Postpartum Physiotherapy

Ideal for mamas of any stage! Get the guidance you deserve for optimal health and recovery postpartum.

Most women receive clearance to resume regular activities at 6 weeks postpartum. However, without proper rehab of the pelvic floor, many may develop urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pain with intercourse, and more. The belief may be that these common physical symptoms are a new “normal”. Whether you have had a vaginal or cesarean birth, postpartum physiotherapy will help you restore your pelvic floor and core so you can return to regular activities and exercise that you love symptom free.

physiotherapy services for postpartum and pregnant women

What’s Involved in postpartum physiotherapy?

Detailed assessment of core and pelvic floor function.
Diastasis recti assessment and treatment.
Scar tissue massage techniques (for perineal or abdominal incisions).
Internal assessment and treatment techniques to help decrease tension and increase the function of your pelvic floor.
External manual and manipulative therapy to improve joint mobility and tissue dynamics.
Individualized exercise prescription to address your unique needs followed by videos to guide a home exercise program.
Individualized support and guidance to return to activities and sports that you love.
Acupuncture and/or Dry Needling to reduce pain and muscle tension.
Treatment for common postpartum conditions: pelvic girdle pain (SI joints, pubic symphysis), low back pain, tailbone pain, urinary/fecal incontinence, prolapse, diastasis recti, pain with intercourse.
*Internal assessments after birth begin after your 6 week follow up with your doctor/midwife. Postpartum appointments that are sooner will consist only of external assessment and treatment.

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Possible Outcomes with Pelvic Health PT

No Leaking

Get back to activities you love without worrying about leaking with things like jumping, running, or lifting, even after kids.
Relief from Pain

You do not need to live with pelvic pain. Pelvic physio can help whether you are experiencing it during pregnancy or otherwise.
Prepared for Birth

Get the education you deserve on how to effectively prepare your mind and body for birth while minimizing impact on the pelvic floor.
Relief from Pelvic Pressure

Participate in daily life and activities you enjoy without the heaviness holding you back.
Stronger Core

Stay connected to your core in pregnancy, and rehab and retrain it postpartum - after vaginal or cesarean birth, and if dealing with diastasis recti.
Fewer Bathroom Trips

Learn tips to reduce those inconvenient bathroom trips. It’s not your “small bladder” causing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a branch of orthopedic physiotherapy that focuses on the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and fascia of the pelvic girdle. The pelvic floor muscles are a basket of muscles that sit at the base of the pelvis connecting from the pubic bone in the front to the tailbone at the back, and side to side between the sitz bones. They provide support for your pelvic organs (bladder, rectum, uterus), help to maintain urinary and fecal continence, provide stability for the lumbo-pelvic and hip joints, and aid in sexual function and circulation through the pelvis. A registered pelvic health physiotherapist has received advanced training and certification in the muscles and tissues of the pelvis and will use internal (vaginal and/or rectal) and external techniques to assess and treat the pelvic floor and associated structures.
Those experiencing any of the following:
Incontinence (urinary or fecal)
Urinary/fecal urgency and frequency
Pelvic organ prolapse
Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
Pelvic girdle pain (SI joint, pubic symphysis)
Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
Vaginismus
Vulvodynia/Vestibulodynia
Pudendal neuralgia
Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Pain associated with endometriosis and/or dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
Constipation
Hip, low back and sacroiliac joint pain that has not responded to traditional care
If pregnant and wanting to prepare your body (including pelvic floor) for birth and get a head start on your postpartum recovery.
Absolutely. A comprehensive pelvic assessment should involve the whole body as everything is connected. In order to address your pelvic symptoms we may need to treat beyond the pelvis (upper/mid/low back, hips, knees, ankles, etc).
The internal exam (vaginal and/or rectal) is performed to assess the pelvic floor muscles and associated structures. This is critical in identifying the tone, strength, and control of your pelvic floor muscles. However, if you do not want to have an internal exam it is not mandatory. The procedure, benefits, and alternative options will be explained to you so you can make an informed decision. You may withdraw consent at any time should you change your mind.