Healing Beyond the Scar: A Chiropractic Approach to C-Section Recovery

Undergoing a cesarean section (C-section), what we like to refer to at Bright Health Co. as a cesarean birth, is a significant experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. You’ve just given birth to a newborn after a nine-month long journey and are about to embark on your postpartum one. Caring for your little one may be top of mind, but it is equally important to prioritize your healing journey and cesarean scar.

The Hidden Impact of Scar Tissue

Scar tissue forms as a natural part of the body’s healing process, but when it comes to cesarean births, it’s more than skin deep. Most cesarean births in Ontario involve 4 incisions, penetrating 7 layers of tissue. While the superficial scar takes an average of 6 weeks to heal, beneath the surface, the layers of fascia and muscle can develop adhesions—tight, fibrous bands that can tether tissues together and restrict movement. These adhesions can sometimes cause pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or even lower back, and may interfere with bladder or bowel function. Over time, untreated scar tissue can impact posture, limit flexibility, and contribute to tension throughout the core and pelvic floor. Making time early on to understand and address these physical changes is key in optimizing your recovery and preventing long-term discomfort.

What can I expect in the weeks following my cesarean birth?

While the postpartum period following a cesarean birth can look different for everyone, parents may commonly experience the following:

  • Tenderness and/or swelling around the incision site

  • An inability to feel or engage the core

  • A numbness or tingling sensation around the scar

  • Pelvic floor pressure or discomfort

  • Difficulty walking, sitting or standing up 

  • Postural changes in holding your baby

  • Discomfort while straining, coughing or sneezing

Occasionally, some of these symptoms may be felt weeks or even months following your cesarean birth. Some parents also report rigidity around their scar and an abdominal “shelf” that indents at the incision site.

How chiropractic care can support your recovery

Chiropractors who focus in perinatal care understand that postpartum recovery requires more than rest. A comprehensive chiropractic approach can support healing through:

  • Education 

One of the most powerful tools in your recovery is knowledge. Many new parents are surprised to learn how much a cesarean birth can affect their core, pelvic floor, and overall biomechanics—even months after delivery. Chiropractors can help you understand sensations around your scar, how to improve your core engagement and reduce pain, strategies you can work through at home to support your recovery, and of course, in feeding and caring for your baby! The goal is to help you understand how you can move with more intention, lift safely, implement self-care, and avoid habits that could add strain to your healing tissues.

  • Scar Tissue Therapy

At 6 weeks postpartum, following complete healing of your superficial incision site, chiropractors can mobilize the soft tissues around your cesarean scar using gentle techniques. Based on your comfort level, chiropractors may opt to use manual care, instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy or Gua-Shua, cupping, or acupuncture. A combination of these techniques work to effectively reduce adhesions, improve circulation, and restore movement to the abdominal wall, reducing that “tight” or “stuck” feeling near your scar.

  • Core and Pelvic Floor Rehab

Once the scar is healing well, chiropractors can guide you through safe, progressive postpartum rehab. This often includes breathwork, pelvic floor coordination, and re-engaging the deep core muscles that were stretched or weakened during pregnancy and surgery. 

Whether you’re looking to lift your baby without strain, return to fitness, or simply feel stronger in your body again, the Bright team is here to support you! Our collaborative team of chiropractors, pelvic floor physiotherapists, registered massage therapists, naturopathic doctors and acupuncturists, tailor their treatments to meet you wherever you may be in your postpartum journey. Remember, your body has done something incredible, and now it deserves time, care, and support to heal fully. With the right guidance and care, you can feel connected to your body again and move forward with strength, confidence, and ease.

Have questions? Book a complimentary 15-minute meet and greet with one of our Bright practitioners to learn more.

WRITTEN BY: DR. karishma kapoor, DC

Disclaimer

The advice provided in this article is for information purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a chiropractor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.


Crystal Draper