Postnatal Physiotherapy
Recover with care – personalised support to help your body heal and regain strength after childbirth.
About postnatal physiotherapy
The post‑partum period is a time of significant physical change as your body recovers from pregnancy and childbirth. While welcoming a new baby is a joyful milestone, many women find that their bodies need dedicated care to recover fully. Postnatal physiotherapy focuses on helping you restore strength, mobility and confidence in your body so you can return to everyday life with greater comfort and resilience.
After childbirth, common concerns can include pelvic floor weakness, abdominal separation (diastasis), back and pelvic discomfort, and changes in posture or movement patterns. These changes can impact function, confidence and comfort long after delivery. The goal of postnatal physiotherapy is to support your body’s recovery gently and effectively, helping you move, lift, carry and care for your child with strength and ease.
What is postnatal physiotherapy?
Postnatal physiotherapy is a form of physiotherapy designed to support recovery following childbirth. It addresses the physical changes that occur in the body during pregnancy and delivery, including muscular adaptations, postural shifts and tension in the pelvic and core regions.
This form of care uses evidence‑informed assessments and treatments to help you regain strength in key muscle groups, improve pelvic support, enhance posture and manage any pain or functional limitations. Your physiotherapist will work with you to develop a personalised plan that considers your unique recovery needs and goals — whether you’re navigating post‑partum discomfort, returning to exercise or simply seeking to feel stronger and more aligned in daily life.
Postnatal physiotherapy symptoms & challenges
Women may seek postnatal physiotherapy for a range of symptoms that can arise after childbirth, including:
- Pelvic floor weakness or incontinence, particularly when coughing, lifting or exercising.
- Low back, pelvic or hip discomfort as muscles and joints recover from pregnancy and delivery.
- Abdominal separation (diastasis recti), where the abdominal muscles have stretched and need supported strengthening.
- Postural changes due to caring for a newborn, such as forward head posture and rounded shoulders from feeding and lifting.
- Reduced core stability and functional strength, affecting everyday tasks.
- Tension or discomfort around the pelvis or lower back, including symptoms from past pregnancy‑related pelvic girdle pain.
Identifying these symptoms early allows your clinician to tailor a recovery plan that supports your specific needs and functional goals.
Postnatal physiotherapy treatments
A personalised postnatal physiotherapy plan may include:
- Comprehensive Assessment and Goal Setting – A detailed evaluation of your post‑partum body, movement patterns and recovery goals to tailor care effectively.
- Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation – Targeted exercises and strategies to improve pelvic floor strength, support continence and enhance core function.
- Core Stability and Abdominal Recovery – Programs to safely rebuild abdominal strength and address separation of the abdominal muscles.
- Manual Therapy and Gentle Techniques – Hands‑on care to ease muscle tension, improve joint mobility and support overall comfort and recovery.
- Posture and Movement Education – Guidance to improve daily posture, reduce strain from infant care tasks and support efficient movement patterns.
- Functional Strengthening Exercises – Progressive strengthening focused on pelvic, core, back and hip muscles to help you move with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start postnatal physiotherapy?
Postnatal physiotherapy can begin as early as a few weeks after delivery once you’ve had clearance from your healthcare provider. Starting early can help address muscle weakness, pelvic floor concerns and movement habits before they become persistent.
Can physiotherapy help pelvic floor issues after childbirth?
Is it normal to have back or pelvic pain after childbirth?
Will physiotherapy help me return to exercise safely?
Why choose us?
Individualised postnatal support
Every recovery journey is unique. We tailor treatment plans to your specific needs, addressing your symptoms, goals and lifestyle with personalised care.
Experienced women’s health clinicians
Our team has experience supporting women through post‑partum recovery. We understand the physical adaptations following childbirth and provide compassionate, evidence‑informed care.
Holistic, movement‑based approach
We combine hands‑on techniques, strength‑building exercises and education to support your recovery and help you regain confidence in your body’s movement and function.