THE IMPORTANCE OF C-SECTION MASSAGE

We’ve both had at least one Cesarean section birth. The general guideline given to either of us regarding healing was to keep it clean in order to prevent infection. The importance of scar mobility we later found out about at our first physio appointment and our postnatal training.

A C-section birth is not a superficial one. It entails the delivery of a baby via horizontal incision through skin, fat and fascia, and a vertical incision through the mother’s abdomen, uterus and amniotic sac. For a video that may help with visualizing the extent of the surgery, click here.

Post surgery scar tissue begins to form to bring each layer back together. Scar tissue often forms itself in an irregular pattern, ie instead of being oriented in the same direction of the tissue it is replacing, it can orient itself in many different directions.

Many of us will notice some decreased sensation around the caesarean scar and some light pulling while it is healing. However, the scar tissue can also produce more lasting and negative impacts such as:

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• Reduced skin mobility

• Pain or increased sensitivity in the scar tissue or surrounding area

• Numbness in the around the scar

• Lumpy or hard spots over or around the scar

• A feeling of tugging or pulling around the scar causing a negative impact on posture and alignment

• Pelvic pain, lower back pain, pain in the groin due to compromised/weakened abdominal muscles.