Is My C-section scar causing pelvic health issues?

If you (or someone you know) has had a C-section, make sure to listen to this full 'sode!

As anyone who has had one will attest, a C-section is a major surgery. And in the US, almost 1 in 3 give birth via a C-section. But we are so cavalier about recovery!

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Finding Pelvic Sanity Group - Have you joined Finding Pelvic Sanity yet? It's a totally free, supportive online group of 5,000+ members dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction. It's moderated by the team at PelvicSanity, so you'll know you're getting great information a positive environment. Make sure to join here! 

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After every other major surgery you are immediately referred to physical therapy to aid in the recovery. 

Make sure the wound heals correctly.  Ensure the scar moves smoothly.  Get back your range of motion and strength in the area.Except for C-sections (and other pelvic and abdominal surgeries).  There we just tell you to try and 'take it easy' (while dealing with a newborn) until it heals and hope it does well.A C-section scar can be a major driving factor of pelvic floor and abdominal issues.  

It sits right above the bladder; if your scar is 'stuck' or adhered, it can make filling the bladder more difficult and contribute to urinary urgency/frequency.   

The muscles of the abdomen are intricately connected to the pelvic floor and the low back.  A history of a C-section can drive low back pain and ultimately pelvic pain.

We believe every person who has a C-section should be seen by a pelvic floor physical therapist to ensure they have a full and complete recovery.

The good news is that no matter how long it's been you can still get help!  If you have other symptoms, make sure your pelvic PT is checking your C-section scar.  It should move and feel almost identical to the tissue around it.  It shouldn't be painful to touch or move or numb.  And if you have an aversion to touching it (or even looking at it), definitely a sign to see a pelvic PT and get it moving freely again!

As Nicole said in the full 'sode of the podcast on this topic...

"Everyone who has had a c-section should be referred to pelvic floor physical therapy. Physical therapists are specialized in helping people recover from different surgeries and that’s somehow lost in the OBGYN world." -Nicole Cozean, Pelvic Sanity

If you’re dealing with pelvic health issues, make sure you join our free FB support group (Finding Pelvic Sanity), follow us for more information on Instagram (@pelvicsanity) and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for wherever you get your podcasts!

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Who are we at PelvicSanity?

At PelvicSanity, it's our mission to support patients with pelvic pain and pelvic floor symptoms, regardless of where you live. We can help with:

- In-person treatment for those in Southern California at the PelvicSanity clinic

- Immersive Out-of-Town program for those able to travel

- Remote Consultations to get you expert 1:1 help, advice and an action plan

- Online patient courses on Interstitial Cystitis and Movement for Pelvic Health

- A Facebook support group for patients called Finding Pelvic Sanity.

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Dr. Nicole Cozean is the founder of PelvicSanity Physical Therapy in Orange County, CA. PelvicSanity treats patients from all over the world with remote consultations and the Immersive Out of Town Program. She also runs Pelvic PT Rising, training other pelvic PTs to better serve patients.

Named Physical Therapist of the Year, Dr. Nicole is author of the award-winning book The Interstitial Cystitis Solution and the first PT to serve on the ICA Board of Directors, Her passion is helping those with pelvic health issues - regardless of where they live - find lasting relief.