C-Section Recovery
A caesarean is major abdominal surgery. Recovery deserves proper rehabilitation, not just a six-week sign-off.
What is c-section recovery?
During a caesarean, the surgeon works through skin, fat, fascia and muscle to reach the uterus. Healing happens in layers, and the scar you can see is only the surface of a much deeper repair.
As the tissue heals, scar tissue can become tethered to the layers beneath it, restricting movement and altering how the abdominal wall works. This can cause pulling sensations, numbness, itching, tenderness, and a persistent feeling of disconnection from the deep core — sometimes years later.
Common symptoms
- A tight, pulling or tethered scar
- Numbness above or around the scar
- A shelf or overhang along the scar line
- Sensitivity to clothing or touch
- Difficulty engaging deep abdominal muscles
- Low back or pelvic pain
- Pain with intercourse, penetration or certain positions
What causes it
- Normal scar tissue formation and adhesion between layers
- Reduced early movement while healing
- Altered breathing and abdominal recruitment patterns
- Nerve disruption at the incision site
- Return to heavy lifting before the deep core has recovered
How physiotherapy helps
Once the scar has healed, gentle scar mobilisation improves tissue glide, reduces sensitivity and often restores sensation. It's straightforward, and I teach you how to do it yourself at home.
Alongside scar work, we rebuild the deep abdominal and pelvic floor system — because a caesarean birth doesn't spare the pelvic floor from nine months of pregnancy loading — and progress you back to lifting, exercise and running.
- Scar assessment and manual mobilisation
- Self scar-massage technique and desensitisation
- Breathing and deep abdominal reconnection
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation
- Posture and carrying strategies for new parents
- Progressive return to exercise and running
When to seek treatment
- From around six weeks postpartum once healing is confirmed
- Any time later — scars respond years afterwards
- If the scar is painful, tight or numb
- Before returning to running or gym work
- If the wound is red, hot, weeping or opening — see your doctor urgently
Frequently asked questions
Let's get you moving again
If this sounds like what you're dealing with, an assessment is the quickest way to understand it properly. C-Section Recovery responds well to the right plan.