Postpartum Physical Therapy

Healing after birth is not a luxury – it’s essential care. You deserve guidance, strength, and support as you step into motherhood.

What is Postpartum Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy after childbirth is one of the most powerful tools you can give yourself for recovery. Pregnancy and delivery—whether vaginal or cesarean—place incredible demands on the body, often leaving lasting changes in the pelvic floor, core, and posture. Postpartum physical therapy focuses on restoring strength, stability, and confidence so you can return to the activities and life you love without pain or dysfunction.

While physical therapy is standard care for new mothers in many parts of the world, in the United States it is often overlooked. At our clinic, we believe every person deserves postpartum care. Whether you are planning for another pregnancy or are done growing your family, our expert team can guide your recovery. You don’t have to wait until something is wrong—postpartum PT can begin as early as six weeks after delivery, and if you’ve been working with us during pregnancy, you’ll already have a personalized plan in place for the transition into recovery.

Common Symptoms

How Does It Feel?

Every postpartum journey is different. Some people feel strong and ready to return to daily life quickly, while others experience symptoms that can last weeks, months, or even years without the right support. Our physical therapists specialize in treating a wide range of postpartum concerns, including:

  • Pain at the site of an episiotomy or perineal tear
  • Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse or orgasm)
  • Decreased sexual satisfaction or difficulty reaching orgasm
  • Urinary leakage, urgency, or fecal incontinence
  • Uncontrolled flatulence
  • Clitoral, vaginal, rectal, pubic, or tailbone pain
  • Pubic symphysis dehiscence (rupture or instability of the pubic joint)
  • Suprapubic and/or abdominal pain
  • Incision scar pain, sensitivity, or adhesions (including cesarean scars)
  • Core weakness, including diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
  • Low back or lower extremity pain
  • Upper back and neck pain associated with breastfeeding
  • Upper extremity pain or numbness from infant care
  • Difficulty or pain when returning to exercise
  • General pelvic pressure, instability, or discomfort

HOPE

What Causes It?

Core and Pelvic Floor Disruption; Postural and Musculoskeletal Imbalances; Joint and Ligament Changes; Myofascial and Soft Tissue Strain; Breathing, Pressure, and Functional Shifts; Scar Tissue Adhesions (C-section)

How We Identify the Root Cause

Let us help you recover with pelvic floor physical therapy.

At your evaluation, we take a comprehensive look at your body’s recovery—not just your symptoms. This may include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle assessment to check for strength, coordination, and healing
  • Core and abdominal testing for diastasis recti, scar tissue, and stability
  • Postural and movement analysis, especially around lifting, feeding, and baby care
  • Review of bladder, bowel, and sexual health concerns
  • Collaboration with your physician, midwife, doula or other providers to ensure your care is seamless

Our goal is to uncover the root cause of your challenges and create a plan that restores confidence in your body—whether that means easing pain, building strength, or preventing future complications.

How We Help 
You Heal

At Sarton Physical Therapy, our focus is both preventive and restorative. We believe postpartum care should be the standard—not something you only seek when problems appear. Our physical therapists are uniquely trained to meet the special musculoskeletal and obstetric needs of postpartum women, following the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines for safe and effective exercise during and after pregnancy.

What You Can Expect

Your postpartum program begins with a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation, including assessment of the external and internal pelvic floor (when appropriate). We look at:

  • Muscle length, strength, and coordination
  • Core integrity, including screening for diastasis recti
  • Postural and movement patterns that affect daily function
  • Scar tissue, restrictions, or adhesions after vaginal or cesarean delivery

From there, we design a personalized treatment plan that goes far beyond a one-size-fits-all exercise sheet. This includes:

  • A customized Home Exercise Program that prevents and corrects impairments before standard exercise may cause further dysfunction
  • Manual therapy techniques to release tight tissues, address myofascial trigger points, and restore mobility after delivery
  • Targeted treatment for diastasis recti, which can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, prolapse, and persistent back or pelvic pain
  • Scar tissue mobilization for cesarean or perineal incisions to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore core function

Why This Matters

Pregnancy, vaginal deliveries, and C-sections are profound physical events. While they are natural, they can leave behind changes in the body that—if untreated—may lead to chronic dysfunction. Too often, women are told that their pain or symptoms are “normal because you just had a baby.” We believe that you deserve better. With the right therapy, most postpartum symptoms can be resolved, restoring confidence and allowing you to move forward without limitation.

Core Treatments:

  • Manual pelvic floor therapy
  • Visceral and myofascial release
  • Scar tissue mobilization
  • Pain science education
  • Home exercise training
  • Guided imagery and relaxation techniques

Begin Your Healing Journey

You deserve answers and relief from your pelvic pain. Our experienced team is here to guide you in reclaiming your confidence and quality of life.