C-Section Scar Therapy and Release in Athlone
Specialist C-section Scar Therapy in Athlone. I work with fully healed C-section scars, generally from around 12 weeks after the operation, depending on individual healing and medical advice. I also work on surrounding scar tissue using Sharon Wheeler ScarWork, helping clients who may experience tightness, numbness, sensitivity, discomfort or changes in the appearance of their scar.
"I highly recommend Athlone Holistic Therapies and the work Olwyn does on C-Section scar work and healing. Having struggled to initially find someone who offers C- Section therapy, I found Athlone Holistic Therapies and have never looked back since!
Having had 3 C-Sections I was so conscious about my scar and really wanted to ensure it was healing externally and internally. The quality of work of the C-section scar massage was exceptional. I felt safe, and cared for throughout the whole process. The improvement in my scar tissue and scar has been remarkable. This service is delivered with real expertise and compassion. I feel like a new woman after every session and cannot recommend it enough. The quality of service Olwyn provides at Athlone Holistic Therapies is exceptional.
I also brought my baby to Olwyn who helped with releasing tension and reflux with my baby who was really unsettled. I immediately saw a difference and relief in my baby after a visit with Olwyn. 100% recommend.
- Patricia Shally, Co Westmeath, 2026
The HSE reports that 41% of women are giving birth by Cesarean Section (C-section) in Ireland. A C-section is a major abdominal operation, and while many women heal without ongoing problems, some notice changes around the scar after the incision itself has healed. Scar tissue can feel tight, numb, sensitive or restricted, and adhesions may develop between layers of tissue. These symptoms can be close to the incision point or in completely different parts of the body that seem unrelated.
Symptoms associated with C-Section Scar Tissue and Adhesions:
Everyone heals differently. A fully healed C-section scar may feel completely comfortable, but some women notice changes such as:
- Numbness or lack of feeling in or around the area of the scar
- Pain
- Tightness in and around the scar
- Discomfort around the entire abdomen
- Feeling of disconnection between lower and upper body
- Hypersensitivity
- Burning
- Itching
- Physical appearance of scar may be pale/white, red and ‘angry’, raised
C-section scar tissue can develop between layers and adhesions can attach to other structures, organs and tissue. Scar tissue and adhesions can sometimes feel tight or restricted, and some people notice changes in sensation or movement around a surgical scar. The effects can vary considerably from person to person. If you have persistent pain, change in sensation, bowel or bladder symptoms, or any concerns about your recovery, it's important to discuss these with your GP, midwife, physiotherapist or other appropriate healthcare professional.
For some women, the changes after a C-section aren't only physical. A scar, altered abdominal shape, an overhang or changes in how the area feels can affect body confidence and the way you feel about yourself. These concerns are completely valid and can be discussed as part of your consultation.
Women are typically not guided (other than immediate wound care) to take the next step after they leave the hospital - to receive treatment from a qualified practitioner. But help is at hand - literally!
Please contact me to know more or to set up appointment:
My ScarWork experience in Athlone
In 2019 I invited internationally renowned ScarWork trainer Jan Trewartha to Athlone to teach Sharon Wheeler ScarWork for the first time in Ireland. I continue to use ScarWork in my practice in Athlone. As word spreads the demand increases. I am so delighted to use this powerful modality for C-Section clients.
Can old C-Section Scars be treated?
Yes. ScarWork can be used on older scars as well as more recent, fully healed scars. In my experience, even scars that are decades old can change in texture, mobility and sensitivity when they are worked with gently. Older scars can sometimes be more complex because the surrounding tissues may have adapted over time, so each person is assessed individually. I have even worked on 50 year old scars that changed texture and eased within minutes.
ScarWork between pregnancies
If you're planning another pregnancy after a C-section, you may wish to consider having your scar assessed and worked on before becoming pregnant again. This can be an opportunity to address any areas of tightness, sensitivity or restricted movement around an earlier scar. If you're pregnant or planning another pregnancy, it's always advisable to discuss any concerns about your previous C-section with your healthcare professional.
What happens during treatment?
ScarWork is gentle, hands-on work that focuses on the scar and surrounding tissues. I first look at how the scar feels, moves and sits within the surrounding tissue. The treatment is adapted to each individual and does not involve forcing or aggressively massaging the scar.
You remain clothed except for the area being worked on, and I explain what I'm doing throughout the session. The aim is to encourage greater ease and mobility in the scar and surrounding tissues and to help you become more comfortable with the area of your body that may have felt changed since your C-section.