How Physical Therapy Can Help with Postpartum Recovery

Bringing a new baby into the world is a joyous experience, but for many women, postpartum recovery can be challenging. Pregnancy and childbirth significantly strain the body, particularly the core and pelvic floor muscles. Many mothers experience issues such as back pain, weakened abdominal muscles, and bladder control challenges. Fortunately, physical therapy at Clear Lake Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists (CLPTRS) can play a crucial role in postpartum recovery, helping women regain strength, stability, and confidence in their bodies, no matter how much time has passed since they delivered.

During pregnancy, the core muscles, including the abdominals and pelvic floor, stretch and weaken to accommodate a growing baby. After delivery, these muscles may struggle to support the spine and bladder effectively. Let’s talk about some of the possible issues this can cause.

Bladder leakage (urinary incontinence): Many women experience leaking when they sneeze, cough, or exercise due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic pain or pressure: Weakness or misalignment in the pelvic area can cause discomfort or a feeling of heaviness.

Diastasis recti: This condition occurs when the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy, creating a gap in the midsection that can contribute to core instability and back pain.

Lower back and hip pain: With core weakness, the body compensates in other areas, often leading to strain and discomfort.

Targeted physical therapy can help address these issues by restoring strength and function to the core and pelvic floor, even if you delivered years ago! A skilled physical therapist at CLPTRS can assess a woman’s core and pelvic floor function and develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

Pelvic floor strengthening. While Kegel exercises are a common recommendation, they aren’t the only solution. A physical therapist can guide women in performing pelvic floor contractions correctly, ensuring they engage the right muscles without overcompensating with surrounding areas.

Core rehabilitation: Strengthening the deep core muscles, such as the transverse abdominis, helps stabilize the spine and reduce issues like diastasis recti. Exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, gentle abdominal bracing, and functional movements can gradually restore strength.

Bladder Control Strategies: If bladder leakage is a concern, our therapists can teach techniques like timed voiding, pelvic floor coordination, and strengthening exercises to improve bladder control.

Safe Return to Exercise: Many women are eager to return to fitness after delivering a baby, but jumping into high-impact workouts too soon can worsen postpartum issues. A physical therapist can provide a structured, safe progression back to exercise.

Every woman’s postpartum recovery is different. If you experience ongoing pelvic discomfort, bladder leakage, back pain, or difficulty engaging your core, physical therapy can help. At CLPTRS, our experienced team is here to support your recovery, helping you regain strength and confidence in your body.