Wondering why you can’t get rid of your mom pouch? The scar tissue from your C-section can be unyielding and create a shelf between the scar and the underlying tissue.

Whether you are early post partyum or years down the road, you can make improvements in scar tissue at any time.

Why massage your c-section scar? During a c-section, seven layers of muscle and tissues are cut. Scar tissue forms which is innervated with nerves which means that it can be uncomfortable, numb or just give you the creepy crawly feelings. 

Scar tissue is also dense irregular and strong, and can create adverse tension across your anterior abdominal wall. This could play a factor in anything from low back or hip pain, urinary frequency and bowel problems. 

How to do Postpartum Scar massage?

It’s not uncommon for people to be uncomfortable with beginning scar tissue massage, so many just need to begin with some deep breathing and resting your hand on top of the area, getting comfortable with the pressure and connecting to the area which brought your baby into this world.

You can begin some light desensitization typically at 6 weeks, beginning with just rubbing a light washcloth over the area. You can then start to gently creating a light pull above and below the scar.

When you are ready to begin the actual scar massage, you can gently make circular movements, up/down, diagonals and then even plucking or skin rolling between your fingers. Keep the pressure light initially and increase asa you feel comfortable. At no point should the massage be painful.

Do not do this massage if the incision has not healed, or if there are any signs of infection (hot, streaky, red, swollen). Also in the early stages avoid aggressive massage as this can promote more scar tissue deposition as it’s healing.

Ready to start your c-section scar massage journey? Contact our pelvic floor physical therapy practice in Ventura today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Kegels. The name alone can evoke strong opinions from patients. Are they the magic bullet for all pelvic floor woes? Or are they a recipe for disaster?

The truth, as my PT school professor wisely said, lies somewhere in between. It's a "gray area" when it comes to Kegels. Let's talk about the Good, the Bad, and the Importance of Technique.

Congratulations on welcoming your new bundle of joy!

Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but let's be honest, it can also come with some unexpected physical changes. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common issue affecting many women postpartum. Symptoms like leaking urine, difficulty controlling bowel movements, or pain during intercourse can significantly impact your quality of life.

The journey of exclusive pumping (EP) is an incredible feat of dedication and perseverance. But let's face it, there's a lot of misinformation out there that can make it even more challenging. At Nicole Meyer Physical Therapy, we specialize in postpartum pelvic floor therapy and understand the unique needs of exclusive pumping mothers.

This blog post tackles some common myths associated with EP, offering insights and encouragement to help you navigate this rewarding yet demanding experience.