C-Section Recovery Physiotherapy in Clapham
Scar pain, numbness, a weak core or not sure when it’s safe to exercise after your caesarean? Specialist postnatal physiotherapy can help you recover with confidence. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Recovering From a Caesarean Section
As part of our postnatal physiotherapy service, Olivia offers C-section recovery physiotherapy in Clapham, helping you heal comfortably, rebuild core and pelvic floor strength and return to exercise safely.
Recovering From a C-Section
A caesarean section is major abdominal surgery, and recovery takes time. According to the NHS, most women leave hospital one or two days afterwards, with a horizontal scar about 10 to 20cm long just below the bikini line.
As well as the scar, pregnancy itself puts strain on your tummy muscles and pelvic floor, so many women benefit from support to recover fully.
The First Six Weeks
The NHS advises that you’ll need to avoid driving, exercise, heavy lifting and sex at first, which may be for around six weeks. During this time:
- Gently clean and dry your wound every day
- Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear
- Take pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need it
- Start gentle walking and pelvic floor exercises
Contact your midwife or GP if your wound becomes more red, painful or swollen, has a discharge, or if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, a cough, shortness of breath, or pain and swelling in your leg.
How Physiotherapy Helps After a Caesarean
Physiotherapy supports your recovery once early healing has taken place. Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Assessment and gentle treatment of your scar
- Deep core and pelvic floor exercises to rebuild strength
- A check for tummy muscle separation
- Advice on lifting, feeding positions and getting in and out of bed
- A step-by-step plan to return to exercise
C-Section Scar Pain, Numbness and Tightness
It’s common for a caesarean scar to feel numb, sensitive, itchy or tight, or for the tissue around it to feel as if it’s pulling when you move. Sensation often improves gradually over many months.
If your scar is still painful, tight or limiting your movement, physiotherapy can help improve its flexibility and comfort.
C-Section Scar Massage
Once your wound has fully healed and there are no signs of infection, gentle scar massage can help reduce sensitivity and improve how the scar and surrounding tissue move.
Olivia can check your scar is ready, then show you how to massage it safely at home, starting gently and building up as it becomes more comfortable.
C-Section Shelf and Overhang
Some women notice an overhang of skin and tissue above their scar, often called a C-section shelf or pouch. It can be linked to the scar tethering the tissue above it, changes in the tummy muscles and stretched skin.
Physiotherapy can improve how your scar moves and help rebuild your core strength. It won’t always change how your tummy looks, but many women find it feels and functions better.
Your Pelvic Floor After a Caesarean
Having a caesarean doesn’t mean your pelvic floor is unaffected, as carrying a baby for nine months puts it under strain. NICE guidance recommends that all women are encouraged to do pelvic floor muscle training after birth.
If you notice leaking, heaviness or pain during sex, Olivia can help. A tummy gap is common after a caesarean too.
Returning to Exercise After a C-Section
Getting back to exercise after a caesarean should be gradual, starting with walking, breathing and gentle core and pelvic floor exercises, then building strength before returning to running or high-impact exercise.
Olivia can assess your scar, core and pelvic floor and create a step-by-step plan, or you can book a full Postnatal MOT.
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
C-Section Recovery FAQs
- When can I start exercising after a C-section?
Gentle walking and pelvic floor exercises can usually start in the early weeks. The NHS advises avoiding exercise and heavy lifting at first, which may be for around six weeks. Build up gradually after that, and get your core and pelvic floor checked before returning to running or high-impact exercise.
- When can I start C-section scar massage?
Once your wound has fully healed and there are no signs of infection. Olivia can check your scar and show you how to start gently.
- Is it normal for my C-section scar to be numb?
Yes, numbness around the scar is common because small nerves in the skin are cut during surgery. Sensation often improves gradually over many months. If your scar is painful or very sensitive, physiotherapy can help.
- Do I need pelvic floor exercises after a caesarean?
Yes. Pregnancy puts strain on your pelvic floor whether you give birth vaginally or by caesarean, and NICE recommends pelvic floor muscle training for all women after birth.
- Is it too late if my C-section was years ago?
No. Many women see real improvement in scar comfort, core strength and pelvic floor function years after their caesarean.
- Do I have to have an internal examination?
No. An internal examination helps Olivia assess your pelvic floor, but it’s always optional. Your scar and core can still be assessed and treated without one.
- Do I need a referral for C-section recovery physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP, midwife or health visitor if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
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Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.