C-Section Scar Massage: Step-By-Step Guide (2024)

A post-caesarean massage can be critical to your recovery after a C-section to help your scar heal. Doesn't that sound lush?

Sometimes scar tissue can become a nuisance and start causing issues with pelvic floor muscles and those abs you had before pregnancy! Using C-Section scar massage techniques can help prevent complications and speed up the healing process.

What is a C-section scar massage?

A C-section scar massage is designed to help reduce pain and improve healing after a C-section. The massage involves gentle pressure and circular motions to massage the area around the incision site.

A trained massage therapist typically performs the massage but it can also be done at home with proper instruction.

Why is massaging a C-section scar important?

Massaging a c-section scar is encouraged for several reasons:

A C-section scar massage can help reduce pain and discomfort in the area around the incision site.
Massage can promote healing by increasing blood flow to the area and helping to break up scar tissue.
Massage can help improve flexibility in the area around the incision site, making it easier to move and perform daily activities.
Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form between organs or tissue, causing discomfort and pain. Massaging the area around the incision site can help reduce the risk of adhesions developing.
A C-section scar massage can help improve emotional well-being by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Benefits of massaging C-section scar

There are many benefits to massaging a C-section scar, including:

Reducing pain and discomfort
Improving flexibility and range of motion
Reducing the risk of adhesions
Promoting healing
Improving emotional well-being
Improving sleep quality
Reducing scar tissue
Reducing inflammation

What is the best massage after a C-section?

The best massage after a C-section is a gentle, circular massage around the incision site. This type of massage can help promote healing and reduce pain and discomfort.

And, if you have someone available to massage your feet at the same time, why not make the most of it?

When can I start a massage after a C-section?

It is important to wait until the incision has had time to heal before starting a massage after a C-section. This typically takes around 6-8 weeks but can vary depending on the individual and the type of incision.

You can start massaging by incision once the wound has healed and is no longer sensitive, you can do this procedure directly on the incision site.

How to do a C-section scar massage (step by step)

At first, your scar should be gently massaged until the redness and pain disappear.

Gentle massage can begin after a 6-week check-up or earlier if the scar appears to be healing well.

Initially, the scar can be very tender, red, and painful. Avoid the actual scar and treat the tissue above and below, depending on the length of the scar.

Once the scar is no longer sensitive, you can use your fingers to do this procedure directly on the scar.

Step 1: The skin

Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure the area around the incision site is clean.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows ease of access to the scar area, keeping your legs straight and relaxed. First, gently massage the skin around the wound with the oil.

Gently place your fingertip on the skin over the wound and move it up and down to check the skin's flexibility. If it moves down more than up, it's normal. Try moving up.

Does one move faster than the other? Do you have pain on one side? That's normal. It's okay to be uncomfortable, but try to relax so you don't feel too much pain consciously. Use the C Breathing technqiue that we talk about in our c-section Prep course to aid relaxation.

You may feel a loosening of the tissues.

Use your fingers to move your skin up, down, left, and right in small circular motions. As much as pain and sensitivity allow, work on the tissue around the wound and, later on, the tissue above the wound.

Step 2: The muscle layer

Just below the skin and fat is a layer of muscle you may or may not feel, but they are there. So you may feel discomfort during the massage, but you should not be in extreme pain.

Press your finger deep into your stomach to see how this layer of tissue moves.

If one movement is less than the other, this is common

It's common that one side of the scar is more limited. This is because a stitch knot may have broken on that side, or some nerve may be pinched, but usually, one side hurts more.

Keeping your finger deeply pressed into the flesh, move it up, down, left and right, making small circular motions around the scar, just as you would with the skin. Place your finger on the scar as much as possible.

Adhesions can form where scar tissue attaches to the intestine. You can work outside and around the scar if necessary.

Concentrating on a small area, move the tissue to an area where you don't want it to move, and gently hold it there for a few seconds to encourage movement.

You may feel a burning sensation as the tissue stretches. Hold until the tissue softens or melts or you think the scar tissue under your finger loosens slightly.

Be generous with your massage. Go at your own pace - until the area under your finger feels softer and improves.

Avoid extreme force as it can tighten the tissue, which refuses to come loose. The most important thing is to relax, breathe, and massage to the point of tenderness, without causing extreme pain.

Step 3: The deep muscle

In the final stage, we work at a reasonably deep level. If you've ever been tested for appendicitis or kidney disease, your doctor has likely felt this way in your tummy.

This is a massage that works the deeper tissues firmly.

Bending your knees can help loosen the tissue in your lower abdomen. This helps massage the deepest layers.

Remember that your finger should sink deep into the tissue around the scar. Massage the superficial scar level and deep near the pubic bone.

Try to massage deep into the muscles and see if you can move these muscle tissues left to right and up and down. This deeper level of massage can prevent back pain and urinary problems later in life.

Ensure that you massage both sides and are evenly flexible. If one side is tight, massage in the direction you don't want it to move until it stops moving.

Hold gently until you feel the tissue melt and release under your fingers. Stay calm, relax and take a deep breath, then recheck tissue mobility to check if the left and right feel the same.

Create a schedule that makes you feel comfortable. When you're ready, for the first couple of weeks keep it to 5 minutes each day until the tissue can move in every direction on all 3 layers.

This may take several weeks depending on individual differences.

What does the science say?

There is some research on postoperative scar massage, especially caesarean scar massage, which suggests it may improve scar characteristics such as stiffness and tension. Scar massage is commonly recommended for c-section scars, but it is not necessary or appropriate for everyone.

Scar massage can help improve scar awareness and accept changes in your body. Remember that scars are a sign that your body has done something extraordinary.

Women who received massage therapy after a C-section often report less pain and discomfort and shorter hospital stays than women who did not receive massage therapy.

Is it too late to massage the C-section scar?

It is never too late to start massaging a C-section scar. However, waiting until the incision has fully healed is essential before starting.

Massage therapy can help reduce pain and discomfort, improve healing, and promote emotional well-being at any stage of the healing process.

What have you got to lose?

Other useful C-section massage resources

Many resources are available for c-section scar massage, including video tutorials and guides from healthcare providers. Some valuable resources include:

Overall, a C-section scar massage effectively reduces pain and discomfort, promotes healing, and improves emotional well-being after a caesarean section.

Following the steps outlined in this blog and working with your healthcare provider can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery from your C-section.

Written By: Midwife Laura

C-Section Recoveryc-sectionukMay 15, 2023