A scar can tell a thousand stories

A scar can tell a thousand stories and it lays down its roots inside the body, like a tree deep underneath the skin 

This scar tells the story of birth. And it is a scar proud to be shown, as it is a reminder of the gift of life and all that comes with it. But what lies behind the form of the  scar needs to be understood.

Following a Caesarean section, Fascia is sewn together using approximately 10-15 stitches externally with permanent sutures for the delicate inner layers of tissue, that house among other things, the uterus, colon, and bladder. 

Sometimes the scar’s roots cause adhesions in the delicate layers of tissue that have been repaired and very occasionally nerve disruption; the procedure needs to be done, as the new mother needs to be repaired as quickly as possible, but with that comes the error of repair. 

These adhesions can, and usually do, create a thickening and restriction in connecting surfaces that normally slide over one another, leaving them literally stuck together which in turn affects fluid, blood and lymphatic flow and transport. Tissue becomes inefficient and congested, and range of motion restricted.

As a result the body starts to compensate in different areas – weakening and tightening other parts of the body because all tissue connects to each other from the front to the posterior of the body like rings of integrated tissue. 

Adhesions spread attaching to the pubic bone, pelvic floor, hip and back muscles and vertebra. Remember the colon, uterus and bladder? It can compensate there too - it’s not just back or general pelvic pain that ensues. In worst cases a pelvic prolapse can occur. 

Feeling a lack of movement where you once had mobility?

Needing to run to the toilet more than you did prenatally? That’s the scar tissue irritating the bladder lining as the bladder swells and sends incorrect messaging to the brain telling you that you need to empty your bladder……again. 

Very few mothers may consider their C-section scar a possible source of their discomfort or dysfunction in their bodies. But also find it hard to diagnose why there is a change to digestive function and health, urinary function and health, respiratory function and health. It seems a bit scary but can all be treatable if looked at in the right time. 

Self-massage of the scar after the first few weeks of healing is very beneficial to do and if when needed, osteopathy, to unbind the adhesions that have built up and allow the tissues to breathe and move again – it’s important to release, to benefit future reproductive health and in general, reduce unnecessary back and pelvic pain. 

Zoe works in primary healthcare treating patients with Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy, soft tissue work, dry needling and indirect techniques to release the pelvic congestion and adhesions.  

Book an appointment and see what can be done to help you feel a little more in centre with your self – you have enough work to do with the new bubba, let me get you back to you again. 

This material is owned and copyrighted by Zoe Merkazy, and under no circumstances can be used by other persons without express permission from the author. Date of content written 1/05/2018 ©