Minimal Sub-Standard Scar Care is Not OK

Breaking the Silence on Post-Surgery Scar Care: You Deserve Better

When it comes to post-surgery recovery, one glaring gap in care stands out: scar management. Many women, after undergoing life-changing procedures like a C-section or abdominal hysterectomy, are discharged with little to no guidance on how to care for their scars. As a pelvic health physiotherapist, I’ve seen first-hand the frustration and emotional toll this lack of care can cause.

It’s not just about appearance; it’s about comfort, function, and feeling good in your body after surgery.

It just isn’t good enough. Your recovery deserves better, and I’m here to help.

The Challenges of Post-Surgery Scars

Without proper care, surgical scars can present a host of challenges—both physical and emotional. Many of the women I see in my clinic struggle with scars that are red, itchy, lumpy, or irregular. Some scars overhang, while others feel tight or restrictive. These issues can be cosmetic and functional, and they can deeply impact daily life:

✨ Difficulty with Movement: Scars can cause discomfort or pain during activities like lifting a toddler, exercising, or even walking. Tightness around the scar can make it hard to move freely.

✨ Infections and Poor Healing: Without guidance, some women face issues with infections or incomplete wound closure. Poor healing due to infection or delayed wound closure can result in excess collagen being laid down and a thicker, bulkier scar. 

✨ Chafing and Irritation: Overhanging scars can lead to friction and discomfort, and yet there's so little advice given about the range of anti-chaffing creams and protective barriers. 

✨ Emotional Toll: Everyone has a different experience. Some ladies love their scar and connect to it proudly as a reminder of their birth experience. For others, it can be a reminder of a traumatic experience, which leaves them feeling disconnected from their bodies.

Too often, these women are told to "that's just normal" or "wait and see." Essentially, if it's not infected and it's closed over, that's it healed - job done? But this approach only perpetuates the problem. You deserve better advice, better care, and better outcomes.

How Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Help

At Down Below Physio, I’ve made it my mission to provide what's missing in post-surgical care. Through advanced training in scar therapy, the use of cutting-edge technology and a range of products that can address your scar needs, I provide a tailored approach.

Here’s what I offer:

1. Comprehensive Scar Assessment

Every scar is different, and understanding your scar type is key to effective treatment. During your consultation, I assess:

• The scar’s texture, mobility, and sensitivity

• Surrounding tissues and their impact on your core and pelvic health

• Baseline measures to track progress over time

2. Innovative Treatment Techniques

Using tools like the Lymphatouch device, I help soften and remodel scar tissue, improving its appearance and mobility. I also teach:

• Scar Massage Techniques: Simple, effective methods to reduce tightness and irritation

• Hydration Strategies: Recommendations for the right creams and products to promote healing

• Nutritional Support: The right combination of amino acids, protein, vitamins and minerals can all help support wound healing from the inside out.

3. Tailored Recovery Plans

Beyond the scar itself, I consider your overall recovery. This includes personalised exercise plans to regain strength and flexibility while addressing any underlying core or pelvic health concerns.

I often hear from clients about experiencing back pain, knee stiffness, upper body tension, headaches, or even pins and needles in their hands after C-section surgery. The connective tissue in our bodies forms an intricate chain of connections, linking one area to the next. Post-surgical tension in the fascial system can often be the underlying cause of these unexpected symptoms.

The benefit of attending my service postnatal is that I can assess and address your scar itself locally, but also put in the context of the bigger picture.

A Before and After Pic After One Treatment With Lymphatouch

I always do a short and gentle treatment when using Lymphatouch for the first time on a client's scar, to monitor response of the tissues to the treatment at the time and afterwards before increasing the treatment length and intensity settings.

But even with just one short treatment, my client last week had less redness of her scar and a her scar was starting to smooth out in sections. Always nice to see visible progress even with one session. Combined with a self massage technique and a specific scar oil, I'm optimistic that this scar will remodel really well in the coming weeks. 

Why Early Intervention Matters

Addressing your scar early can set you up for success, both in the short and long term. Proper scar management can:

✨ Improve the scar’s appearance and mobility

✨ Prevent complications adhesions and fascial tension

✨ Enhance your overall recovery experience

That’s why I’m passionate about spreading the word: you don’t have to live with discomfort or sub-standard scar care!

Book A Consultation Today

At Down Below Physio, I offer:

✨ Scar Therapy Initial Consultations: A deep dive into your scar’s unique needs and a plan tailored just for you, suitable for a scar after any surgery. 

✨ C-Section Postnatal Initial Consultations: Comprehensive assessments to support your recovery and ensure long-term healing.

Your scar tells a story—but it doesn’t have to define your recovery. Let’s rewrite the narrative together. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward better healing and a more confident you.

Lorraine, Down Below Physio x