C-section Scar Desensitization
Does the idea of performing scar massage or touching your c-section scar give you the ick?
Working on a c-section scar is an important part of scar tissue healing and can help prevent and treat adhesions and pain surrounding your cesarean scar, but what if scar massage feels like too big of a jump? In that case, scar desensitization is a great place to begin. This gentle technique allows you to progress at your own pace rather than barreling through fear and tissue sensitivity. The idea is to start touching your scar with soft materials that you can tolerate and overtime progressing to rougher materials as your tolerance improves.
Here are some signs you may benefit from c-section scar desensitization:
The idea of touching or looking at your scar freaks you out.
Your wear leggings or soft cotton pants instead of jeans because rougher fabrics are uncomfortable on your scar.
You don’t like having your baby sit on your belly because of your scar.
Your scar feels so sensitive that any pressure or touch makes you uncomfortable.
You jump if your partner gently brushes against your belly.
Your r scar doesn’t feel like it’s part of your body.
If you feel any of the above, you’re not alone. Each of those bullet points draws directly from statements my patients have made about their highly sensitive cesarean scars.
The goal of c-section scar desensitization is to gently reduce sensitivity around your scar and slowly calm any related aversion. Scar desensitization is as much for your body as it is for your brain. This technique is meant to be tolerable and relatively pain free so your brain can begin to trust that this area is safe and healed. Once you move through the scar desensitization protocol, you might feel differently about beginning scar massage. And remember, c-section scar should get consistently better over the first few weeks. If you’re still having pain at your 6 week visit, ask for a referral to pelvic floor physical therapy.
This video below details the benefits of c-section scar desensitization and walks you step by step through how to begin and progress.
If working on your own scar feels overwhelming or you’re not making progress with scar desensitization, pelvic floor physical therapy can help. Contact us here to learn more about working with our pelvic floor physical therapists who can help address your pain, support your postpartum healing and help you confidently return to all the things you love to do! We can work with folks in central Texas in person in our Austin, TX PT clinic and we can work virtually with folks all over the world.
Want to learn more about c-section scar pain and recovery?
Click here to learn about our self-paced, c-section recovery program to help you reduce pain and sensitivity around your scar while regaining strength and confidence after your cesarean. It’s never too late or too early to start supporting your body through your recovery.
This post was written by Dr. Rebecca Maidansky, PT, DPT, owner and founder of Lady Bird Physical Therapy. Rebecca is a pelvic floor physical therapist in Austin, TX and founded Lady Bird Physical Therapy in 2019. She is the creator of Birth Preparation and Postpartum Planning, Baby Steps Fitness and the head writer and editor of The Pelvic Press.
Rebecca is a passionate writer and vocal advocate for pelvic health and the importance of improving access to perinatal care. She believes strongly that many common pregnancy pains and postpartum symptoms can be eased or even prevented with basic education and care.
She created this blog to help all birthing people manage common pregnancy pains, prepare for birth and recover postpartum.