Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and Cesarean Section Recovery

Did you know that a cesarean section is the most common surgery performed in North America? In North America, 1 in 3 children are born by c-section. 

After a c-section, women can experience abdominal pain and weakness, abdominal separation (rectus diastasis), constipation and potentially pain with sexual intercourse. Compared to a vaginal delivery, women tend to have an over-active (hypertonic) pelvic floor, which can contribute to symptoms such as pelvic pain, an increase in urinary frequency and/or a strong urgency to urinate. 

Pelvic Health Physiotherapists can help with postpartum recovery after a cesarean section. The focus after a c-section will involve exercises for abdominal strengthening and awareness, and posture based exercises (such as mobility of the trunk, strengthening the scapular muscles, upper back, and gluteal muscles, stretching tight muscles of the chest). As well as focusing on pelvic floor relaxation due to pelvic floor muscles commonly becoming tense after a cesarean section.

It is important to work on massaging your c-section scar once it has fully healed. C-section scar massage can begin once the incision is fully closed, generally 6 weeks post-surgery. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists are trained in massaging the c-section scar, and advising patients on how to perform the scar massage themselves. 

If you have had a c-section, it is never too late to reach out to a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist. If you have questions about whether or not Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is right for you, we offer a free pelvic health consult to address any questions. Click here to book.