Postpartum Recovery: Physiotherapy Assessment & Management
The postpartum period involves significant changes to the body, particularly the pelvic floor and abdominal wall. At Fit 2 Function Allied Health, our pelvic health physiotherapists provide evidence-based assessment and rehabilitation to support recovery after pregnancy and childbirth.
This page explains common postpartum changes, assessment methods, and physiotherapy strategies to restore pelvic and abdominal wall function, reduce discomfort, and support a safe return to activity.
What is postpartum recovery?
Postpartum recovery refers to the physical, musculoskeletal, and pelvic floor changes that occur after pregnancy and birth. Common concerns include:
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Weakness, injury or dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, nerves &/or fascia
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Separation of the abdominal wall muscle (diastasis recti)
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Pelvic or lower back pain
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Scar tissue sensitivity following cesarean or perineal birth
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Urinary incontinence or urgency
Recovery is highly individual and influenced by birth type, physical activity, and pre-pregnancy conditioning.
How is postpartum recovery assessed?
Physiotherapy assessment may include:
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Detailed discussion of pregnancy and birth history, symptoms, and goals
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Pelvic floor muscle evaluation (strength, coordination, and function)
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Abdominal wall assessment including diastasis recti and muscle activation
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Breathing and movement analysis
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Guidance on safe exercise, lifting, and return to daily activities
This personalised assessment ensures targeted rehabilitation to meet each woman’s needs.
Physiotherapy management for postpartum recovery
Evidence-based strategies include:
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Pelvic floor muscle training for strength, coordination, and endurance
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Abdominal wall rehabilitation to restore muscle function and reduce separation
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Manual therapy for scar tissue release or musculoskeletal discomfort
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Postural tolerance and movement retraining to improve load distribution and reduce strain
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Education on activity modification, lifting, and exercise to safely resume daily life
This approach supports confidence, long-term pelvic and abdominal wall health, and symptom management.
Return to exercise, work and daily life
Postpartum recovery physiotherapy helps women:
- Heal from pregnancy & birth - no matter what that looked like
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Resume exercise, sport, and physical activity safely
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Manage lifting, childcare, and household tasks with minimal strain
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Reduce pain and discomfort related to the pelvic floor or abdominal wall
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Improve overall function and confidence in daily life
Rehabilitation is gradual, supported, and tailored to each individual’s stage of postpartum recovery.
Beyond rehabilitation
Many women benefit from progressing into our Women’s Strength Program, where pelvic floor-safe strength training supports long-term symptom control and confident return to exercise.
Book a postpartum recovery assessment
If you are experiencing pelvic floor weakness, abdominal wall separation, or discomfort after childbirth, our pelvic health physiotherapists can provide a personalised assessment and rehabilitation plan.
Learn more about women’s pelvic health & physiotherapy
Explore our other pelvic health condition pages to understand evidence-based assessment, rehabilitation, and life-stage–specific care:
Urinary Incontinence | Pelvic Organ Prolapse | Overactive Bladder & Urgency | Pelvic Pain | Pregnancy Physiotherapy | Birth Preparation | Postpartum Recovery | Constipation & Bowel Dysfunction
Our expert pelvic health physiotherapists provide private, individualised care focused on restoring comfort, confidence, and long-term pelvic health across pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
