WHEN TO SEE A PHYSIO AFTER HAVING A BABY

Physiotherapy treatment options

To ensure a speedy recovery and to optimise results, we highly recommend seeing your physiotherapist from 2 weeks post delivery. However, if you have concerns soon after your baby is born. You can see your physiotherapist before the 2 week mark to have these concerns addressed and commence your rehab early.

2 weeks post delivery

Includes:

  • Delivery debrief – opportunity to discuss how your delivery went and receive the support and reassurance that you need
  • Managing any bladder or bowel concerns – e.g. constipation, incontinence, altered sensation, pain
  • Abdominal ultrasound (if possible) to ensure good bladder sensation and to see if your pelvic floor can lift
  • Managing acute pain and commencing early rehab for perineal stitches, swelling / bruising and caesarean wounds
  • Body aches and pains – we give those aching shoulders, back and neck a gentle release and some TLC!
  • Abdominal muscle separation – tailored advice surrounding compression garments and ergonomics in addition to prescription of specific exercises
  • Breastfeeding dysfunction – early identification & management of blocked ducts, engorgement, mastitis, nipple trauma & attachment concerns

6 weeks post delivery

Typically, from 6 weeks we are progressing exercises in line with your goals and managing any acute ongoing concerns. The length and frequency of your rehab will be determined by your specific concerns and goals.

Includes:

  • Pelvic Floor Assessment – usually involving a gentle internal vaginal examination and abdominal ultrasound. An internal examination will give us all the information that we need in order to rehab your pelvic floor effectively – enabling you to return to exercise, intercourse, everyday tasks and work in a safe and timely fashion. We will be assessing:
  • Strength
  • Tone
  • Prolapse (if present + severity)
  • Healing of internal stitches 
  • Abdominal muscle separation re-assessment & activity advice / exercise prescription or progression
  • Managing body aches and pains + exercise rehabilitation
  • Managing any breastfeeding concerns
  • Managing any bladder / bowel concerns 
  • Managing painful scars or stitches + self management programme

It is never too late to see a women’s health physiotherapist for improvement in your symptoms. Most pelvic floor concerns however are progressive and can worsen over time if they aren’t addressed effectively. So, the sooner you address them, the faster your progress or the better your outcome will be.

Download Factsheet