Physiotherapy Post Pregnancy & Common Problems

Pregnancy and childbirth are extraordinary experiences mentally, but they also place significant physical demands on the body. While much attention is given to prenatal care, postpartum recovery is often overlooked or missed. Many women assume discomfort, weakness, bladder leaks, back pain, or abdominal separation are simply “part of motherhood.” In reality, these symptoms can often be effectively treated through specialist post pregnancy physiotherapy.

At MSK Physiotherapy London, we believe recovery should be proactive, not reactive. Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth, caesarean section, assisted delivery, or multiple pregnancies, physiotherapy plays a vital role in restoring strength, reducing pain, improving confidence, and helping you return safely to everyday activities and exercise.

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What Is Post Pregnancy Physiotherapy?

Post pregnancy physiotherapy involves specialist assessment and planning designed to assess and help restore function. Rather than simply treating symptoms, physiotherapy addresses the underlying causes to promote long-term recovery.

A comprehensive physiotherapy assessment looks at:

• Pelvic Floor Muscle Function

• Core Muscle Strength

• Abdominal Separation (Diastasis Recti)

• Posture

• Breathing Mechanics

• Scar Mobility

• Hip & Pelvic Alignment

• Spinal Function

• Functional Movement Patterns

• Return-To-Exercise Readiness

Benefits of Post Pregnancy Physiotherapy

1. Restore Pelvic Floor Strength

2. Improve Core Stability

3. Reduce Back Pain

4. Improve Posture

5. Treat Urinary Incontinence

6. Improve Pelvic Pain

7. Restore Abdominal Function

8. Improve Confidence

9. Reduce Injury Risk

10. Support Safe Return To Sport

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Common Problems After Pregnancy

Please note recovery is different to every individual, and many experience similar or various physical symptoms that can affect quality of life.

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  Pregnancy and childbirth stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles, reducing their ability to support the bladder, bowel, uterus and pelvic organs. Pelvic floor rehabilitation aims to improve muscle strength, endurance, coordination and control.

  Symptoms include:

  • Urinary leakage

  • Urgency to urinate

  • Difficulty emptying the bladder

  • Reduced pelvic stability

  • Pelvic heaviness

  • Pain during intercourse

  • Reduced sexual function

• Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)

  During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles separate to allow room for the baby to grow. Contrary to common myths, abdominal crunches are often not appropriate early in recovery. A Physiotherapist can prescribe a progressive core rehabilitation plan using evidence-based exercises.

  For some individuals, the gap remains wider than normal after birth, contributing to:

  • Core weakness

  • Lower back pain

  • Poor posture

  • Abdominal doming

  • Reduced lifting strength

  • Difficulty returning to exercise

• Lower Back Pain

  Hormonal changes, altered posture, lifting a newborn, feeding positions and reduced core stability can all contribute to postpartum back pain.

  Treatment may include:

  • Manual therapy

  • Joint mobilisation

  • Exercise rehabilitation

  • Core strengthening

  • Ergonomic advice

  • Postural advice

• Pelvic Girdle Pain

  Some women continue to experience pain around the pelvis after delivery. Treatment focuses on restoring pelvic stability while reducing excessive joint strain.

  Pain may occur:

  • Walking

  • Turning in bed

  • Climbing stairs

  • Standing on one leg

  • Carrying the baby

• Neck and Shoulder Pain

  Feeding, carrying, rocking and lifting babies often overload the upper back. Physiotherapy can improve posture while strengthening the muscles that support prolonged childcare activities.

  Common symptoms can include:

  • Neck stiffness

  • Shoulder pain

  • Tension headaches

  • Mid-back discomfort

  • Wrist and hand pain

• Caesarean Section Recovery

  A Caesarean birth is major abdominal surgery. Recovery extends beyond skin healing.

  Scar tissue can contribute to:

  • Tightness

  • Pain

  • Core weakness

  • Altered movement

  • Reduced abdominal function

  Physiotherapy can includes:

  • Scar mobilisation

  • Core rehabilitation

  • Mobility restoration

  • Breathing retraining

  • Progressive strengthening

• Wrist & Thumb Pain

  Commonly known as “Mother’s Thumb,” repetitive lifting may irritate tendons around the wrist. Early treatment and rehab can often help chronic tendon irritation.

  Symptoms include:

  • Thumb pain

  • Weak grip

  • Pain lifting the baby

  • Difficulty opening jars

  • Swelling

• Return to Running After Pregnancy

  Poor conditioning and returning early may increase injury risk and ongoing issues.

  Running puts significant demands on the:

  • Pelvic floor

  • Core

  • Hips

  • Knees

  • Ankles

  A Physiotherapist can assess:

  • Strength

  • Balance

  • Jump mechanics

  • Pelvic floor control

  • Running readiness