Postnatal Physiotherapy London

Diastasis recti occurs when the connective tissue running along the midline of the abdomen stretches and widens during pregnancy, causing the two sides of the abdominal muscles to separate. This can result in a visible doming or “pouch” along the stomach, as well as core weakness, lower back pain, and a feeling of instability. Severity varies, and many women are unaware they have it — yet it can affect how well the entire core and pelvic floor system functions.

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints during and after pregnancy, caused by changes in load, posture, and the softening effect of relaxin on the ligaments that support the pelvis. It can present as pain in the pubic area, hips, lower back, or tailbone, and is often felt most acutely when walking, climbing stairs, turning in bed, or standing on one leg. While PGP typically eases after birth, for many women symptoms persist and can significantly impact daily life if left unaddressed.

Perineal tears are extremely common during vaginal birth, ranging from minor grazes to deeper tears requiring stitches. Even once the initial wound has healed, the surrounding tissue, muscles, and nerves can remain sensitive, tight, or painful — affecting comfort during everyday activities, exercise, and sexual intercourse. Scar tissue can also restrict movement and contribute to ongoing pelvic floor dysfunction if not properly rehabilitated. With the right care, perineal pain and scarring respond very well to treatment.

A caesarean section is a major abdominal surgery, and while it is common, recovery requires time and careful rehabilitation. The scar itself can become tight, numb, or hypersensitive as it heals, and deeper layers of tissue can form adhesions that affect surrounding structures including the bladder, pelvic floor, and core muscles. Many women also experience a “shelf” or overhang above the scar due to changes in tissue mobility. Addressing the scar and rebuilding core and pelvic floor function after a C-section is an important but often overlooked part of postnatal recovery.

Tailbone (coccyx) pain after birth is more common than many women realise, and can occur as a result of pressure during delivery, an instrumental birth, or a fall during pregnancy. It can make sitting, moving from sitting to standing, and everyday activities deeply uncomfortable. The coccyx is closely connected to the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding ligaments, meaning that tailbone pain can also influence pelvic floor tension and function. With targeted manual therapy and rehabilitation, coccyx pain can be significantly reduced and in many cases fully resolved.

Back pain is one of the most frequently reported complaints both during and after pregnancy, driven by changes in posture, weight distribution, and the significant demands placed on the spine and surrounding muscles. After birth, the challenge often continues — feeding, carrying, lifting, and broken sleep can all contribute to persistent tension and discomfort in the lower and upper back. What many women don’t realise is that back pain in the postnatal period is frequently linked to poor core and pelvic floor function, meaning that addressing the root cause rather than the symptom alone is key to lasting relief.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is one of the most common consequences of pregnancy and birth, yet it remains widely under-reported — largely because many women assume that leaking, heaviness, or urgency are an inevitable part of having a baby. The pelvic floor supports the bladder, uterus, and bowel, and can be significantly stretched or weakened during pregnancy and delivery, leading to urinary or faecal leaking, a sudden urgent need to use the toilet, a sensation of heaviness or bulging in the pelvis, or reduced sensation in the pelvic region. These symptoms are common — but they are not normal, and with the right treatment, most women see significant improvement.

The sacroiliac joints (SIJ) sit at the junction between the spine and the pelvis, and are placed under considerable stress during pregnancy and childbirth. Hormonal changes, altered posture, and the physical demands of delivery can leave these joints feeling unstable, stiff, or painful — often presenting as a deep ache in the lower back, buttocks, or hips that worsens with prolonged standing, walking, or transitional movements. Hip pain is also frequently reported in the postnatal period, as the muscles and ligaments that support the joint work harder to compensate for core and pelvic floor weakness. Addressing both the local joint and the wider stability system is essential for effective and lasting recovery.

The demands of new motherhood — feeding, carrying, lifting, and settling a baby — place repetitive strain on the body in ways that can quickly take a toll on posture. Many women find themselves spending long hours in a rounded, forward-flexed position, leading to tightness across the chest and shoulders, weakness in the upper back, and increased strain on the neck and lower spine. Over time, poor posture can contribute to persistent aches and pain that feel difficult to shift. Postnatal physiotherapy addresses not only the symptoms but the underlying muscle imbalances and habits that drive postural change, helping you move and feel better in your body day to day.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, and is surprisingly common in new mothers due to the repetitive lifting, carrying, and supporting of a newborn. It presents as pain, swelling, and tenderness at the base of the thumb and wrist, and can make everyday tasks such as picking up your baby, gripping, or turning door handles increasingly difficult. The condition is thought to be influenced by the hormonal changes of the postnatal period, which can affect tendon tissue and increase susceptibility to irritation. With the right treatment and load management, symptoms can be effectively resolved without impacting your ability to care for your baby.

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs — the bladder, uterus, or bowel — descend from their normal position and press into the vaginal wall. It is more common than many women realise, and often develops as a result of the pressure and stretching placed on the pelvic floor during pregnancy and childbirth. It typically presents as a sensation of heaviness, dragging, or bulging in the pelvis, and some women describe the feeling of something coming down or sitting low. Symptoms can be aggravated by prolonged standing, lifting, or physical activity. While prolapse can feel alarming, physiotherapy is an effective first-line treatment — pelvic floor rehabilitation can significantly reduce symptoms and, in many cases, prevent the need for surgical intervention.