Physiotherapy for Postnatal Recovery: What New Mums Should Know

If you’ve recently had a baby, it’s easy to focus all your attention on your little one while putting your own recovery to the bottom of the list. But your body has been through an enormous amount, and it’s completely normal to need some support as it heals. Whether you’re experiencing pelvic floor weakness, abdominal separation, back pain or discomfort after a caesarean section, postnatal physiotherapy can help you recover safely, rebuild strength and feel more confident in your body again.

In this guide, we’ll explain how postnatal physiotherapy can support your recovery and what you can expect.

Common Postnatal Issues Physiotherapy Can Help With

Physiotherapy for postnatal recovery covers a wide range of changes that are common after pregnancy and birth, even though they’re not always talked about.

Pelvic Floor and Bladder Symptoms

These symptoms are common after pregnancy and birth and can often be improved with physiotherapy.

  • Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
  • A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the vagina.
  • Reduced pelvic floor strength or control.
  • Discomfort during intercourse.

Core and Musculoskeletal Changes

Pregnancy and birth can leave your muscles and joints feeling weaker or more strained.

  • Abdominal separation, known as diastasis recti.
  • Pelvic girdle or lower back pain.
  • C-section scar tightness or discomfort.
  • General weakness after reduced activity during pregnancy.

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy involves a specially trained physiotherapist assessing how well your pelvic floor muscles work and building a personalised plan to strengthen them.

This may include an internal or external assessment, always with your consent, tailored exercises, and guidance on posture, lifting, and returning to exercise safely. NICE guideline NG194 on postnatal care recommends all women be offered information on pelvic floor exercises, with referral for physiotherapy if symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction persist.

Why Postnatal Pelvic Health Matters

Looking after your postnatal pelvic health early can prevent minor issues from becoming long-term problems.

  • Reduces the risk of ongoing incontinence or prolapse symptoms.
  • Supports a safer, more confident return to exercise.
  • Improves core and back strength for lifting and carrying your baby.
  • Addresses pain that can affect sleep, mood, and daily life.

Recovery takes time, and small, consistent exercises usually make a much bigger difference than trying to do too much too soon.

When and How to Start Physiotherapy After Birth

Most women can begin gentle pelvic floor exercises within a few days of giving birth, whenever they feel ready. If you’re worried about pain, bladder symptoms, or how your body is recovering, don’t feel you have to wait before asking for help.

When to Start

The NHS recommends beginning pelvic floor exercises as soon as you feel able, and you don’t need to wait for your 6 to 8 week postnatal check if you have symptoms or concerns.

What to Expect at Physio Perfect

We’ll talk through your symptoms and goals, then assess how your pelvic floor, core, breathing, and posture are working together to build a plan that fits your recovery and your life with a new baby.

You Deserve Support in Your Recovery Too

New motherhood asks a lot of your body, and while you’re busy caring for your baby, it’s important to look after your own recovery too. Book your assessment with Physio Perfect, and let us support you as you rebuild strength, move more comfortably, and feel more like yourself again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Physiotherapy for postnatal recovery typically involves an assessment of your pelvic floor, core, and posture, followed by a personalised plan of exercises to rebuild strength and address any symptoms.
You can begin gentle pelvic floor exercises within days of giving birth, and a full pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment is often useful from a few weeks postnatally, sooner if you have symptoms.
It’s common after pregnancy and birth, but it’s not something you should simply accept as normal. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can often help improve or resolve the problem.
Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles that commonly occurs during pregnancy. Physiotherapy can help you strengthen your core safely and support your recovery.
Not always. Many women can book directly with a physiotherapist, though your GP or midwife can also refer you if needed.
Yes. Ongoing heaviness or bulging in the vagina, severe pain, or symptoms that suddenly worsen should also be discussed with your GP alongside physiotherapy support.

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