Question 1

When can I start pelvic health physiotherapy after giving birth?

Accepted Answer

You can book an appointment as soon as you feel ready.  Internal pelvic floor examinations can only be carried out after 6 weeks of giving birth. However, if you have loads of questions during the initial 6 weeks, you can always book a virtual appointment.

Question 2

What is a Mummy MOT, and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal assessment checking your pelvic floor, abdominal muscles (for diastasis recti), and overall recovery after birth. It’s ideal for all mums, whether you have symptoms or just want reassurance. For more details about what a Mummy MOT entails click here for our service page.

Question 3

What is abdominal separation (Diastasis Recti)?

Accepted Answer

Diastasis Recti (sometimes called abdominal separation) is a widening of the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles that commonly occurs during pregnancy.
Having a separation is completely normal during pregnancy and many women will continue to have some separation after birth.
Rather than focusing purely on the size of the gap, we'll assess how your abdominal wall is functioning and provide personalised advice and exercises to help you return to the activities that matter to you.

Question 4

I still have a ‘mum tum’. Could it be diastasis recti?

Accepted Answer

It’s possible! A physiotherapy assessment can check for abdominal separation and guide you on safe, effective exercises to help restore function.

Question 5

When should I start C-section scar massage and rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Most women can begin gentle scar rehabilitation from around 6-8 weeks after a Caesarean birth, once the wound has fully healed and there are no signs of infection. Your physiotherapist will always assess your scar first to make sure it's appropriate to begin treatment.
The good news is that scar rehabilitation can still be beneficial months or even years after your Caesarean birth.

Question 6

Is it too late to improve my C-section scar?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not.
There is no upper time limit for scar rehabilitation. Many women seek support months or even years after their Caesarean birth and notice improvements in scar comfort, scar mobility, confidence with movement and abdominal function.

Question 7

Why does my C-section scar still feel tight or numb?

Accepted Answer

It's common for a Caesarean scar to feel different from the surrounding skin. Some women describe tightness, pulling, numbness or altered sensation around the scar, even years later.
Gentle scar massage and rehabilitation may help improve the movement of the tissues around the scar and reduce feelings of tightness or discomfort.

Question 8

Can a C-section affect my core and pelvic floor?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
Pregnancy itself places significant demands on your abdominal muscles, breathing muscles and pelvic floor, regardless of how your baby is born.
Some women notice changes in abdominal strength, pelvic floor symptoms, back or pelvic pain, or feel less confident returning to exercise following a Caesarean birth.
During your assessment, we'll look at how these areas are working together and develop a personalised rehabilitation plan if appropriate.

Question 9

Can a C-Section Scar & Core Restore appointment help with my "mummy tummy"?

Accepted Answer

Many women notice changes in the appearance of their tummy following pregnancy and a Caesarean birth.

These changes can be influenced by a number of factors, including pregnancy itself, breathing patterns, abdominal muscle function, scar healing and individual body shape.
Whilst no one can guarantee changes in appearance, improving strength, confidence and abdominal wall function may also lead to changes in how your tummy looks over time.
Our primary focus is helping you feel stronger, more confident and comfortable in your body.

Question 10

Can a C-Section Scar & Core Restore appointment help if I have pain around my scar or lower back?

Accepted Answer

Many women find that an assessment helps identify factors that may be contributing to symptoms around the scar, abdomen, lower back or pelvis.
Treatment may include education, scar therapy, breathing exercises, movement advice and progressive rehabilitation to help improve comfort and confidence with movement.

Question 11

I had my C-section years ago. Could I still benefit from booking a C-Section Scar & Core Restore appointment??

Accepted Answer

Definitely.
It's never too late to seek advice.
Many women are surprised to discover that even years after a Caesarean birth there are still opportunities to improve comfort, confidence and abdominal function through targeted rehabilitation.

Question 12

When should I start C-section scar massage and rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Most women can begin gentle scar rehabilitation from around 6-8 weeks after a Caesarean birth, once the wound has fully healed and there are no signs of infection. Your physiotherapist will always assess your scar first to make sure it's appropriate to begin treatment.  The good news is that scar rehabilitation can still be beneficial months or even years after your Caesarean birth.

Question 13

Is it too late to improve my C-section scar?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. There is no upper time limit for scar rehabilitation. Many women seek support months or even years after their Caesarean birth and notice improvements in scar comfort, scar mobility, confidence with movement and abdominal function.

Question 14

Why does my C-section scar still feel tight or numb?

Accepted Answer

It's common for a Caesarean scar to feel different from the surrounding skin. Some women describe tightness, pulling, numbness or altered sensation around the scar, even years later.  Gentle scar massage and rehabilitation may help improve the movement of the tissues around the scar and reduce feelings of tightness or discomfort.

Question 15

Can a C-section affect my core and pelvic floor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pregnancy itself places significant demands on your abdominal muscles, breathing muscles and pelvic floor, regardless of how your baby is born.  Some women notice changes in abdominal strength, pelvic floor symptoms, back or pelvic pain, or feel less confident returning to exercise following a Caesarean birth.  During your assessment, we'll look at how these areas are working together and develop a personalised rehabilitation plan if appropriate.

Question 16

Can this help if I have pain around my scar or lower back?

Accepted Answer

Many women find that an assessment helps identify factors that may be contributing to symptoms around the scar, abdomen, lower back or pelvis.  Treatment may include education, scar therapy, breathing exercises, movement advice and progressive rehabilitation to help improve comfort and confidence with movement.

Question 17

Is this appointment suitable if I want to return to exercise?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whether your goal is walking comfortably, returning to the gym, lifting your children or training for a marathon, we'll assess how your body is currently functioning and provide tailored advice to help you progress safely and confidently.

Question 18

What happens during the appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your 75-minute appointment includes:  • A detailed discussion about your symptoms, goals and birth history.  • Assessment of your Caesarean scar and the surrounding tissues.  • Assessment of your abdominal wall, including Diastasis Recti where appropriate.  • Assessment of breathing, posture and core function.  • Assessment of movement patterns that may be relevant to your symptoms or goals. • Hands-on scar therapy where appropriate.  • A silicone scar strip to continue scar care at home.  • Personalised advice, rehabilitation exercises and a clear plan moving forwards.

Question 19

Do I need to have symptoms to book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Many women book because they simply want reassurance, would like to understand their body better after birth, or want guidance returning to exercise safely.  Whether you're experiencing symptoms or simply want to optimise your recovery, this appointment is designed to help you better understand your body and leave with a clear, personalised rehabilitation plan.

Question 20

Where do I park at Meadowside Clinic?

Accepted Answer

There is free parking available directly outside the clinic.

C-Section Scar & Core Restore

What is C-Section Scar & Core Restore?

Who is it for and What's included?