Women’s Health & Postnatal Physiotherapy
Specialist physio for postnatal recovery, pelvic floor care and menopause support — tailored, evidence‑based and family‑friendly.
How can physiotherapy help support women’s health?
Women’s health physio supports pelvic floor function, core strength and whole‑body movement across pregnancy, the postnatal period and menopause. Your physio can help with continence, prolapse‑related symptoms, C‑section or perineal recovery, diastasis recti, and a confident return to daily life, work and sport—using simple, sustainable strategies that fit your routine.
New and expectant mums
People with pelvic floor symptoms (incontinence, prolapse)
Women experiencing perimenopause/menopause
Athletes returning to running/sport post‑pregnancy
Anyone after abdominal surgery (e.g., C‑section)
Postnatal Recovery
Post pregnancy physio focuses on a safe, progressive return to movement after vaginal birth or C‑section. Key areas include core and pelvic floor function, scar care, pain relief, and a stepwise plan for physiotherapy after childbirth—supporting a confident return to lifting, running and sport.
C‑section recovery
- Scar care and desensitisation, breathing and mobility
- Gradual core activation and safe lifting strategies
- Progressive return to cardio and impact
Core & diastasis recti
- Tailored exercises to improve tension & function
- Breath‑core‑pelvic floor coordination
- Load progression for daily tasks and sport
Pelvic pain after birth
- Pelvic ring, tailbone and hip management
- Manual therapy as needed, plus exercise therapy
- Strategies for feeding, lifting and sleep positions
Return to running/sport
- Criteria‑based impact and strength milestones
- Progress load while monitoring symptoms
- Confidence for daily life, work and sport
Learn more: Exercise therapy · Manual therapy
Pelvic Health & Incontinence
Pelvic floor therapy for women addresses leakage, urgency and prolapse symptoms at any life stage—including tailored incontinence physio for mums. Assessment explores breathing, pelvic floor coordination and whole‑body contributors such as hip strength and bowel/bladder habits.
Assessment
- History, symptom triggers and lifestyle factors
- Breath‑core‑pelvic floor synergy
- Discuss options for internal pelvic exam where appropriate
Treatment
- Pelvic floor coordination (relax‑contract‑endurance)
- Hip and core strength, posture variety and load
- Bladder training, urge deferral and bowel strategies
Adjuncts & support
- Guidance on pessaries and support garments
- Electrotherapy/TENS for comfort where appropriate
- Signposting to pelvic health resources
Helpful resources: Electrotherapy · Treatment methods
Hormonal & Menopause‑related Support
Perimenopause and menopause can influence joint comfort, muscle strength, pelvic health and exercise tolerance. Women’s health physiotherapy provides strategies to maintain strength, bone health and continence while staying active.
Strength & bone health
- Progressive resistance training & impact loading
- Balance training to reduce fall risk
- Joint care strategies for aches and stiffness
Pelvic health in menopause
- Continence strategies and pelvic floor conditioning
- Bladder and bowel habit optimisation
- Advice on vaginal oestrogen and medical referral where appropriate
Lifestyle & pacing
- Sleep, stress, and symptom pacing strategies
- Gradual conditioning to maintain activity confidence
- Signposting to menopause resources
What can a physiotherapist do to help?
Individualised assessment and a clear, confidence‑building plan. Your physio will consider pelvic floor, core, breathing, posture variety and life demands to guide practical changes you can keep up with.
Targeted assessment
- History, goals and symptom triggers
- Core, pelvic floor and hip strength testing
- Discuss options for internal pelvic exam where appropriate
Personalised treatment
- Pelvic floor coordination (relax, contract, endurance)
- Core and whole‑body strength & mobility
- Return‑to‑running and sport milestones
Life‑friendly strategies
- Feeding, lifting and pram/buggy ergonomics
- Bladder training and symptom pacing
- Sleep, stress and energy management
Exercises you can do at home
Start small and build gradually. If symptoms persist or worsen, check in with your physio.
Pelvic floor basics
- 3×/day: gentle relax‑and‑contract cycles (10 reps)
- Build endurance holds up to 5–10s
- Coordinate with breath: exhale on effort
Core & posture
- Breath‑core activation (5×5 breaths)
- Wall sits or sit‑to‑stand 3×8–10
- Hip bridges 3×8–10
Lifestyle & impact
- Daily walks 10–20 min
- Gradual return to jogging with symptom checks
- Posture variety: change positions every 30–45 min
Learn more: Exercise therapy
What to expect at your first physio appointment
1) Conversation & screening
- Goals, history, current symptoms
- Pelvic health screening; red flags checked
- Consent for any pelvic exam (optional)
2) Movement & strength
- Core, pelvic floor and hip testing
- Breathing & posture strategies
- Quick wins for comfort and confidence
3) Your plan
- Clear home programme with progressions
- Activity guidance (lifting, running, work)
- Follow‑up schedule based on your goals
Find a Women’s Health Physio Near You
Search PhysioDirectory to connect with a women’s health physiotherapist for postnatal recovery, pelvic floor care, continence support and menopause‑related needs.
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