Can Physical Therapy Help with Postpartum Recovery?

Physical Therapy (PT) is one of the single best ways to heal your body and regain strength after pregnancy and childbirth. For moms near or surrounding the Twin Cities area, PT isn’t just for sports injuries anymore; it is the solution for aches, pains, and common issues that often come with motherhood.

Bringing a new baby into the world is incredible, but let’s be honest: your body might not feel like it belongs to you anymore. You may have noticed things like stiffness, pain, or even some accidental leaking when you cough or laugh.

At Saunders Therapy Centers, Inc., we believe a “good enough” recovery is simply not good enough. We are experts in movement and pain relief, and we are ready to help you feel stronger than ever.

What Is the Pelvic Floor and Why Does It Matter After Having a Baby?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that act like a hammock supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowels. Think of it as the power center of your core!

After carrying a baby for nine months and going through labor, these muscles can become weak, tight, or damaged. When the pelvic floor is struggling, you might experience issues like:

• Leaking: When you pee a little bit when you sneeze, laugh, or jump.
• Pain: Feeling pain during intimacy or just everyday discomfort in your hips or lower back.
• Feeling Heavy: A feeling of “heaviness” or pressure “down there.”

A specialized Physical Therapist at Saunders Therapy Centers can evaluate these muscles and create a safe, gentle plan to help you restore strength, control, and confidence. It’s about retraining your body so it can support you for years to come.

What is Diastasis Recti (Tummy Gap) and How Do I Fix It?

During pregnancy, the two main muscles of your six-pack (your abs) stretch apart to make room for your growing baby. This separation is called Diastasis Recti.

For many women, this gap naturally closes a few months after birth. But if the separation is still there, it can make your tummy look puffy, and more importantly, it can lead to back pain and a weak core.

Instead of doing endless crunches (which can actually make the gap worse!), a physical therapist teaches you how to engage your deepest core muscles correctly. We use safe, targeted exercises to gently bring those muscles back together, giving you better core strength and stability for lifting, carrying, and chasing your little one.

Is Postpartum Pain Just Normal? What About My Back, Hips, and Tailbone?

Many new moms are told that back pain or hip pain is “just part of being a mom.” We disagree! While some discomfort is common, persistent pain is a sign that something needs attention.

Common Areas for Postpartum Pain We Treat:

• Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) / SI Joint Pain: This is pain in the joints that connect your pelvis to your spine. During pregnancy, hormones loosen these joints, and after birth, they can sometimes stay unstable or become painful. Physical therapy helps stabilize these joints and strengthen the muscles around them.
• Low Back Pain: From carrying your baby, nursing, and just the general changes your body went through, your lower back can take a beating. We look at your posture and teach you how to move in ways that protect your back.
• Coccyx Pain (Tailbone Pain): Sometimes, the tailbone can get bruised or injured during childbirth, leading to a lot of pain when sitting. Our therapists can use gentle techniques to relieve this discomfort.
• Rib and Upper Back Pain: Holding and feeding a baby, or even just sleeping in new positions, can lead to stiffness and pain in your ribs and upper back. We can help loosen things up and improve your comfort.

I Had a C-Section! Can PT Still Help Me? What About My Scar?

Absolutely! A C-section is a major abdominal surgery, and recovery is crucial. Physical therapy is incredibly beneficial for C-section recovery.

How We Help with C-Section Recovery:

• Scar Management: Your C-section scar might feel tight, numb, or even painful. Our therapists use gentle techniques called scar mobilization to help the scar tissue become softer, more flexible, and less noticeable. This also helps reduce any “shelf” appearance above the scar.
• Restoring Core Strength Safely: After an abdominal incision, it’s vital to rebuild your core strength the right way. We guide you through safe exercises to re-engage your deep core muscles without straining your healing tissues.
• Pain and Posture: We also help with any general aches and pains that can come with recovering from surgery and taking care of a new baby.

If you had a vaginal birth with tearing or an episiotomy, we can also help with perineal scar management to reduce pain and tightness in those tissues.

What are Other Moms Saying About Saunders Therapy Centers?

We take your pain personally because we are 100% employee-owned. Our team is dedicated to helping local moms get back to enjoying life.

“I was so satisfied with all the treatment they gave me in my therapy, excellent friendly workers. I was so happy with the therapists, the therapist and the kindness, so I recommend them to my friends and family. I recommend them 100%.” — Anadely S.

“Great experience, family oriented. Comfortable with all staff. If anyone needs physical therapy I would recommend Saunders Therapy Centers, 755 Prior Ave N, Saint Paul MN 55104. I’m a new person after going there. Great equipment to get me back together again.” — Jimell T.

5 Common Questions About Postpartum PT

1. When Can I Start Physical Therapy?

Most moms start pelvic health physical therapy around 6 weeks postpartum, after they have had their check-up with their doctor or midwife. However, we can help with pain and posture issues during pregnancy, too!

2. Do I Need a Doctor’s Referral?

In Minnesota, no, you do not need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist! This is called “direct access.” You can skip the waiting and call us today to schedule your evaluation.

3. Is This Just for Issues “Down There”?

Absolutely not! Postpartum recovery physical therapy addresses your entire body. We treat back pain, wrist pain (like “Mommy Thumb”), neck pain from holding and feeding the baby, scar tissue from C-sections or tearing, and hip instability.

4. Will My Insurance Cover Postpartum PT?

In most cases, yes! Physical Therapy is covered by most major insurance plans. Our team will always help you check your benefits ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect.

5. What Happens During a PT Session?

Your first visit is an easy conversation and a gentle assessment. We listen to your goals, check your posture, and assess your strength. Then, we work one-on-one, using a mix of hands-on therapy and simple, customized exercises that you can do at home.

Stop Hurting, Start Living!

If you are dealing with any kind of pain or struggle after having a baby, you deserve a full recovery. Our team at Saunders Therapy Centers in Bloomington, Maple Grove, and Saint Paul are experts in women’s health and the most advanced techniques for getting your strength back.

Why choose us? We are local, independent, and 100% employee-owned. This means every therapist you see takes immense pride in giving you the best, most personal, and most effective care possible. We won’t rush you, and we won’t settle for “good enough” when it comes to your health. We are deeply invested in your recovery and truly care about helping you feel your best. Call today to schedule your FREE 15-minute phone consultation and talk to one of our movement experts about your recovery.

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