Postpartum Physiotherapy

A comprehensive physiotherapy assessment to understand how your body is recovering after pregnancy and birth, and to create a clear plan for returning to daily activities, exercise and sport.

Suitable after both vaginal and Caesarean birth, whether you are weeks, months or more than a year postpartum.

Note: The assessment and treatment described below are indicative. Your session will be tailored to your individual condition, needs and goals, and may be modified by your physiotherapist based on their clinical judgement.

Who is postpartum physiotherapy for?

Postpartum physiotherapy may be suitable if you:

• Are recovering after a vaginal or Caesarean delivery
• Have symptoms affecting your movement or daily activities
• Feel unsure whether your recovery is progressing as expected
• Want to return to exercise, running, lifting or sport
• Want professional guidance on your postpartum recovery

Common postpartum conditions and symptoms we assess

We assess and manage a range of postpartum concerns, including:

• Abdominal widening, also known as Diastasis Recti (DR)
• Urine leakage or urinary urgency
• Constipation and bowel symptoms
• Pelvic heaviness or pelvic organ prolapse symptoms
• Pelvic floor weakness, tension or coordination difficulties
• Caesarean, perineal or episiotomy scar pain
• Pelvic, back, hip or pelvic girdle pain
• Neck, shoulder or wrist pain
• Pelvic pain or discomfort during intimacy

What happens during the appointment?

Your physiotherapist will first discuss your:

• Medical history
• Pregnancy and birth
• Postpartum recovery
• Current symptoms
• Goals

This is followed by a physical assessment tailored to your concerns, which may include:

• General postural assessment
• Pelvic floor assessment via transabdominal ultrasound, external observation or internal vaginal examination, where appropriate
• DR and abdominal assessment
• Caesarean and perineal scar assessment
• Movement and functional testing

An internal vaginal examination is always optional and will only be performed with your informed consent. Rest assured that our physiotherapists are all female.

Treatment may begin during the same session and may include:

• Manual therapy
• Exercise
• Symptom management strategies
• Guidance on returning to daily activities, exercise or sport

What you will leave with

You will receive:

• A clear explanation of your assessment findings
• Practical guidance for managing your symptoms
• A personalised exercise plan, where appropriate
• Guidance on returning to exercise or sport
• Recommendations for follow-up care

Your next steps

Depending on your assessment and goals, we may recommend:

• Physiotherapy follow-up
• Clinical Pilates
• Strength and Conditioning
• Referral to another healthcare professional, where appropriate