Postnatal Physiotherapy Services

By Healthweb | October 10, 2024

Postnatal Physiotherapy Services

Postnatal Physiotherapy Services are provided by our experienced physiotherapists who have empathy and the clinical skills to assist mums with physical difficulties, weakness and pain in any part of their body. Of course, we also see postnatal women who have no particular issue. They are usually wanting their abdominal separation professionally assessed, advice on pelvic floor exercise and an appropriate home exercise program to undertake that does not strain weak muscles and joint areas.

Fatigue, combined with the feeling of working around the clock, means many new mums lose touch with themselves. It is so easy for young mums to be totally focused only on who they are caring for. This means a postnatal woman can easily strain parts of her body with repetitive movements and sustained postures. Some common examples seen in our women’s health physiotherapy clinic that result in soft tissue over loading and strain are:

  • Posturing poorly during babe’s feeding times
  • Repetitive bending and lifting activity when providing for baby care and perhaps even toddler care demands
  • Holding babe for long periods of time and always looking down at them (after all they are very cute)
  • Lack of movement and core awareness with general household activities that never seem to go away

At Physiotherapy for Women, we understand how hard it can be for new mums to find the time for a physiotherapy assessment and treatment. We therefore make a point of adjusting the diary to suit the needs of busy mothers. A medical referral is not required for Postnatal Physiotherapy Services.

What are the postnatal exercise options for mums in the physio clinic?

Many mums are very keen to return to physical activity and exercise at variable times after their delivery. However, many women are unsure what type of exercise or activity is right for them and when to start. This is where our skilled physiotherapists play an important role in advising what is the best pathway for each woman. It is well respected that a rehabilitation period is necessary after any pregnancy and delivery. The rehabilitation approach and selection of safe exercise with appropriate progressions and loading, will be different for every woman.

A comprehensive postnatal physio assessment is a first requirement. This enables the physiotherapist to assist each mum in determining what is best for her in returning to a level of physical activity. This assessment is a pre-requisite for any woman wanting to enter the Mum’s Core and More Starter Class.

There is no specific time of entry into the Starter Postnatal Class. Most women commence the exercise class between eight to sixteen weeks postnatally. However, as we have the capacity to adjust the exercises to suit every woman’s needs, we are able to take any woman into the class once she has demonstrated an ability to load her core activation correctly. Safe, progressive exercise for each woman is what we excel in.

Our Mum’s Core and More Starter Class is a safe, first stage, postnatal mat exercise class, conducted in the physio clinic’s exercise rooms. Each woman receives physiotherapy guidance with their exercise program. Non-crawling babes are welcome to join mum, lying on their own blanket close to mum. If a baby has reached the stage of crawling or moving in some way, then for safety reasons they must be in a stroller with their mum nearby. It is also fine for a mum to attend the Postnatal Starter Class without their baby in attendance.

Progressing to the more advanced Physiotherapy Exercise Class in the physio clinic is also possible. That decision will be based on physiotherapy advice and understanding the woman’s needs and activity goals. This is a progressive mat and equipment class, where a baby or toddler is not able to be in attendance for obvious safety reasons.

What are the common postnatal conditions requiring physiotherapy?

Following the birth, whether it be days, weeks or months after delivery, there are many common postnatal conditions treated by our skilled physios, which are listed as follows:

  • Lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, buttock/hip/groin muscle pain, hip joint pain/stiffness, sacroiliac joint pain, pubic symphysis pain, coccyx pain/coccydynia
  • Shoulder blade pain, thoracic (mid back) pain/stiffness, neck pain/stiffness, headaches
  • Pelvic floor muscle weakness, bladder/bowel weakness, urinary stress incontinence, faecal incontinence, urgency, bladder frequency, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, sexual pain
  • Breast engorgement, blocked milk ducts, mastitis
  • Abdominal muscle separation (DRAM)
  • Core muscle weakness
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist and finger pain/tingling/numbness
  • Thumb/wrist pain, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

Our Physiotherapy for Women clinic will provide the necessary consultation time to hear your story and understand how you are feeling and coping with your presenting condition. Physio assessment is carried out to find the cause of discomfort, weakness or loss of function. We will discuss our findings and treatment plan with you, because success depends on your involvement.

What are the treatment options?

The postnatal treatment will be determined by the specific features of your presenting problem. The treatment may include:

  • Gentle release of tight muscle and joint tissues using soft tissue massage and mobilisation techniques
  • Therapeutic ultrasound
  • Dry needling
  • Core muscle activation training with progressive and effective safe loading exercise
  • Muscle strengthening and/or stretching exercises
  • Pelvic floor muscle examination
  • Rigid taping of muscles, joints and spinal areas
  • Kinesiology taping
  • Support bracing or SRC Recovery shorts/leggings
  • Postnatal exercise classes in the clinic
  • Home exercise program

Being a new mum, or mum with toddlers or other children, is a unique time in your life. Our physiotherapists will help you feel more comfortable, provide safe strengthening and stretching exercises to regain your fitness and shape and show you how to help yourself in daily life. We understand that this is not a time for most mums to go onto light duties when they are in pain or experiencing some loss of functional movement. Therefore, our skilled physios know how to present a postnatal treatment approach that will produce fast, positive results for mums presenting with discomfort, stiffness or weakness.