Exploring the Effects of Soft Tissue Manual Therapy on Caesarean Section Scar

Introduction: Caesarean section is one of the most common inpatient surgical procedures. Complications of obstetric wounds are estimated to account for 2.8-26.6% of cases. Between 11 and 15% of women would develop pain and discomfort following a Caesarean section. Manual therapies may be an interesting non-pharmacological approach to treating the signs and symptoms of scarring complications following a Caesarean section. However, the current literature with an in vivo perspective remains modest results for the effects of tissue physiology and their effects on pain. Method: Using an exploratory "proof of concept" type descriptive design with before and after measurements, the immediate and 7-day effects following the application of soft tissue manual therapy on the Caesarean section scar will be evaluated. The objectives are to describe and explore differences from the effects of soft tissue manual therapy on the viscoelastic properties, pressure sensitivity and touch sensitivity of the Caesarean section scar. Thirty-eight women aged between 18 and 40 years with a Caesarean section scar who attend first-line or specialized obstetrics and perinatal clinics will be recruited. Anticipated results This project will document the viscoelastic characteristics, pressure sensitivity and touch sensitivity of the C-section scar and surrounding unhealed tissue to improve our understanding of the plausibility of the effects of manual therapy, an approach used to treat the signs and symptoms associated with C-section scarring.