Can Physical Therapy Help With Postpartum Recovery or Incontinence?

Key Physical Therapy Techniques To Regain Control After Childbirth

Welcoming a newborn is a wonderful and life-changing experience, but it also comes with challenges. However, it also comes with its challenges. One of these is the postpartum period, especially for first-time mothers. This stage is full of changes that can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, or even incontinence. 

While rest is essential, physical therapy can play a significant role in helping you regain control of your body. Here’s how it can help you!

Understanding Your Body During the Fourth Trimester

The months following delivery, often referred to as the “fourth trimester,” are a time of recovery and adjustment. Pregnancy and childbirth can impact multiple systems in the body, especially the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and lower back.

According to WebMD, before delivery, a mother’s health is closely monitored, but after birth, attention often shifts to the baby’s well-being. It’s equally important for new mothers to receive proper postpartum care.

Your pelvic floor acts like a hammock supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowels. During pregnancy, these muscles endure extra pressure, which can cause weakness or tension. Vaginal delivery stretches the pelvic floor to accommodate childbirth, while a cesarean section may affect abdominal muscles and core stability.

Common Postpartum Challenges

After childbirth, many new mothers experience physical changes that can affect daily life. Some of the most frequent issues include:

• Urinary or fecal incontinence: Weak pelvic floor muscles may make it difficult to control bladder or bowel movements, leading to unintentional leaks.
• Lower back, hip, or pelvic pain: Pregnancy and delivery place extra stress on joints and muscles, which can result in soreness or persistent discomfort.
• Diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles): The stretching of abdominal muscles during pregnancy can create a gap, affecting core strength and stability.
• Pelvic pressure or discomfort during physical activity: Feeling heaviness or tension in the pelvic region is common, especially when lifting, walking, or exercising.

Recognizing these changes is the first step toward recovery. Early intervention with pelvic floor therapy can address these symptoms before they become persistent challenges.

The Importance Of Pelvic Floor Therapy For Postpartum Recovery

Pelvic floor therapy is designed to restore the strength, flexibility, and coordination of the muscles supporting the pelvic organs. Unlike general exercises or Kegel routines, personalized therapy targets the specific needs of each individual.

Some women may experience urinary stress incontinence after childbirth. According to MedlinePlus, pelvic floor muscle training exercises are recommended for these cases. For example, some benefits of pelvic floor therapy include:

• Improved bladder and bowel control.
• Reduced pelvic pain and pressure.
• Enhanced core stability for safe movement and lifting.
• Guidance on proper posture and body mechanics during childcare.

A physical therapy in Dix Hills will assess your posture, muscle strength, and functional movement patterns to create a program tailored to your postpartum recovery goals. They can also provide guidance on breastfeeding positions, lifting techniques, and strategies to minimize strain on your back and pelvis.

Addressing Joint Pain & Muscle Weakness

After delivery, many women experience soreness, stiffness, or discomfort in the hips, knees, or lower back. This is where joint pain treatments and other targeted interventions from physical therapists can be helpful. For instance, a typical session may include:

• Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises.
• Core stabilization techniques.
• Light strengthening exercises for hips, glutes, and lower back.
• Education on proper body mechanics.

Addressing joint pain early helps prevent compensatory movement patterns that could worsen over time. It also allows new mothers to resume daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.

Manual Therapy Techniques For Effective Recovery

Manual therapy is a cornerstone of postpartum recovery. This hands-on approach can help relieve tension, improve circulation, and restore mobility in areas affected by childbirth or pregnancy-related strain. Manual techniques may include:

• Soft tissue massage to relieve tightness in the lower back, shoulders, or hips.
• Myofascial release to reduce scar tissue discomfort from a C-section.
• Joint mobilization to restore proper alignment and movement.

Combining manual therapy with guided exercise ensures a complete recovery plan, supporting both immediate relief and long-term functional improvements.

Safe Return To Physical Activity After Childbirth

Many new mothers are eager to resume pre-pregnancy activities, from walking and jogging to full gym workouts. However, returning too quickly without guidance can increase the risk of injury or aggravate incontinence. A physical therapist in Rosedale can help you:

• Create a gradual, progressive exercise plan: A therapist can design a step-by-step program that starts with gentle movements and gradually increases intensity, ensuring your body adapts safely.
• Identify exercises that support pelvic floor recovery: Specific exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor while protecting your core, reducing the risk of urinary leakage or discomfort during activity.
• Monitor technique to prevent strain or overuse: Proper form is crucial to avoid joint pain, muscle imbalance, or setbacks in recovery, especially when lifting, bending, or performing repetitive movements.
• Track improvements in strength, balance, and mobility: Regular assessments help measure progress, adjust the program as needed, and maintain motivation while ensuring safe advancement.

Working with a professional provides structure and reassurance throughout the recovery process. You can regain confidence in your movement while restoring your body, thanks to thorough guidance tailored to your situation.

Supporting Emotional & Physical Well-Being

Postpartum recovery involves both physical and emotional adjustments. Many new mothers experience mood changes, such as postpartum sadness or anxiety. According to Harvard Health Publishing, at least one in five women may face significant postpartum anxiety, which can include restlessness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, or intrusive thoughts. 

Physical therapists in Bensonhurst often provide guidance on posture, ergonomics, and safe movement during childcare tasks, helping to reduce stress and support mental well-being. They can also offer strategies to manage everyday activities safely, which may help ease feelings of overwhelm.

Specialized interventions, such as sports physical therapy, can benefit active mothers or those aiming to return to higher-intensity workouts. These programs integrate strength, mobility, and endurance training while ensuring the pelvic floor and core remain supported, allowing mothers to rebuild physical confidence while taking care of their emotional health.

Expert Physical Therapy Support for Postpartum Recovery

You’ve seen that postpartum recovery doesn’t always have to be overwhelming. It’s a challenge you can manage when you work with a professional team that guides you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to start your postpartum recovery journey or need support with incontinence or pelvic floor issues, our physical therapists in Brooklyn at Phoenix Physical Therapy Rehabilitation, PLLC are here for you. Contact us now!

 

Phoenix Physical Therapy

Dix Hills Location
105 Majestic Dr
Dix Hills, NY 11746
Phone: 347-733-1916

Rosedale Location
23520 147th Avenue, Suite 1,
Rosedale, NY, 11422
Phone: 718-481-3392
Mail: rosedale.ptrehab@outlook.com

Brooklyn Location
7510 4th Ave., Suite 3,
Brooklyn, NY, 11209
Phone: 347-733-1916
Mail: phoenix.ptrehab@outlook.com