Postnatal C-section Women's Health Physiotherapy

Postnatal Physiotherapy Assessment - Do I need one after a C-section?

C-section Mums usually have a 6-week postnatal check up with their health care provider – an obstetrician, midwife or GP. This usually covers a wound inspection, general advice for pain relief, contraceptive advice and a general medical check over. This doesn’t leave much time for advice and education regarding ongoing C-section scar care and general rehabilitation.

You may have been encouraged to see a Women’s Health physiotherapist however unless you have any obvious issues at the time, this can be something that isn’t a priority in those early busy days with a tiny newborn. It isn't until problems start occuring down the track that it may be more clear that a postnatal C-section physiotherapy consultation is a good idea!

Problems that can arise after a C-section include

• Low back pain
• Pelvic pain
• C-section scar pain, sensitivity, numbness, itchiness
• C-section scar tightness and overhang
• Urinary incontinence
• Painful periods
• Painful intercourse
• Generalised abdominal and pelvic floor muscle weakness

What is assessed in a postnatal C-section Physio Consultation?

• Simple advice regarding movement and return to activity
• Abdominal muscle separation assessment (Diastasis Recti Abdominal Muscle Separation, DRAM)
• Pelvic floor assessment
• Advice regarding return to specific exercise
• C-section wound care
• C-section scar massage

Whilst some of these problems may need to be assessed in person, a lot of advice can be provided via telehealth. Australian residents can claim this on health insurance.

If you would like to have a telehealth consultation and receive postnatal C-section advice, get in touch!

Sarah Hacker (Physiotherapist)
e: [email protected]
p: +61431224977

About Me

I’m a physiotherapist (I graduated from the University of Queensland in 2002). The majority of my career has been spent working at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital where I have spent a lot of time working with expectant and new Mums in antenatal classes, antenatal musculoskeletal outpatient appointments, on the maternity ward assisting new Mums in their first few days postnatal and also postnatally in outpatient clinics.

I am a C-section Mum to two gorgeous little ones who were born 21 months apart. I was able to see first hand the lack of specific advice for C-section Mums specifically with regards to C-section scar care and C-section scar massage.

Reach out with any questions or concerns I may be able to help you with!

Sarah