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Prenatal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Services Category

Restore. Reconnect. Recover.
What Is Postnatal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Postnatal (postpartum) pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and function of the pelvic floor and core muscles after childbirth — whether you delivered vaginally or via C-section.

During pregnancy and delivery, the pelvic floor undergoes significant stretch and pressure. These changes can affect bladder and bowel control, posture, and core stability.
A pelvic health physiotherapist helps you heal safely, rebuild confidence, and return to the activities you love.

Benefits of Postnatal Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Physical Recovery

  • Improves bladder and bowel control – retrains muscles that may have weakened or been stretched during pregnancy or delivery.
  • Reduces pain and heaviness – addresses pelvic pressure, prolapse symptoms, or scar discomfort.
  • Promotes healing of perineal or C-section scars – through gentle manual therapy, scar massage, and mobility work.
  • Restores abdominal strength – supports recovery from diastasis recti (abdominal separation).
  • Relieves back, hip, or tailbone pain – by improving posture and core coordination.

 

Functional & Emotional Benefits

  • Enhances posture and stability – reconnects your deep core system (pelvic floor, diaphragm, abdominals, and back).
  • Improves confidence in movement and intimacy – reduces fear, pain, or leakage.
  • Supports return to exercise – safely guides you through rebuilding strength for walking, lifting, and workouts.
  • Supports mental wellbeing – helps mothers feel in control of their recovery and body again.

“A strong, flexible pelvic floor is not just about muscles — it’s about confidence, comfort, and freedom in your new body.”

Common Postnatal Conditions Addressed
Condition Description How Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps
Urinary or Fecal Leakage Involuntary loss of urine or stool after birth Retrains pelvic floor muscles and bladder/bowel habits
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Heaviness, pressure, or bulging in the vaginal area Strengthening, breathwork, and positioning to reduce strain
Pelvic Pain or Perineal Discomfort Pain from stitches, tears, or scar tension Gentle manual therapy, desensitization, relaxation training
C-Section Scar Pain Numbness, tightness, or restriction Scar tissue release, mobility work, core reactivation
Diastasis Recti (Ab Separation) Gap or bulge down the midline of your abdomen Deep core activation, posture correction, breathing techniques
Low Back, Hip, or Tailbone Pain From weakened or unbalanced core/pelvic muscles Strength, stabilization, and manual therapy
Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) From pelvic floor tension or scar sensitivity Relaxation, myofascial release, and graded pelvic exercises
Constipation or Straining Due to weakened or tight muscles Bowel mechanics training, dietary and breathing advice
When Should You Start Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Postpartum?
You can begin gentle pelvic floor awareness almost immediately after birth — but formal physiotherapy sessions are usually recommended from 6 weeks postpartum, once cleared by your healthcare provider. Suggested Timeline:
  • 0–4 weeks: Focus on rest, breathing, circulation, and gentle awareness (no heavy exercise).
  • 4–6 weeks: Schedule your pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment.
    • Your therapist will check healing, assess your pelvic floor and core, and design a recovery plan.
  • 6–12 weeks: Begin structured strengthening, posture retraining, and gradual return to activity.
  • Beyond 12 weeks: Progress to higher-impact activities like jogging, HIIT, or strength training — with pelvic health clearance.
Even if it’s been months or years since giving birth, it’s never too late to benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy.
What to Expect During Your Session

Your postnatal pelvic floor physiotherapist will:

  1. Review your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum symptoms.
  2. Assess posture, core strength, breathing, and scar healing.
  3. Perform an external and/or internal pelvic floor exam (with your consent) to assess muscle tone, strength, and relaxation.
  4. Design a personalized program that may include:
    • Pelvic floor muscle training (activation or relaxation)
    • Core and breathwork retraining
    • Scar and soft tissue mobilization
    • Education on bladder/bowel habits, posture, and exercise modification
    • Safe return-to-fitness plan

 

Safety Considerations in the Postpartum Period

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is safe, gentle, and tailored to your stage of recovery.
However, your therapist will always ensure your body is ready and your medical team has cleared you.

Safe To Begin When:

  • Bleeding has reduced and you’ve had your 4–6 week checkup.
  • Any incisions or tears are healing well and not infected.
  • You feel comfortable lying down and moving around.

Caution or Delay If:

  • You have a fever, infection, or heavy bleeding.
  • You’re experiencing severe pain or unresolved complications.
  • Your doctor advises waiting longer due to C-section recovery or medical concerns.

Therapist Safety Practices:

  • All assessments are performed with full informed consent and in a private, supportive setting.
  • Internal techniques are only performed if medically appropriate and you are comfortable.
  • Exercise intensity is always modified to suit your recovery and energy levels.
Key Takeaways
  • Postnatal pelvic floor therapy helps restore strength, control, and confidence after birth.
  • It addresses pain, leakage, prolapse, and abdominal separation safely and effectively.
  • The best time to start is around 4–6 weeks postpartum (once cleared).
  • All treatments are safe, personalized, and consent-based.
  • Even years later, it’s never too late to begin your recovery journey.
“Healing after birth isn’t just about time — it’s about guidance, connection, and care.”
Ask your pelvic health physiotherapist about scheduling your postnatal assessment today