Myofascial release versus deep friction massage for C-section scar healing and abdominal recovery
Official title: Effect of Myofascial Release Versus Deep Friction Massage on Abdominal Recovery and Scar After Cesarean Section
Run by Cairo University · NCT07130747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether myofascial release or deep friction massage helps women with long-term C-section scar pain improve abdominal recovery and scar symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 30 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alexandria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07130747 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women 30–45 years old, more than six months after a cesarean with a well-healed scar causing chronic pain, and a BMI under 30, who are not pregnant and have no major uncontrolled medical conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active abdominal infection, uncontrolled metabolic disease, significant neurological or mental health issues, recent spinal surgery, or other exclusionary conditions are unlikely to benefit from these interventions within this study.
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 compares two hands-on physiotherapy approaches—myofascial release and deep friction massage—on abdominal function and scar outcomes after cesarean delivery. Women with a well-healed C-section scar and chronic pain more than six months postpartum will receive one of the manual therapies alongside routine scar-care advice. Therapists will apply standardized techniques and outcome measures will include scar mobility, pain, and abdominal recovery over follow-up visits. The goal is to give physiotherapists practical evidence about which approach better supports healing and symptom relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred manual therapy could reduce scar-related pain and stiffness, improve abdominal mobility, and enhance quality of life after C-section.
How similar studies have gone: Some small clinical reports and pilot studies suggest manual scar therapies can help C-section scar pain, but high-quality randomized evidence remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. All postpartum women \>6 months postnatal having a post-Cesarean-section scar. 2. Postpartum women with a well-healed cesarean section scar resulted in chronic pain in the scar, pelvis, or abdomen. 3. Their ages will range from 30 to 45 years. 4. Their body mass index (BMI) is less than 30 kg/m². Exclusion Criteria: 1. Pregnant women or planning for pregnancy. 2. Postpartum women with abdominal infectious diseases. 3. Cardiovascular diseases. 4. Previous spinal surgery. 5. History of skeletal deformity. 6. Participation in any other exercise training program during this study. 7. Malignant condition 8. History of acute infection 9. Neurological problem 10. Mental problem to prevent evaluation and cooperation 11. Having uncontrolled metabolic diseases like diabetes and thyroid disease
Where it's running
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the Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient clinics, Alexandria University Hospitals, Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Moaz Khaled Elsayed Mohamed, physical therapist
- Email: moazkhaled437@gmail.com
- Phone: +201068923232
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.