Effects of massage and exercises on cesarean scar and recovery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study explores rehabilitation approaches for cesarean scar pain and physical recovery. Participants are adults with one or more cesarean births, at least five weeks postpartum, and with healed incisions who experience scar-related pain. The trial compares direct scar massage to an indirect massage group, aiming to improve scar tissue mobility, reduce discomfort, and support return to daily activities. Outcomes focus on pain and functional recovery in the weeks following the intervention. The study is led by Concordia University in Montreal at the Richard J. Renaud Science Complex.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Have had 1 or more cesarean births.
* Have had a cesarean birth, and within the past 6 months.
* Minimum 5-weeks postpartum (to start the study), with a fully healed incision.
* No history of wound complications during initial healing (e.g., wound opening, fluid collection, or surgical site infection).
* Presence of pain or unpleasant sensations associated with the cesarean scar (e.g., hypersensitivity, pulling, tightness, or lower back pain) that were not present prior to surgery. The pain could be intermittent, at rest or with activity.

  o Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used here. The potential participant will be instructed to rate their highest level of pain on a scale of 0-10 at some point in the month prior to this eligibility screening. This rating must be a minimum 3/10. If they are less than a 3/10 on the NPRS they will be excluded.
* No previous or current scar therapy following the most current cesarean birth.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of cancer.
* Presence of an active infection.
* Regular use of analgesic medication specifically for cesarean scar-related pain.
* Currently pregnant, actively undergoing fertility treatment, or planning pregnancy during the study intervention period.
* History of radiation therapy to the abdominal area.
* Known connective tissue disorders affecting tissue healing (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).
* Uncontrolled diabetes or other endocrine disorders.
* Neurological conditions affecting sensation (e.g., peripheral neuropathy or central nervous system disorders).

Where it's running

• Concordia University- RICHARD J. RENAUD SCIENCE COMPLEX (SP Building)
  Montreal, Quebec, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Andreas Bergdahl, PhD
• Email: andreas.bergdahl@concordia.ca
• Phone: 514-848-2424

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.