Post Cesarean Section Healing And Scar Reducing Massage

Hong Kong has the second-highest ratio of cesarean sections in Asia. Many mothers are not fully informed on how to heal, recover and prevent complications after the surgery. A C-Section scar massage is recommended for any woman with a well-healed scar and has been cleared by her doctor, usually at the 6-week check-up. This massage may prevent complications later on, including lower back pain, frequent urination and pelvic pain.

The scar can take up to two years to fully heal, so starting the massage routine early on can help the healing process. The good thing is that it is never too late to start.

How does a C-Section Scar Massage help?

Massaging a scar can help reduce scar tissue being formed around organs and may create a thinner scar. Massage also helps to increase blood flow which is beneficial to the healing process. Scars may take up to two years to fully recover, but even if you begin this healing process later down the road, the massage can still be beneficial.

How to massage your C-section scar?

Once your scar is closed and is considered well-healed by your doctor, you may begin a gentle massage. The scar will initially feel tender so do start slowly. By spending just five minutes every day on this massage, you should start to notice an improvement in mobility in the lower abdomen. Be careful to pay attention to any discomfort or pain and please speak to your doctor or birthing specialist if you do not feel any improvement after several weeks.

SKIN STRETCHING

1. Use a small amount of your chosen natural oil (coconut, olive, almond, etc.) on the pads of two fingers. Place the fingers 2-3 inches away from the scar.
2. Stretch the skin by moving the fingers up and down over the entire scar.
3. Continue stretching the skin and move between clockwise and anti-clockwise. Follow this movement 5-10 times.
4. You may feel a pulling of burning sensation.  If there is an area that feels less maneuverable, focus more time on this section.

DIRECT SCAR MASSAGE

This method can be applied once you feel well-healed and there is no discomfort when performing the skin stretching.

1. Hold 2-3 fingers together and slightly arched.
2. Place the pads of the fingers at the edge of the scar.
3. Begin gently sweeping your fingers over approximately ½ inch of the scar in a horizontal movement.
4. This movement should be repeated 10-15 times.
5. Repeat the movement up and down and then again in a circular motion.
6. Move along the entire scar ½ inches at a time.

SCAR LIFT AND ROLL

As your scar continues to heal and you are feeling comfortable with the massage, you may be able to work deeper by lift up the scar.

1. Using your index finger and thumb, gently lift up a section of the scar.
2. Gently roll the scar between your fingers for 10-15 seconds.
3. Move along the scar and repeat every ½ inch.
4. Continue practicing this massage every day for 5 minutes until you feel less pain and an increase in movement.
5. Once you notice these improvements, you can follow the massage once a week, then once a fortnight and eventually once a month.

USEFUL LINKS:

YouTube video massage instructions: YouTube YouTube

Institute for birth healing: How to massage your scar

OT&P – 6-week recovery advice: Postnatal recovery

Please do remember to listen to your body and consult a registered health professional if you have any concerns.