According to the World Health Organization, cesarean (c-section), rates continue to rise around the world. The rate in Australia is 33% and in the United States of America, it is 32.2%, which works out to 1-in-3 women.
But no matter how well-trained the surgeon may be, there will be scar tissue formation after a C- Section.
What You Need to Know About C-Sections, Scar Tissue & Your Health
Scar tissue needs to form to help the wound heal, but there is a tiny problem: adhesions. Adhesions occur internally when the body undergoes severe trauma such as surgery, inflammation, or infection. Unfortunately, most doctors either fail to disclose or show concern in regard to adhesion formation, and a protocol to minimize it and the issues that can arise from them has never been established.
The most common incision for a C- Section is made horizontally (often called a bikini cut), which is just above the pubic bone. The incision is cut through the lower abdomen at the top of the pubic hair just over the hairline. The muscles of the stomach are not to be cut but they have pulled apart so that the doctor can gain access to the uterus. In an emergency cesarean the incision will most likely be a vertical incision (from the navel to the pubic area) which will allow faster delivery. The surgeon also pulls the bladder down to protect it during surgery. Scarring from the incision builds up underneath the incision as well as in the uterus. As the c-section scar starts to heal and the uterus reduces back adhesions form.
Scar tissue after a C Section is not preventable. Scar tissue is a fibrous tissue that replaces normal tissue after an injury. While it contains the same materials as normal tissue, the quality of the scar tissue is inferior to that of the tissue it replaces. It is very important to understand that the scar that you can see is actually only the tip of the iceberg. All surgeries involve multiple layers of sutures and go much deeper than just the visible scar on the surface.
Another significant factor to be considered is the effect of adhesion formation on the internal organs. The organs are supposed to slip and slide around each other. Organs need this movement in order to function properly. When adhesions are present, the sliding surfaces stick to each other and drag across one another causing tensional pulls. The resulting restrictions can cause a limited range of motion and pain in other areas of the body.
It can take up to two years after surgery or trauma to fully heal. Pain and issues may not even surface until well after the Mom has “recovered” from the surgery. Years can pass and by then, the symptoms may not be associated with the scar.
Common Complaints & Issues Following a C-Section
Common complaints after a c-section can include the sensitivity of the scar itself and nerves being caught up in the scar tissue causing itching, hyper, or hyposensitivity. This will make pants irritating or leaving the Mom unable to feel anything from the scar to the pubic bone. Leaning over to pick up a baby can be painful. The tension pull from the scar may cause postural changes, that along with a decrease in the support of the back from the abdominal muscles could result in back pain. The scarring can cause the adjacent muscles to develop trigger points that refer pain to areas like the clitoris or urethra.
There can be issues with lower digestion such as irritable bowel syndrome or constipation and bloating. Adhesions around the uterus, bladder, and fallopian tubes can lead to painful intercourse, frequent urination, and fertility challenges.
Let’s not forget the emotional issues that can arise as a direct result of the scar. There is the self–consciousness about the appearance of the scar. Some women will not touch the scar and surrounding area. A simple pull or pressure on the scar can cause a continual minor or a sudden major PTSD reaction. Lack of sleep and mental stress from chronic pain that doctors do not acknowledge and family members do not understand can be detrimental.
“I was fortunate enough to have a massage with Marjorie in Sydney, Australia on her recent visit. I was astonished by the immediate results and by Marjorie’s open, giving attitude. Post massage benefits included greater energy, improved posture, a huge sense of release, and opening to my abdomen which had felt frozen after surgery. It was such a relief. Emotionally I felt noticeably stronger after the treatment.” Deborah S, Australia
C-Section Scar Tissue Impacts on Your Health
Scar tissue can have an adverse effect on every one of the body’s systems. They are interconnected and encased by the fascia and the smallest of restrictions can cause problems. The good news is that there is much that can be done to minimize and correct the issues.
C-section scarring can be improved or corrected altogether by releasing the scar tissue and proper therapeutic rehab (every expecting mother needs to be trained in pelvic floor exercises for both pre & post pregnancy). As the scar tissue is released layer by layer, and fibers encouraged to lay down in the proper alignment, the softer it becomes and function can be restored to the tissue surrounding the area. This reduces tensional pulls and reduces the adhesions. The tissue needs to be released in all directions, proper circulation (lymph included), range of motion restored and body mechanics re-established.
“I found Marjorie after doing a search for a solution to my c- section scar and pain. She is a miracle worker. After just one session my scars have flattened significantly and the color has improved. She has helped with my back pain and sleeping problems. She is also very personable, caring, and easy to talk to. I highly recommend her to anyone that has scars, surgery, or any kind of pain.”
Jennifer G, USA
What to do About C-Section Scars
The body needs time to heal, so for the best results, light therapy such as myofascial release and lymphatic massage can start right after the surgery. Gentle range of motion stretching and proper body mechanics (how to feed, pick up and carry the baby etc) should be done in accordance with the mother’s ability and healing.
After 12 weeks the tissue can be released via the S.T.R.A.I.T Method™ or Scar Tissue Release and Integrated Therapies a three-dimensional, fascial-release system that works to minimize scar-tissue development and the subsequent physiological restrictions. As tissue is forever remodeling there is no time limit to working on scars. A difference can be made and balance restored no matter how old the scar is.
Learn more about how scar tissue release massage therapy can help with your c-section scar tissue.
》A B O U T M A R J O R I E B R O O K
Marjorie Brook, LMT is a massage therapist, author and international educator. For over 21 years, she has specialized in scar tissue release and massage therapy. She works from the fundamental belief that your body is intuitively aligned with the thoughts you think, the emotions that you feel and the things that you do. She founded Brooks Seminars in 2007 after working as a decade as a nationally recognized massage therapist with a private practice on Long Island. She is the creator of the Scar Tissue Release and Integrated Therapies (S.T.R.A.I.T Method™) and offers continuing education courses on this method all over the world. Her articles have appeared in magazines such as Massage Today, American Fitness and Massage World. She’s approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the Massage Therapy Association of Alberta and the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia.
RESOURCES
- Williams Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 25.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cdc.gov
- World Health Organization