Perineal Scar Tissue Massage Tutorial
As we continue to live in the age of social isolation and COVID-19 precautions, post-natal health takes a further backseat.
Up to 90% of women experience some form of tearing during childbirth.
These tears result in scar tissue. Scar tissue can increase the tendency to adhere to surroundings, restrict normal mobility and contraction of muscles, and cause constriction around the nerves leading to symptoms away from the scar itself.
If you’ve had an episiotomy or perineal tear, the scar tissue that develops can cause pain with intercourse. Vaginal penetration requires mobility of the tissue in and around the vaginal opening and an immobile scar can become a place of friction and discomfort. While going to a pelvic floor therapist is ideal, you can improve tissue mobility and decrease discomfort on your own through self-massage.
When to start massage?
Wait until you’ve had you postnatal check-in, which is usually about 6 weeks. Ensure you stitches are closed up and scar is healed.
How?
It helps to do this after a warm bath/shower or a warm compress to relax the muscles and increase blood flow to the area
Make yourself comfortable, lying down or semi-setting. Use pillows for support
Use healthy lubricants/moisturizers (See my recommended list)
3x/week aiming for 5 mins per session
To reduce risk of infection, use a gloved finger or clean hands
Continuing to have issues or experience other symptoms such as excessive weakness in the abdominal area, loss of bladder/bowel control, heaviness or bulging sensations in perineal area?
Feel free to reach out to me at dana@functionalwellness.space or contact a local pelvic floor therapist
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