Post-Natal Physiotherapy

Supporting the health and wellbeing of women during the postpartum period

The postnatal period is a beautiful and transformative time, but it can also come with its fair share of physical challenges. Pregnancy and childbirth can have a profound impact on a woman’s body, affecting muscles, ligaments, and overall well-being. It’s essential to prioritise your recovery and seek the support you need to regain strength, address any issues, and promote optimal health. This is where postnatal physiotherapy comes in.

Understanding the Effects of Pregnancy and Childbirth on the Body

During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes. The muscles stretch, and ligaments soften, especially in the abdomen and pelvic floor. These changes can lead to pelvic floor weakness, even before childbirth. Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a caesarean section, your pelvic floor has been under strain and may require rehabilitation.

One common issue that many women experience after giving birth is incontinence. Pregnancy and childbirth increase the chances of bladder and bowel problems, including urine leakage. If you had bladder or bowel symptoms before pregnancy, these issues may worsen afterward. However, it’s important to note that incontinence often improves within the first six months as the pelvic floor muscles and nerves recover. To strengthen your pelvic floor and reduce the risk of incontinence, it’s crucial to engage in specific exercises.

These exercises can be done during pregnancy and even after you’ve had your baby. By incorporating them into your routine, you can promote healing, reduce the chance of injury, and prevent future problems.

The Importance of Postnatal Physiotherapy

• Recovery support: Postnatal physiotherapy provides essential support and guidance to new mothers during the recovery phase after childbirth. It helps women regain strength, mobility, and flexibility, which may have been affected during pregnancy and labor.

• Restoring pelvic floor health: Pregnancy and childbirth can significantly impact the pelvic floor muscles, leading to issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and prolapse. Postnatal physiotherapy includes exercises to strengthen and retrain the pelvic floor muscles, promoting better bladder control and reducing the risk of long-term complications.

• Addressing musculoskeletal changes: Pregnancy causes changes in posture, joint laxity, and muscle imbalances. Postnatal physiotherapy helps realign the body, correct postural changes, and alleviate discomfort associated with conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, and shoulder tension.

• Healing diastasis recti: Diastasis recti, the separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy, is a common condition that can affect the core stability and appearance of the abdomen. Postnatal physiotherapy offers specialized exercises to safely close the gap and strengthen the abdominal muscles, restoring core strength and stability.

• Promoting emotional well-being: The postnatal period can be emotionally challenging for new mothers due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and adjustment to the new role. Physiotherapy sessions provide a safe and supportive environment where women can share their concerns, receive emotional support, and gain confidence in their physical abilities.

• Guiding safe return to exercise: Many women are eager to resume their pre-pregnancy exercise routines after childbirth. However, it’s crucial to proceed gradually and safely. Postnatal physiotherapy professionals can assess each individual’s readiness for exercise, provide tailored guidelines, and help prevent injuries that may arise from overexertion.

• Enhancing bonding with the baby: Postnatal physiotherapy often includes exercises that involve the baby, such as gentle stretching and baby massage techniques. These activities promote bonding between the mother and baby, while also aiding the baby’s development and promoting relaxation.