Postnatal Physiotherapy
Are you searching for a physiotherapist who can support your recovery after childbirth? At Beyond, our dedicated team of Women’s, Men’s, and Pelvic Health Physiotherapists is here to help you navigate the postnatal period with care, expertise, and understanding. We know that the weeks and months following childbirth are crucial for a new mum’s physical recovery, and our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible.
The postnatal (or postpartum) period refers to the time immediately following childbirth. It’s a phase filled with new experiences, challenges, and significant physical changes. While the joy of having a new baby is unparalleled, the demands on a mother’s body don’t end after pregnancy and birth. This critical stage of recovery is often overlooked, but it deserves focused care to ensure that new mums can heal well and return to the activities they love.
At Beyond, we understand the unique needs of new mothers and the time constraints they face. Between feeding, changing nappies, and adjusting to life with a newborn, finding time for self-care can feel impossible. That’s why our services are flexible, supportive, and designed to fit into your busy life.
What is postnatal physiotherapy?
Postnatal physiotherapy addresses the physical changes and challenges that arise after pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnancy is a transformative journey that significantly impacts a woman’s body, particularly the abdominal (tummy) muscles and pelvic floor. Recovery from these changes doesn’t always happen automatically, and some issues may linger or require specialised attention.
Postnatal physiotherapy at Beyond focuses on rehabilitating the core and pelvic floor muscles, relieving pain, and restoring overall function. Our experienced physiotherapists use a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and specific treatments like pelvic floor muscle training to ensure optimal recovery. We also provide guidance on safe ways to return to exercise, helping you regain strength and confidence.
Common postnatal concerns:
Many women experience a variety of physical issues after childbirth. Some of the most common concerns we treat include:
Abdominal and Pelvic Floor Weakness: During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles stretch and weaken, often leading to diastasis recti (a separation between the abdominal muscles). The pelvic floor muscles also endure significant strain, which can impact bladder and bowel control.
Incontinence (Bladder and Bowel): Leakage or difficulty with bladder and bowel control is common postpartum but can be distressing. Physiotherapy offers effective solutions to restore strength and function.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: When the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) shift from their normal position, it can cause discomfort or a sense of heaviness. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help manage and alleviate these symptoms.
Neck, Back, or Pelvic Pain: The physical demands of pregnancy and caring for a newborn, such as breastfeeding and lifting, can cause pain and discomfort. Our physiotherapists use manual techniques and exercise prescriptions to address these issues.
Concerns About Returning to Exercise: Many women are eager to return to high-impact activities like running or sports but feel uncertain about when and how to do so safely. We create personalised plans to help you transition back to your favourite workouts.
Breast Engorgement and Mastitis: Breastfeeding can lead to painful conditions like engorgement or mastitis. We use gentle techniques, including therapeutic ultrasound, to provide relief and promote healing.
Wrist and Hand Pain: Conditions like “mummy thumb” (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis) are common among new mothers from repetitive baby lifting and handling. Physiotherapy can ease pain and improve mobility.
When should I see a physio postpartum?
We recommend scheduling a consultation with a pelvic health physiotherapist at Beyond approximately 2–3 weeks after your baby is born, ideally through a convenient Telehealth session. This allows for early guidance on your recovery from the comfort of your own home. Following this, a face-to-face consultation around the 6-week mark is essential to thoroughly assess your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.
2–3 Weeks Postpartum Check-Up
In the early postpartum weeks, we understand that it’s often easier for new mums to stay at home. Our Telehealth appointments allow you to connect with your physiotherapist from your couch, often while cuddling your baby and in the comfort of your pyjamas.
During this initial virtual consultation, we will:
Assess Your Tummy: We guide you on how to check your abdominal muscles for diastasis recti and provide recommendations for core support.
Discuss Your Pelvic Floor: We talk about pelvic floor health and explain gentle exercises that can help with recovery.
Caesarean Recovery Support: If you’ve had a C-section, we provide advice on wound care, scar management, and exercises to promote healing.
Educate on Back Care: We offer practical tips for protecting your back while feeding or carrying your baby, and advice for managing a toddler if you have older children.
Exercise Guidance: We outline safe, low-impact activities to start with and what to avoid in these early weeks.
6 Week Postpartum check up:
The 6-week postpartum appointment is a comprehensive, face-to-face assessment where we can evaluate your physical recovery in detail. Here’s what to expect:
Diastasis Recti Assessment (RAD/DRAM Check): We check the width and depth of any separation between your abdominal muscles and prescribe exercises to restore core strength.
Pelvic Floor Examination: We assess your pelvic floor muscle function to ensure you are doing the exercises correctly. We measure muscle strength, endurance, and check readiness for a return to higher-intensity workouts, such as running, gym sessions, or Pilates.
Develop a Recovery Plan: We design a personalised treatment plan to help you regain strength, improve posture, and gradually return to your favourite activities. Our focus is on building resilience and confidence in your body.
Read more about the 6 week check up here.
What is a Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD or DRAM) assessment?
Diastasis recti is a common condition where the abdominal muscles stretch and separate during pregnancy. The fascia (connective tissue) between the muscles thins and weakens, creating a gap that can affect core strength and stability.
During your assessment, we measure this gap’s width and depth and test your abdominal function. Our physiotherapists then guide you through a tailored exercise program to close the gap, restore strength, and prevent further complications. We also offer advice on postnatal classes and suitable activities to help you get back to what you love, whether it’s yoga, swimming, or high-impact sports.
Beyond Physiotherapy’s Comprehensive Postnatal Services
At Beyond, our care for new mothers extends beyond traditional physiotherapy. We offer a range of complementary services to support your recovery:
Clinical Pilates: Our physiotherapist-led Clinical Pilates classes focus on core strength, flexibility, and pelvic stability. These sessions are perfect for mums looking to rebuild their core and overall strength in a safe, supportive environment.
Exercise Physiology: Our exercise physiologists can create individualised exercise programs tailored to your postnatal recovery and fitness goals, whether you are easing back into activity or training for a specific sport.
Osteopathy: Osteopathy offers hands-on techniques to address musculoskeletal imbalances, helping to relieve neck, back, or pelvic pain and improve mobility.
Myotherapy and Remedial Massage: These therapies are effective for releasing muscle tension, particularly in the back, shoulders, and arms, which can become strained from breastfeeding or carrying your baby.
How we can support you throughout your postnatal journey.
Postnatal physiotherapy is about empowering new mothers with the knowledge, support, and tools they need to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. At Beyond, we are committed to helping you rebuild your pelvic floor and core strength, alleviate pain, and regain confidence in your body.
We also understand the importance of posture correction and functional training, ensuring you’re well-equipped to meet the demands of motherhood. Our team will conduct a comprehensive assessment and create a tailored treatment plan, allowing you to enjoy this special time with your baby and embrace the activities you love.
Let Beyond be your partner in postnatal recovery. Our wide range of services, from Clinical Pilates to Osteopathy, ensures that every aspect of your well-being is supported. Book your postpartum assessment today and take the first step towards a stronger, healthier you.
