C-Section Recovery: What Really Helps (and Why Scar Massage Matters More Than You Think)
Around one in four births in the UK happen by caesarean — and yet most mums are sent home with minimal guidance about how to actually recover afterwards. You’re told to “take it easy” and “avoid lifting”, but not much about how to support your abdominal wall, how the scar heals, or why that tight pulling sensation is so common.
C-section recovery is more than just waiting for the wound to close. It’s about rebuilding strength, improving comfort, supporting the tissues as they heal, and reconnecting with your core and pelvic floor again. And one of the most powerful tools you can use is something simple, gentle and completely in your hands: Scar massage.
Let’s break down what really happens during recovery — and how scar massage can make a huge difference to how you feel in the months and years after birth.
What Happens to Your Body During a C-Section?
A caesarean involves several layers of tissue — skin, fat, fascia, the abdominal wall, and the uterus. Each of these layers heals at its own pace. On the outside, the skin may look healed at 2–3 weeks, but deeper layers continue to remodel for many months.
As the tissues heal, collagen fibres lay down in a criss-cross way, forming scar tissue. This is totally normal. But without movement, stretching and gentle stimulation, the scar can become:
Tight or stiff
Sensitive or numb
“Stuck down” to the layers underneath
Uncomfortable during exercise, rolling in bed, or even standing tall
A barrier to full core activation
This is where scar massage becomes a game-changer.
Scar Massage: Why It Matters
Scar massage helps guide the healing process so you end up with a scar that feels soft, mobile and comfortable rather than tight or tender.
Benefits of Scar Massage:
Improves tissue mobility so the skin, fascia and underlying muscles glide properly
Reduces pulling or tugging sensations around the incision
Improves core and pelvic floor engagement by reducing restrictions
Helps desensitise the area if it feels sharp, tingly, numb or hypersensitive
Supports smoother scar appearance over time
Boosts blood flow which aids healing
Helps you reconnect with your body, especially after a surgical birth
Regular scar massage can dramatically change how comfortable your lower tummy feels — not just early on, but even years after your C-section.
When Can You Start Scar Massage?
You should always wait until:
The wound is fully closed
Stitches or staples are removed or dissolved
There are no scabs left at all
There’s no redness, weeping, heat or signs of infection
You’ve been cleared by your midwife, GP or physio
For most mums, scar massage is safe to begin from around 6 weeks postpartum, but many start later — and that’s absolutely fine. Even long-standing C-section scars can benefit hugely from massage.
If you’re ever unsure… Do come and see us for a 1:1 and we can show you what to do
https://www.the-mothership-physio.com/book
How to Do C-Section Scar Massage (Step-by-Step)
Start gently. Scar work should never be painful.
1. Light desensitisation (ideal for early stages or sensitive scars)
Before touching the scar itself, start by gently brushing or stroking around the area using:
Your fingertips
A soft cloth
A make-up brush
This helps the nerves adjust and reduces sensitivity.
2. Skin rolling and lifting
Place your fingertips just above the scar. Gently lift the skin and roll it between your fingers. Work above, below and to the sides of your scar.
This helps loosen the superficial layers.
3. Circular massage
Using one or two fingers, make small circles along the length of the scar, applying light-to-moderate pressure depending on comfort.
4. Side-to-side gliding
Place your fingers on the scar and gently move the skin side to side (not sliding across the skin, but moving the skin itself).
This improves mobility between the skin and deeper layers.
5. Up-and-down gliding
Same idea, but working the skin up and down, following the natural lines of the abdomen.
6. Deep layer work (when comfortable and healed)
This goes beyond the scar line and works into the lower tummy area.
You’re not pressing hard — just sinking gently into the tissue and encouraging movement.
Start with 1–2 minutes a day and work up to 5 minutes. Consistency matters more than intensity.
What If My Scar Feels Numb, Sharp, Burning or Weird?
Totally normal.
Nerve endings are healing and reconnecting, and massage helps massively with this.
Over time, scar massage usually helps:
reduce numbness
calm sharp or electric sensations
decrease itching or burning
make the area feel “yours” again
If the scar is extremely sensitive or painful, do come and see us, and we will give you tailored guidance.
Does Scar Massage Help Older Scars?
YES — absolutely.
Even years after your C-section, massage can improve:
mobility
comfort
adhesions
appearance
core activation
lower abdominal tension
It’s never too late to start.
What About Silicone Scar Therapy?
Silicone sheets and gels are clinically proven to support smoother, softer, flatter scars.
When combined with scar massage, they create a powerful duo:
Massage improves mobility and desensitises the area
Silicone supports hydration and collagen remodelling
Together, they help the scar heal comfortably and look its best
This is why sell Silicone Scar Kits, https://www.the-mothership-physio.com/store. These are designed for C-section scars — and when paired with massage and tailored rehab from our online postnatal programme this gives total recovery.
Rehab Matters Too: The Scar Is Only One Layer
Scar massage supports the surface and the tissues around it — but full recovery also depends on:
breathing mechanics
pelvic floor coordination
abdominal wall strength
posture and movement strategies
gradually increasing load and activity
This is exactly what our Postnatal Programme guides you through.
When you combine rehab + silicone scar care + massage, you get the most complete and comfortable recovery.
Final Thoughts
A C-section is major abdominal surgery — and you deserve proper support, guidance and care as you heal. Scar massage is one of the simplest, most empowering tools you can use to improve comfort, mobility and connection with your body.
Go gently, be consistent, and remember:
your scar can heal beautifully, and your core can feel strong again.