C-Section Scar Therapy

Specialist scar therapy following caesarean birth

A caesarean birth is a major event for your body, and your scar can continue to change long after the initial wound has healed.

As a midwife with specialist training in C-section scar therapy, I take a whole-person approach to scar care. I'll consider your birth and medical history, previous surgery, how your scar has healed and any symptoms, tightness or restrictions you may be experiencing.

Every scar and every person is different, so your treatment is tailored to you.

You might be considering scar therapy if...

Your scar feels tight, pulling or restricted
You have areas of numbness, altered sensation or sensitivity
Your scar feels tender or uncomfortable
The tissue around your scar feels tight, firm or less mobile
You notice changes in how your abdomen, hips or pelvis feel or move
You feel that something around your scar is affecting your movement
You'd like to feel more comfortable touching or looking at your scar
Your caesarean birth was months or even years ago and you've never had your scar assessed
Or you simply feel that something around your scar doesn't feel quite right

You don't need to know exactly what's causing the problem before you book. Your appointment begins with an assessment of your scar, your history and the surrounding tissues, so we can work out whether scar therapy is appropriate for you.

Not just about the scar

Scar therapy doesn't necessarily mean spending your whole appointment working directly on the scar.

Depending on your individual assessment, treatment may also include appropriate massage and hands-on work around the abdomen, hips, pelvis, back or glutes.

This means we can respond to what your body actually needs rather than following a fixed sequence of techniques.

The emotional side of your scar

A caesarean scar isn't always just a physical reminder of your birth.

For some women, their scar is simply part of their body's story. For others, it can bring up difficult feelings or memories, particularly if their birth didn't go as expected.

As a midwife, I understand that birth can be a deeply personal experience, and I recognise that the physical and emotional sides of recovery can sit alongside one another.

Scar therapy isn't psychological therapy, but there is no expectation that you should feel a particular way about your scar. We work at your pace, with your consent throughout.

Scar care at home

Often continuing your scar therapy at home can be really beneficial, I may talk to you about ways you can continue caring for your scar at home. This may include massage techniques, self-care advice or products such as silicone scar sheets or gels.

Products are completely optional and you don't need to buy anything to have scar therapy. If I think something may be useful for you, we'll discuss the options and how they could fit into your own scar-care routine.

When can I have scar therapy?

Direct scar therapy can usually begin from around 6–8 weeks following your caesarean birth, once the wound has fully healed.

Everyone heals differently. If you've experienced delayed healing, infection, wound separation, complications or needed additional treatment following your surgery, I may recommend waiting longer before beginning direct scar work.

If you're unsure whether your scar is ready, please get in touch before booking so we can discuss your individual circumstances.

And if your caesarean birth was months or even years ago, it's not too late to explore scar therapy.

What happens during your appointment?

Your appointment begins with time to talk.

We'll discuss your birth, your scar, your medical and surgical history and anything you're currently experiencing. This is also your opportunity to tell me about your birth experience and any concerns you have about your scar.

I'll then assess your scar and the surrounding tissues before explaining which techniques I feel are appropriate.

Treatment may include scar-specific techniques alongside massage and hands-on work to surrounding areas, depending on your individual needs.

I'll explain what I'm doing throughout the treatment and check that you're comfortable. You remain in control of your treatment at all times.