Recovery after a C-section goes far beyond resting in bed. This major abdominal surgery involves several layers of tissue—skin, fascia, muscle, and uterus—all needing time and support to heal. For many birthing individuals, scar healing becomes a significant part of their postpartum journey.
C-sections are common, accounting for nearly one-third (33.4%) of all births in Canada (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2025). Although evidence-based guidance around scar care after C-section remains limited, many still navigate this part of recovery with little more than anecdotal advice.
As pelvic health physiotherapists and massage therapists, we see how scar tissue can impact mobility, core function, and long-term comfort. Healing after a C-section isn’t just about time passing—it’s about what you do during that time. With targeted support, recovery can be smoother and more complete.
How Scar Tissue Affects the Body After C-Section
Scar tissue is the body’s repair material. It’s strong, but unlike healthy tissue, it’s less elastic and more fibrous. Over time, this can affect how tissues move and how muscles contract.
After a C-section, scar tissue can lead to:
- Persistent pain or numbness at the incision site
- Lower back discomfort due to tissue tension, posture changes or weakened core muscles
- Bladder symptoms such as incontinence and painful intercourse caused by limited mobility in pelvic tissues
Scar tissue massage, in particular, helps address these symptoms by supporting tissue remodeling and improving soft tissue mobility. Moreover, it’s especially effective when tailored to recovery after a C-section. In fact, scar tissue massage can begin as early as day one post-op, starting with the general abdominal area. However, direct scar massage should wait until the incision is fully healed—typically around 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting and get guidance on proper technique.
Adhesions After C-Section: What’s Beneath the Surface
Healing occurs on multiple levels, not just at the skin. A C-section involves incisions through the abdominal wall and uterine muscles. While the outer scar may look small, there is a second, deeper uterine scar as well that also needs healing.
One common issue is adhesions—fibrous bands of scar tissue that may form between internal structures like the uterus and abdominal wall or even connect to your intestines, bowel, or bladder (Wasserman et al., 2016). Consequently, these adhesions can limit mobility or cause discomfort.
Research shows adhesions are linked to persistent pelvic pain after C-section (Tulandi & Lyell, 2013). Symptoms may include:
- Internal pulling or tightness
- Pain with movement or intercourse
- Ongoing pelvic or abdominal discomfort
- Pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary retention, incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse
Targeted interventions like scar tissue mobilization and therapeutic movement guided by a pelvic health physiotherapist or massage therapist can reduce pain and improve outcomes.
Scar Massage: A Proven Strategy That Helps
Scar massage is a safe, evidence-informed technique that supports healing after C-section. It involves gentle pressure and movement over and around the scar to:
- Reduce sensitivity and pain
- Break down adhesions
- Improve mobility of nearby tissues
- Increase circulation for better healing
- Improve muscle activation and function
Movements are typically circular, side-to-side, and up-and-down. Early, guided massage can reduce pain and improve function (Fedele et al., 2020). Start around 6–8 weeks post-surgery with clearance from your provider. A pelvic health physiotherapist or registered massage therapist can guide you safely.
What Scar Massage is NOT
It’s not about deep pressure or pain. Instead, scar massage should be gentle, consistent, and focused on reconnecting with the area.
Myth: “If it looks healed, it is healed.”
While the external incision may appear healed within a few weeks, the deeper layers of fascia, muscle, and connective tissue require significantly more time to recover. Internal scarring can persist beneath the surface, potentially restricting mobility, altering core mechanics, and contributing to ongoing discomfort. Furthermore, changes in posture or body positioning may place tension on adhered tissue, becoming a source of localized or referred pain (Wasserman et al., 2016). A 2021 study in BMC Women’s Health reported that over 30% of individuals experienced persistent symptoms associated with untreated C-section scars.
What Doesn’t Help (and Might Hurt)
- First, avoiding touch altogether can actually lead to long-term stiffness or increased nerve sensitivity.
- Next, using scrubs or exfoliants may seem helpful, but they often irritate healing skin and should be avoided.
- Additionally, applying essential oils without proper guidance can do more harm than good, as some may be too strong for healing tissue.
- Finally, wearing tight shapewear too early can cause over-compression, which may impair your body’s natural healing process.
When to Work with a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist or Registered Massage Therapist
Both practitioners can support your recovery after a C-section. They often work together for best results.
A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess:
- Scar mobility and appearance
- Core and pelvic floor function
- Breathing and posture
- Pain, pulling, or numbness
Additionally, they provide hands-on care, education, and progressive core rehab to reduce the risk of diastasis recti or dysfunction.
A registered massage therapist can:
- Mobilize scar and soft tissue
- Relieve muscular tension from compensation
- Boost circulation and reduce inflammation
- Support nervous system regulation
Together, they offer a holistic, functional approach to healing after C-section.
Tips for At-Home Scar Care After C-Section
- First, start with breathwork—it promotes circulation and core activation.
- Do not use lotion for the massage, as you may not be getting deep enough into the tissue and just gliding over top. However, feel free to put lotion/oil on afterwards if you choose.
- Massage in small circles, progressing to lifting and rolling.
- Stay consistent. A few minutes, a few times a week, makes a difference.
Products That Can Support Healing After C-Section
These tools can enhance your recovery alongside professional care:
Silicone Scar Sheets: Backed by clinical evidence, silicone sheets reduce hypertrophic scarring and maintain scar flexibility.
Bellies Inc. Ab Wrap: Offers light compression and support for abdominal tissues after C-section. It helps reduce strain and improves comfort during movement.
Scar Balm by Earth Mama Organics: A gentle, plant-based balm that keeps tissue hydrated and supports healing.
Always consult your provider before using new products, especially in early healing stages.
Final Thoughts: Healing Is More Than Skin-Deep
Your C-section scar might look small, but its impact can run deep. Scar tissue can affect mobility, posture, core function, and comfort long after surgery.
Scar care after C-section isn’t superficial—it’s essential. With expert support from a pelvic health physiotherapist or registered massage therapist, you can improve healing, reduce pain, and feel more at home in your postpartum body.
Have questions? Reach out. You deserve recovery that honours your whole body—not just the scar you can see.
Interested in learning more about what to expect in those crucial early days after a C-section? We’ve got you covered—read here.
~The Bump Team
Bump Physio & Co. is a welcoming community of healthcare providers committed to transforming the way we approach pelvic health & other ‘socially taboo’ conditions. With clinics in New Westminster, Port Moody, and Langley, BC, we offer a range of services including pelvic health, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy (RMT), kinesiology, and clinical counselling. Our team is specially trained in Pelvic Health, Orthopedics, Obstetrics, Clinical Pilates, and Active Rehabilitation, providing personalized care to support you in all stages and phases of life.
Citations
Canadian Institute for Health Information. Hospital stays in Canada, 2023–2024. Accessed April, 2025.
Degani, N., & Sikich, N. (2015). Caesarean Delivery Rate Review: An Evidence-Based Analysis. Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series, 15(9), 1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4561764/
Fedele, D. et al. (2020). Post-cesarean scar tissue and implications for pelvic health. Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy.
Fleming, N. et al. (2017). Recovery following Cesarean delivery: Assessment and interventions. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada.
Kannan, S. et al. (2021). Evaluation of post-cesarean scar discomfort and functional outcomes. BMC Women’s Health.
Tulandi, T., & Lyell, D.J. (2013). Classification of intra-abdominal adhesions after cesarean delivery. Gynecological Surgery, 10, 25-29.Wasserman, J. B., Steele-Thornborrow, J. L., Yuen, J. S., Halkiotis, M., & Riggins, E. M. (2016). Chronic caesarian section scar pain treated with fascial scar release techniques: A case series. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 20(4), 906-913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.02.011