A Blog For Mums
After my caesarean section, I discovered that one of the most valuable self-care practices was learning to massage my scar properly. Not only did it help with healing, but it also prevented complications I hadn’t even considered.
If you’ve recently had a C-section, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about scar massage – from why it’s beneficial to exactly how to do it effectively.
Having gone through this myself, I understand the mixture of tenderness, uncertainty and perhaps even reluctance you might feel about touching your scar. Rest assured, with gentle techniques and a bit of patience, scar massage can become a comfortable part of your recovery routine that yields significant benefits for your long-term health.
When I first heard about massaging my C-section scar, I was hesitant. The area felt tender and frankly, a bit foreign to me. However, I soon learned that this simple practice offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond cosmetic improvements.
Scar massage helps prevent adhesions – where scar tissue attaches to surrounding tissues like your abdominal muscles or even your bowel. These adhesions can cause discomfort, restrict movement, and potentially lead to complications years down the line, including pelvic floor dysfunction and back pain.
Regular massage increases blood circulation to the area, which accelerates healing and helps fade the appearance of the scar. I noticed that areas of my scar that felt numb or tingly began to regain normal sensation after consistent massage.
Perhaps most importantly, massaging your scar helps you reconnect with your body after surgery. It’s a way of acknowledging and accepting this new part of you, which I found emotionally healing as well.
Before diving into massage techniques, it’s helpful to understand the healing stages your scar goes through. My midwife explained that scar healing happens in four distinct phases, and knowing which phase you’re in helps determine the appropriate massage approach.
The initial phase occurs immediately after surgery when your body works to stop bleeding at the incision site. Following this, the inflammatory stage begins where your body forms a protective scab and fights off potential infections.
The third phase, known as the proliferation stage, is when your body actively rebuilds tissue. This typically begins around 3-4 weeks post-surgery and continues for several months. During this time, your scar may appear raised and red, feeling itchy or sensitive as nerve endings heal. This is when gentle massage starts to become beneficial.
The final maturation phase can last over a year, as your scar gradually strengthens and fades to a lighter colour. Even during this late stage, massage continues to provide benefits by keeping the scar tissue supple and preventing restrictions in surrounding tissues.
Generally, it’s best to wait until your incision has fully closed and any scabs have naturally fallen away. For most women, including myself, this happens around 6-8 weeks postpartum, often coinciding with your postnatal check-up. Your healthcare provider can confirm whether your scar has healed sufficiently to begin massage.
Some signs that indicate you’re ready include: the incision has completely closed with no openings, drainage or scabbing; any surgical glue or strips have fallen off naturally; and the immediate tenderness has subsided somewhat.
If you’re uncertain, always consult your doctor or midwife.
Before beginning your massage routine, gathering a few simple supplies will make the experience more comfortable and effective. I found having everything prepared helped me maintain consistency with my massage routine.
A high-quality oil or cream provides necessary lubrication, reducing friction and making the massage more comfortable. I alternated between vitamin E oil and organic coconut oil, but there are also specialised scar massage products available. Whatever you choose, ensure it’s gentle and unlikely to irritate your sensitive skin.
Clean hands are absolutely essential before touching your healing scar. I always washed thoroughly with soap and warm water, keeping my nails short to avoid accidentally scratching the area.
Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your scar makes the process more convenient. I typically wore loose pyjama bottoms that could be rolled down, or performed my massage after showering when I was already undressed.
A small pillow or cushion to place under your knees can help relax your abdominal muscles during massage, making it easier to work with the deeper tissue layers.
After researching and consulting with my physiotherapist, I learned that effective scar massage addresses three distinct tissue layers.
The first layer to address is the skin itself. This superficial massage helps improve skin elasticity and breaks down surface-level adhesions.
To begin, I applied oil to my fingertips and gently placed them on the skin above my scar. Starting with minimal pressure, I moved the skin in different directions – up, down, and side to side – to assess its mobility. I noticed the skin moved more easily downward than upward, which is completely normal.
Using small circular motions, I massaged around the scar first, gradually working closer as tenderness allowed. I paid special attention to any areas that felt tight or restricted, holding gentle pressure there while taking deep breaths until I felt a subtle release.
Eventually, I progressed to gently pinching and rolling the scar tissue between my fingers. This technique was particularly effective for softening the scar and improving its appearance over time.
Once comfortable with skin-level massage, I moved deeper to address the muscular layer beneath. This middle-layer massage helps prevent restrictions between your abdominal muscles and the scar tissue.
For this technique, I allowed my fingers to sink deeper into my abdomen, applying moderate pressure that felt firm but not painful. I repeated the same directional movements – up, down, side to side, and circular – but with more sustained pressure.
I discovered one side of my scar was noticeably tighter than the other, which my physiotherapist assured me was completely normal. I focused additional attention on this restricted area, gently encouraging movement in the directions that felt most limited.
During this deeper massage, I sometimes felt a mild burning sensation, which indicated I was effectively stretching the tissues. I learned to hold pressure at these points until I felt a subtle softening or “melting” sensation, signaling the release of adhesions.
The final and deepest layer of massage targets the tissues where your scar may have formed attachments to internal structures. This deep work helps prevent long-term complications like back pain or bladder issues.
For this technique, I found it essential to bend my knees to relax my abdominal muscles. This position allowed my fingers to sink much deeper into the tissues surrounding my scar.
Working methodically across the length of my scar and extending to the areas above and below it, I applied firm pressure and slow movements to mobilise these deep tissues. I paid particular attention to how the tissues moved from side to side, ensuring both sides felt equally mobile.
When I encountered areas of deep restriction, I gently pushed in the direction of the resistance, holding steady pressure until I felt a release. This deep work sometimes produced momentary discomfort, but never sharp pain.
Consistency is key when it comes to scar massage. I found creating a sustainable routine helped me maintain the practice long enough to see significant benefits.
Initially, I dedicated about five minutes daily to my scar massage, gradually increasing the duration as I became more comfortable with the techniques. I typically performed the massage after showering when my skin was clean and warm, making the tissues more pliable.
As mobility improved, I reduced the frequency to 2-3 times weekly, then eventually to a maintenance schedule of once weekly. I discovered that the week after my menstrual period was an ideal time, as my abdomen was typically less sensitive.
Setting realistic expectations helped me stay motivated. I understood that significant improvements would take months, not days.
I continued regular massage for approximately two years post-surgery, which aligns with the complete scar maturation timeline. Even now, I occasionally revisit the techniques if I notice any tightness returning.
Increased mobility was perhaps the most noticeable improvement. Initially, the skin and tissues around my scar felt tight and restricted, but with consistent massage, they gradually became more supple and moved more freely in all directions.
The appearance of my scar also transformed over time. What began as a raised, red line gradually flattened and faded to a thin, silvery mark that’s barely noticeable now.
Areas that initially felt numb or had unusual sensations began regaining normal feeling. This neurological improvement was particularly rewarding, as it helped me feel more connected to my body again.
I also experienced fewer pulling sensations during movement. Activities like stretching, exercise, and even sneezing became more comfortable as the scar and surrounding tissues became more flexible.
Self Care and Health
