A Guide to Postpartum Recovery: When to See a PT

Having a baby is a monumental, beautiful, and physically demanding experience. In the postpartum period, so much of the focus is rightly on the new baby. But it is crucial for new mothers to remember that their own bodies have gone through a marathon and require dedicated healing and rehabilitation.

The idea of “bouncing back” is a myth that puts undue pressure on women. A more compassionate and effective approach is to focus on systematically rebuilding your strength and function. This is where a pelvic health physical therapist can be an invaluable part of your postpartum care team.

It is common to experience issues after delivery, but that does not mean you have to live with them. You should consider seeing a PT if you are experiencing any of the following:

– Urinary or Fecal Incontinence: Leaking when you cough, sneeze, run, or have a strong urge to go is not a normal part of motherhood.
– Pelvic Pain: This includes pain during intercourse, tailbone pain, or general achiness in the pelvis.
– Abdominal Separation (Diastasis Recti): If you notice a “doming” or “coning” shape in your abdomen when you sit up, a PT can teach you how to safely and effectively retrain your core muscles.
– Painful C-Section or Perineal Scars: Scar tissue can restrict movement and cause pain. A PT can use gentle manual techniques to improve scar mobility.
– Difficulty Returning to Exercise: If you feel weak, unstable, or experience pain when trying to return to your fitness routine, a PT can guide you on how to do so safely.

The ideal time to come in for an evaluation is around 6-8 weeks postpartum, after you have been cleared by your OB/GYN or midwife. Our goal is to help you heal correctly from the start, preventing long-term issues down the road. We will assess your core, pelvic floor, posture, and overall movement patterns to create a plan that helps you feel strong, confident, and capable as you embrace your new role as a mom.