collagen fibers that the scar is comprised of can create a wide variety of problems for new mothers including (but not limited to):

 

  • Pain/sensitivity at and around the scar.
  • Reduced mobility and elasticity; making bending forward and lifting uncomfortable.
  • Feeling like that area is being pulled/tugged on, when standing up straight and reaching overhead, which can affect posture.
  • Low back pain from compromised/weakened abdominal muscles.
  • Myofascial trigger points in abdominal muscles that can refer pain to the urethra and clitoris.
  • Superficial nerve irritation surrounding the area of the scar.
  • Urinary urgency and frequency.

 

Now that you know what potential impairments may occur, we can discuss how to properly care for and treat this area, in order to reduce and even prevent these symptoms from happening. And the answer is…MASSAGE! Scar massage (also known as scar tissue mobilization) is different than the typical massage you may be familiar with, but it has many beneficial effects. A literature review of ten journal articles that looked at the role of massage in scar management concluded that 90% of the surgical scars treated with massage had improvement based on the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale.2

 

You’re most likely wondering how massage can help with all the aforementioned impairments. Scar massage is all about reorganizing the collagen fibers in a similar pattern as the normal tissue, so the scar moves and stretches more like the skin surrounding it. The massage will also reduce adhesions in underlying connective tissues and myofascial layers. Adhesions are parts of the scar tissue that have attached onto other structures closeby, which if left untreated, can lead to reduced blood flow, nerve irritation, and pain.

 

This is where pelvic floor physical therapists can help! A pelvic floor PT will be able to assess your C-section scar and start treating the area with scar massage. This entails the physical therapist using their hands to manipulate/mobilize the scar and surrounding tissues in all different directions using skin rolling techniques, and pressing and rubbing motions.

 

 

This may be a bit uncomfortable and sensitive at first, so it is important to communicate how you are feeling with your physical therapist. It may be more comfortable to apply a warm compress to the area prior to the massage. If appropriate, the physical therapist can teach you how to perform the scar massage on your own as part of your home treatment plan.

 

Feeling nervous or uneasy about touching your C-section scar? You may find it helpful to start out with brushing/rubbing various items over the scar to get yourself more comfortable and connected to it, without directly touching the scar. This can also get the scar use to different textures and sensations. Some items to try may include: a damp face cloth, makeup brush, cotton ball, and q-tip.

 

Before starting C-section scar massage, wait until your ob/gyn confirms that your incision has closed, typically at the six-week post delivery follow-up. It is best to start the scar massage soon after the incision has closed, as the tissue will respond more quickly and reduce the amount of adhesions from occurring. Even if you have had a C-section scar for a long time, it can still be beneficial to perform the scar massage since your body is constantly remodeling and forming new tissue.

 

To find out more about how a pelvic floor physical therapist can help postpartum, check out these resources:

Why All Postpartum Women Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Therapy

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Are you unable to come see us in person? We offer virtual physical therapy appointments too!

Due to COVID-19, we understand people may prefer to utilize our services from their homes. We also understand that many people do not have access to pelvic floor physical therapy and we are here to help! The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center is a multi-city company of highly trained and specialized pelvic floor physical therapists committed to helping people optimize their pelvic health and eliminate pelvic pain and dysfunction. We are here for you and ready to help, whether it is in-person or online. 

Virtual sessions are available with PHRC pelvic floor physical therapists via our video platform, Zoom, or via phone. The cost for this service is $75.00 per 30 minutes. For more information and to schedule, please visit our digital healthcare page.

In addition to virtual consultation with our physical therapists, we also offer integrative health services with Jandra Mueller, DPT, MS. Jandra is a pelvic floor physical therapist who also has her Master’s degree in Integrative Health and Nutrition. She offers services such as hormone testing via the DUTCH test, comprehensive stool testing for gastrointestinal health concerns, and integrative health coaching and meal planning. For more information about her services and to schedule, please visit our Integrative Health website page

PHRC is also offering individualized movement sessions, hosted by Karah Charette, DPT. Karah is a pelvic floor physical therapist at the Berkeley and San Francisco locations. She is certified in classical mat and reformer Pilates, as well as a registered 200 hour Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga teacher. There are 30 min and 60 min sessions options where you can: (1) Consult on what type of Pilates or yoga class would be appropriate to participate in (2) Review ways to modify poses to fit your individual needs and (3) Create a synthesis of your home exercise program into a movement flow. To schedule a 1-on-1 appointment call us at (510) 922-9836

 

References:

 

  1. Cesarean birth (C-section) frequently asked questions: labor, delivery, and postpartum care. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2015.
  2. Shin, TM and Bordeaux, JS. The role of massage in scar management: a literature review. Dermatol Surg, 2012. 38: 414–423.

Comments

  1. You are an angel for posting this! I have been dealing with nerve irritation for many years since my 3 abdominal surgeries. I am going to see a pt that specializes in this to help me. Thanks for all you do!!

  2. I suffer with CPP and had a salpingo ovarian cyst surgery, I have a scar like a C-section. Wondering if this could be causing painful adhesions?

    1. Author Shannon Pacella says:

      Hi Vicki,

      Any scar from a surgery has the potential to become painful from scar tissue restrictions/adhesions, just like how I described with C-section scars in the blog post. I would recommend getting an evaluation from a pelvic floor physical therapist, in order to assess the scar you have from the salpingo ovarian cyst surgery.

      Kindly,
      Shannon Pacella, PT, DPT

  3. From one Physio to another – really good article. Nice to see a well written online resource with references. Thank you

  4. Had 3 c-sections +now I’ve had a complete hysterectomy by c-section when they did that I had so much scar tissue that it was hard for Dr. To even remove 100% .that was the most painfulest procedure I’ve done in my life.

  5. I had 2 c sections with the end of the right side of my scar has created a bump underneath the skin and every month before my cycle it itches them after my cycle it becomes sore. It’s very annoying and wondering if the massaging would help.

  6. This was very helpful. I had a csection 11 years ago and wondering if this can still be of any help? Thanks

    1. I have been having lower back pain and symptoms of a UTI for the past three months . I was referred to a pelvic floor PT. She told me that the source of my pain was coming from a 31 year old cesarean scar. I didn’t believe it until she started massaging the area and it triggered both back pain and the urinary tract symptoms.

      1. Melinda,
        It is quiet interesting how the body works! Postpartum care is essential for a full body recovery after childbirth- whether it is vaginally or through a c-section. Has your pelvic floor PT been able to help with your back pain and other symptoms?
        Regards,
        Emily

  7. This was very helpful. I had a c-section 16 month ago and curious if this can still be of any help? Thanks

    1. Hello, Yes it can be! If you are still experiencing pain or discomfort, we recommend you seeing a pelvic floor PT to help evaluate your current state of health. C-section scars can potential create this pain/discomfort down the line and affect other aspects of your body.

    1. Yes! Better late than never. You might try coconut oil or a little bit of lotion. This will help in making the scar tissue mobile, gauge how it feels (if it’s causing discomfort, stop). Repeat as necessary to help the scar.

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