If you’ve had a cesarean section, or really any surgery, you would know that your scar could be a bit of an issue afterward. We’re not just talking aesthetically; while most of us can get used to the appearance of a scar over time since they do tend to fade, and thankfully a c-section scar is usually well hidden under your undergarments or a bikini. However, the reality is that the scar can cause some functional limitations and changes which may not be ideal.
It’s important to remember that scars don’t just sit on the surface of the skin. In order to deliver a baby surgically, the incision has to go through several layers of skin, muscle and fascia, which means that the scar is truly 3D. This can cause any number of functional changes to the tissues.
Some of the common changes we see in the scar and the tissue around the scar after c-section can include:
- “Tethering” – this is where the skin on one side pulls a bit more than the skin on the other side, causing a bit of discomfort
- Numbness around the incision site. This often *mostly* resolves over time (expect it to take 1+ years or more), but for some, there is an altered sensation around that scar long-term. This altered sensation can range from hyperasthesia – where there is extra sensation, which is not always very comfortable, to anaesthesia – where the area remains numb.
- Scar discomfort including itchiness and pain
- Functional issues – it’s not uncommon for our clients to find that even long after having a cesarean section, their core strength is not what it was (after all, the surgery cut right through your abdominal muscles), and there may be some limitations in range of motion in the trunk and lower limbs.
One of the treatments we love the most for scar recovery – and this can be applied to ANY scar, not just for c-section recovery – is the Dolphin Neurostim. Dolphin Neurostim is a scar release treatment with clinically observed improvements in scar recovery following cesarean births.
What does Dolphin Neurostim Treatment Involve?
The Dolphin Neurostim involves applying two microcurrent pens to the scar site – it can feel a bit numb and prickly, or a tiny bit scratchy, but the treatment is not painful. It takes 20 minutes or less, and we usually recommend a handful of appointments – usually if you’re going to see results, it will be in the first 4-6 treatments.
How does Dolphin Neurostim work to heal a scar?
The mechanism of action of Dolphin relates to changes in polarity. Prior to injury or a scar, skin is negatively polarized. Trauma and scar formation causes the skin to become positively polarized during trauma. While this doesn’t seem like a big deal in and of itself, the positive polarity then reduces cell communication throughout the sympathetic nervous system.
The treatment goal of the Dolphin is to reverse scar tissue polarity back to being negatively polarized once again. This allows cell communication, fascial release, deactivation of the stress system, improved circulation and lymphatic drainage.
What is the expected outcome of Dolphin Neurostim Treatment?
Clients at Oona have reported less pain and itchiness, improved colouration, and less stiffness, thickness and irregularity in their scar tissue with Dolphin Neurostim treatment.
Some of the outcomes observed by practitioners include improved vascularization (blood supply) and reduced pigmentation, reduced thickness, reduced altered sensation, pain relief, and increased pliability and mobility throughout scars. This means that you are more comfortable, and you are able to better recover and improve your functional limitations.
Is Dolphin Neurostim Treatment covered by my extended health insurance?
Yes! Dolphin Neurostim Treatment is offered by our physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors and naturopaths. This means that your extended health insurance will cover it under one of those designations as a part of their treatment.
How do I book a Dolphin Neurostim Treatment?
To book your Dolphin Neurostim Treatment, visit our website at www.oonacares.com and follow the links to book online.
If you have any questions about the Dolphin Neurostim Treatment, or any of our other services, don’t hesitate to either email us at hello@oonacares.com or call us at 416.960.5656. We’re here to help and we’re looking forward to helping you feel your very best.
