Women's Health

Postnatal Physiotherapy and Core Recovery

3 min readUpdated 30 May 2026

Quick Answer

Postnatal physiotherapy helps new mothers recover after pregnancy and childbirth by safely rebuilding core and pelvic floor strength, relieving back and pelvic pain, and addressing abdominal separation (diastasis recti). A gradual, guided programme restores strength and function and helps you return to exercise and daily activities with confidence.

Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demands on the core, pelvic floor and spine. Postnatal physiotherapy provides a safe, structured path back to strength and function, addressing common issues like back pain and abdominal separation.

Common postnatal issues

Many new mothers experience one or more of these.

  • Weak core and pelvic floor muscles
  • Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
  • Lower back and pelvic pain
  • Neck and shoulder tension from feeding and carrying
  • Reduced confidence returning to exercise

How physiotherapy helps

Treatment starts with gentle core and pelvic floor reactivation, progressing carefully to full strengthening. We address posture, back pain, and abdominal separation, and guide a safe return to exercise at a pace that suits your recovery.

  • Pelvic floor and deep core reactivation
  • Progressive core strengthening
  • Management of diastasis recti
  • Back and pelvic pain relief
  • Guided, safe return to exercise

When to start

Gentle recovery can begin soon after birth, with progression guided by your physiotherapist and your medical clearance. It is never too late to benefit — even months or years after childbirth.

Key Takeaways

  • Postnatal physiotherapy rebuilds core and pelvic strength.
  • It addresses diastasis recti and back pain.
  • Progression is gradual and guided.
  • It's beneficial even long after childbirth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gentle work can begin soon after birth with medical clearance, progressing gradually. It is beneficial even long after childbirth.

Have a question about this?

Chat with our physiotherapists on WhatsApp for honest advice about your condition — no obligation to book.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified physiotherapist or healthcare professional about your specific condition.