EmpowerHeal Physical Therapy
Pelvic Floor Therapy and EDS physical therapy serving Bethesda and Washington DC surrounding metropolitan areas
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Pelvic Floor Therapy and EDS physical therapy serving Bethesda and Washington DC surrounding metropolitan areas
If you’ve had a C-section, your scar is more than a line on your body. It is a complex area of healing tissue, nerves, and fascia that can affect comfort, movement, and recovery long after delivery. I also want to remind that a C- section surgery is a major abdominal surgery.
Scar mobilization isn’t just cosmetic. It supports mobility, reduces restrictions, and helps your body feel whole again.
This can lead to:
Scar tissue forming adhesions to underlying tissues
Numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity from healing nerves
Pulling or discomfort affecting posture and mobility
Immediately, after being discharged,I would recommend using a small pillow or rolled towel to gently press up against the surgical site when you have to cough, get up from sitting, or even for a bowel movement. For some people, thoracic bonders or abdominal support wraps might help east the pain.
Always get clearance from your healthcare provider before starting scar work. If you notice redness, swelling, signs of infection, severe pain,stop and seek assessment.
Weeks 0‑2:
Awareness & gentle touch: Once your incision is closed, when comfortable, place your clean hand softly over the scar line for 1‑2 minutes, just noticing sensations (numb, tingle, pulling). You might do this while lying down or sitting quietly.
Weeks 2‑4
using your fingertips, lightly “pluck” around the scar edges (skin only) – up/down/side‑to‑side very gently for ~1‑2 minutes. Then alternate with light circular motions
Weeks 4‑8
Once wound is well healed (no open areas, no redness), you can start to work directly over the scar: apply gentle fingertip pressure on the scar line (~10–30 seconds), then if comfortable, slide skin upward/downward (vertical scar) or side‑to‑side (horizontal). Continue light circular motions. You could also roll the skin along the length of the scar. Do ~1–2 minutes once or twice daily.
Weeks 8‑12+
At this stage: you may progress to deeper glide (with fuller fingers, more motion) still without pain, then integrate movement: when you take a deep breath, gently press around the scar and feel how it moves with your diaphragm/pelvis. Begin incorporating gentle core activation or pelvic‑floor exercises while being aware of scar mobility
At EmpowerHeal Physical Therapy in Bethesda, we specialize in pregnancy and postpartum physical therapy rehabilitation.
We treat pelvic floor dysfunction through the lens of nervous system safety, movement freedom, and compassionate support.