C-Section Recovery with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

C-Section Recovery with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

 

 

A Cesarean or C-section is when a baby is delivered through the abdomen and uterus. It is an invasive surgery. A horizontal scar will form above the pubic area. The incision area needs to be taken care of to prevent health or healing concerns. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a vital part of recovery. At V Strong Physical Therapy in Armonk, NY, the best pelvic floor physical therapy clinic is here to support your recovery after a C-section.

Recovery & Caring For Your Scar

Immediately after the surgery, your wound will be covered with a waterproof, absorbent dressing for the first 48 hours in the hospital. Afterwards, the dressing will be removed and changed. The nurse or midwife may choose to apply another dressing to provide protection to the wound. This dressing can typically remain in place for up to three days as long as there is no leakage, or additional pain and tenderness in the wound. 

Showering is preferred over bathing to avoid fully submerging the incision fully. Do not rub soap directly onto the incision. Make sure it is clean and pat dry. Wear loose fitting clothes to avoid too much pressure on the wound. To manage the scar and its healing, avoid strain and heavy lifting, as it impacts the abdominal area.

Pelvic Physical Therapy Scar Mobilization & Desensitization

Your pelvic floor physical therapist will work on scar mobilization to decrease scar tissue formation. The tissues above and below the scar will be worked on first, which can start as early as 6 to 8 weeks post-delivery. Once the scar has fully healed and closed, then mobilization directly onto the scar can begin. The incision site should be massaged in different directions. At V Strong Physical Therapy, we will review the proper way to lift, hold, and carry the baby while protecting the scar. 

It is common for the area surrounding the incision and the incision itself to feel numb or “tingly” or “scratchy”. This is due to the nerve endings being disrupted during the procedure and now trying to heal. Your pelvic floor physical therapist will show you how to desensitize the area by applying different textures to help regenerate those nerve endings and improve sensation.

Manage Pain and Discomfort 

Pain management is critical. There will be a pain in the abdomen area, it will feel uncomfortable with movements such as getting out of bed or walking. Managing expectations is crucial. It will be a slow, steady, and gradual healing process. Additionally, communicate with your physical therapist and only do what feels comfortable.

Lengthen & Strengthen the Pelvic Floor

Recovery as a whole entails paying close attention to your pelvic floor. After this procedure, the pelvic floor muscles can tighten and weaken. Your pelvic floor physical therapist will work on stretches and exercises that target these muscles.

Consult with a Physical Therapist

Discussing your goals, concerns, and overall thoughts with your pelvic floor physical therapist will work to your advantage. Some people might feel embarrassed or hesitant to get the help they need, but there is nothing to be ashamed of. The body undergoes significant changes through pregnancy and after giving birth. Everyone should get the help they need to get back to life pain and stress-free with confidence. Let us help you achieve your postpartum goals at the best pelvic floor physical therapy clinic, V Strong Physical Therapy!

 

Read more about V Strong Physical Therapy in Armonk, NY, and how pelvic floor physical therapy can benefit you!

https://vstrongphysicaltherapy.com/about/

 

 

Works Cited 

 

Patel, Kishan, and Mark Zakowski. “Enhanced Recovery after Cesarean: Current and Emerging Trends.” Current Anesthesiology Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7921280/#Bib1.