c-section scar therapy

Restore Scar Therapy™ is a method to support healing after birth by caesarean section. Using specialist techniques, stretches and fascial release together with self-care advice, this therapy promotes healthy recovery in both new and old scars. Restore Scar Therapy is a non-invasive, holistic approach to scars developed by Emma Holly. Using evidence-informed techniques and self-care to help improve scar tissue and reduce common symptoms, their comprehensive training programs have been completed by over 2,000 health professionals.

I first studied with Emma in 2019 on an Introductory Workshop for Scar Recovery. As a massage therapist, I encounter scar tissue on a regular basis and wanted some techniques to support clients dealing with complications laid down by scar tissue. Since 2018 I have seen multiple caesarean scars whilst working with Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage and wanted to support my clients with specialist knowledge in this field. I enrolled in the Restore Scar Therapy C-Section Scar Recovery Course taught by Caroline Callistair, Pelvic Health Physio, and written and designed by Emma Holly. Having now graduated from this training, I am delighted to introduce this service to my treatment offerings.

How can Restore Scar Therapy support post-natal c-section recovery after birth?

Caesarean sections are major surgery, often performed under particularly time-sensitive circumstances. Unlike usual surgical recovery protocols, after a caesarean section your own healing takes a back-seat to caring for a newborn baby and in addition to the surgical healing, your organs are adjusting to your new post-natal body, having shifted miraculously to accommodate a growing baby. Restore Scar Therapy can help prevent, minimise or treat a range of short- and long-term symptoms arising from caesarean birth including scar numbness, tingling and itching, diastatis recti recovery, mobility including aches and pains in the back, pelvis, legs and scar region, scar aesthetics such as colour, puckering and overhang. As well as the physical benefits, it can be very difficult to find the time and mental space to focus on your own body and healing during this time. This therapy creates a space and opportunity to reconnect with your body and gain a deeper understanding of how you can support its successful healing while caring for your child(ren).

What happens during Restore Scar Therapy sessions?

  1. Scar Assessment

  2. Specialist Caesarean Scar Massage; improve skin & fascial mobility, reduce pain & sensitivity, improve feeling towards your scar,

  3. Abdominal Massage; Release fascial tension, support diastasis recti recovery, improve hip and lower back aches and pains, progressive rehabilitation strategies

  4. Diaphragm Techniques; to improve function of the breath, promote ease of movement and improve core function, Utilising breathing to promote recovery and reduce the scar puckering/overhang after caesarean

  5. Specialised Scar Stretching; Manage ‘pouch’ formation, improve mobility, safe and customised movements to support scar healing and preventing unwanted tensions from pouch formation to puckering of the skin.

When to start?

Ideally start scar therapy within the first 16 weeks after birth while cell activity in the scar is high. However, scar therapy techniques can be effective on scars of all ages - the age of the scar will determine the treatment plan.

  • Immature Scars : under 6 months

  • Maturing Scars: 6-18 months

  • Mature Scars: 18-24+ months

Treatment Cost: Immature Scars & maturing/mature scars

Exploratory Phone Call/Zoom - tell me about your scar - FREE

First Session for Scars of all ages: £65 1 hour

Immature Scars: 30 Minute Follow-Up Appointment: £45 These follow up sessions are suited for immature scars. Once we have had our initial 60 minute session these shorter follow up sessions may be more appropriate. When the scars are still young they require shorter hands on time - little and consistent is the nature of the scar healing journey.

Maturing & Mature Scars: 3-Session Healing Journey - Maturing or Mature Scars: £180: £15 saving £195 if booked individually

  • Tailored treatment plan

  • Progress tracking

  • Home care guidance between sessions

Treatment may not completely resolve issues, but can often provide symptom relief. In early scar healing you will be able to advise on topical products and self-scar care. You can expect help with itching, pain, limited movement, cosmetically inferior scars and symptoms associated with internal adhesions.

Call for a free phone consultation and find out how scar therapy can help you.

Naomi x2 60 minute sessions on her 11 month old scar and here is what she said:

“I came for scar therapy because half of my scar was numb and the other half had a sharp pain in it and also, when I went running at times it felt like my intestines were wanting to pop out. I was feeling fine about my actual scar I just wanted it to feel consistent all the time.
I was hoping with the scar therapy, my scar would feel a bit more moveable and more similar to the rest of my skin rather than numb or sharp pains.
It surprised me how quickly my scar went from feeling stuck to more manoeuvrable and had even sensations after the first session.
I learnt that even small light touches can make a big difference.
I would recommend anyone with a c section scar to go and get it looked at. There are so many stories with people saying their scar has stayed numb or they get twinges so trying therapy I think is super important so that you can feel a bit more like your pre baby self!”

Kate x 3 sessions 60 minutes 17 month old scar:

“I hadn’t been feeling uncomfortable exercising since my emergency C-Section birth 16 months ago. Previously to my pregnancy I ran on the regular. I had tried getting back to running with the couch to 5k program but stopped because I felt so much discomfort in my abdomen. I decided to try scar therapy as the GP had checked my scar and told me there was nothing they were worried about - my discomfort was to be expected they said. Well, I walked home from my Scar Therapy session on cloud 9 feeling validated in having been worried about my scar but, also feeling like it’s all going to be okay. Second Session: “I did a 5k Park Run and tummy actually felt fine after during that, still feeling soreness on skin surface when a waistband is over the scar site but, delighted to have felt confidence and comfortable when running!”