(But You Need to Know)
Hey mama, let’s get real for a second.
Whether your C-section was planned or an emergency, it’s still major abdominal surgery. And yet— somehow — most people are sent home with a baby, some pain meds, and a pamphlet about “taking it easy.” That’s it.
No one talks about what happens to your body beneath that incision. Or how scar tissue can cause pain, pulling, numbness, or even bladder and pelvic floor problems down the road.
You must be here because you had a c-section and want to know more.
Let’s break down what actually happens during a C-section, what you should know about your scar, and how you can actively support your body’s recovery — because this isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about how it functions.
What Happens During a C-Section
Quick anatomy lesson: during a Cesarean birth, multiple layers of tissue are cut — skin, fat, fascia, muscle, uterus. Once your baby’s safely out, those layers are stitched up from the inside out. (7 whole layers to be exact!)
Fun fact: The scar you see on your skin is just one piece of the puzzle. The deeper tissues form their own scar tissue, and without proper movement and mobilization, those layers can stick together (called adhesions).
That matters because scar adhesions can:
- Limit mobility in your core and hips
- Cause pulling, tightness, or pain around your incision
- Contribute to low back pain
- Affect bladder and bowel function
- Even impact your pelvic floor
When Should You Start Scar Mobilization?
C-section scar massage and mobilization can start around 6-8 weeks postpartum, if your incision is fully healed. The real truth, honestly — it’s never too late. I’ve worked with mamas years after their C sections who got huge relief once they started addressing their scar tissue. So whether it’s been 6 weeks, 6 years or 60 years. We can always work on the scar!
How to Do C-Section Scar Massage at Home
Start slow.
Once healed, begin with gentle skin moves around the scar. Light circles, moving the skin up, down, side-to-side. No pain. No forcing. You don’t have to touch the scar to make some progress.
Progress deeper.
As you get comfortable, work towards lifting and moving the tissue underneath. Think of trying to separate those stuck-together layers.
Stay consistent.
5 minutes a day can make a massive difference in how your core and pelvic floor feel.
Watch for symptoms.
If you notice pulling, numbness, tingling, or referred pain — get assessed by a pelvic floor PT (hi, it’s me).
Why Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy After a C-Section Matters
Even if you didn’t deliver vaginally, your pelvic floor still worked overtime through pregnancy and surgery recovery. Not to mention, abdominal scarring can affect pelvic floor function thanks to all those interconnected fascial layers.
A pelvic floor physical therapist can help you:
- Assess your scar mobility
- Restore core and pelvic floor coordination
- Address any bladder, bowel, or pain issues
- Rebuild strength safely so you can lift your kid, deadlift, and move without fear
C-Section Recovery Tips You Didn’t Know You Needed
Walk daily, start short and slow.
Focus on 360° breathing to reconnect your core
Mobilize your scar (gently at first)
See pelvic floor PT before jumping back into workouts (you’d get your knee checked after surgery — your core deserves the same!)
Bottom Line
Your C-section scar is more than skin deep — and so is your recovery. You deserve more than “rest and see how it goes.” Proactive, informed care can help you feel strong, mobile, and pain-free in your postpartum body.
If you’re local to Cape May County, book a pelvic floor assessment today. Or shoot me a message — I’ll help you find a qualified PT near you.
