Each month we’ll bring you a note from one of our therapists. It might be something they’re reading, learning or just something they want to share.
This month’s note is from Noel Turk, PT, DPT:
I recently gave birth to my daughter via c-section. I quickly learned that as a society, we downplay the seriousness of this common procedure. I have patients who are quick to dismiss their c-section scar from having anything to do with their symptoms. I also have patients who are frustrated that they don’t feel fully “healed” 6 weeks after giving birth. Cesareans are incredibly invasive procedures, and they should be treated as such.
Let’s talk details.
In a cesarean, six layers of tissue are cut through or disturbed in order to get to baby! Most of these layers are stitched back together, in order for scar tissue to form and hold them together. We like scar tissue in this instance, but let’s not forget about the negative impacts scar tissue has on the body.
Anywhere there is a scar, the tissues aren’t able to move as we’d like them to. If you’ve been a patient at Core for a while, you probably know where I’m going with this. Any type of connective tissue restriction is going to change the way our bodies move. Restrictions in the pelvis can limit many of our daily activities and can cause pain anywhere in the body – yes, even the head, neck, or feet!
So, new moms who have recently given birth via cesarean, have grace with yourself. Your body just went through a very intense procedure. Healing from this takes far longer than six weeks. Next, I highly recommend scheduling a visit with your physical therapist so you can talk through how to best help your body heal. Working through scar tissue, treating muscle imbalances, and retraining core muscles will be key to helping you move well long term.
And to those who gave birth via cesarean many years ago, if you’re struggling with some type of persistent body pain and no one has looked at your c-section scar to ensure it isn’t playing a role in your symptoms, please reach out to us for help.
This procedure can have more of an impact on your physical function than most people realize!