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Physical Therapy
Prenatal and Postpartum Physical Therapy
How Pregnancy and Postpartum Affect the Body​
Pregnancy brings rapid and significant changes to the musculoskeletal system. As hormones shift and the body adapts to support a growing baby, nearly every region is affected.
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Common physical changes during pregnancy include:
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A forward shift in center of gravity
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Widening of the rib cage
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Increased ligament laxity due to hormonal changes
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Stretching of the abdominal wall
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Increased load on the pelvic floor
These adaptations are normal, but they can also contribute to pain or dysfunction that doesn’t resolve on its own.
Low back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, often related to postural changes and altered movement patterns. Pelvic girdle pain, including discomfort at the pubic symphysis or sacroiliac joints, is also common and can significantly limit mobility. Many people are told this is “just part of pregnancy” and feel they need to wait it out, even when symptoms interfere with daily life.
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Postpartum recovery presents a different set of challenges. The body does not immediately return to its pre-pregnancy state, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn often outpace healing. Persistent core weakness, diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation), pelvic floor dysfunction, and ongoing joint pain are common months – or even years – after delivery.
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These issues are not inevitable consequences of pregnancy. They are musculoskeletal conditions that often respond well to structured physical therapy.​
Common Prenatal and Postpartum Symptoms
Patients seek prenatal and postpartum physical therapy at many different stages. Some come during pregnancy to manage pain or prepare their body for delivery. Others seek care postpartum — sometimes within weeks of giving birth, and sometimes years later, after symptoms have persisted or returned over time.
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Common reasons to seek evaluation include:
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Low back or pelvic pain that interferes with daily activities
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A feeling of core weakness or instability
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Visible abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
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Urinary leakage with activity
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Pelvic pressure or heaviness
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Vaginal looseness or laxity
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Constipation
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Pain with intercourse
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Difficulty returning to exercise without discomfort
Many people are unsure whether these symptoms are “normal” or worth addressing. Others have been told that what they’re experiencing is simply part of having had a baby.
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There is no requirement to wait a certain amount of time before seeking care. If something does not feel right, it is worth having it assessed. Early intervention during pregnancy can help reduce discomfort and support smoother recovery. During postpartum, addressing issues sooner often leads to faster and more complete progress, but it is never too late. I regularly work with patients who are years removed from pregnancy and still see meaningful improvement with treatment.
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Prenatal and Postpartum Physical Therapy: How I Assess and Treat Symptoms​​
My approach to prenatal and postpartum physical therapy begins with a thorough evaluation. I want to understand your symptoms, your history, your goals, and how your body is responding to the demands placed on it.
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Whether you are currently pregnant, recently postpartum, or years out from your last delivery, the assessment process is the same: identify what is contributing to your symptoms and determine what your body needs to function better.
Using principles from Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, I assess how your symptoms respond to specific movements and positions. This helps clarify whether the primary drivers are coming from the spine, pelvis, hips, or a combination. In many cases, surrounding muscles – such as the hip flexors, gluteals, and deep core stabilizers – play a significant role in ongoing pain or dysfunction.
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When appropriate, treatment may include targeted manual techniques, myofascial mobilization, or dry needling to address muscle tension and movement restrictions.
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From there, care focuses on restoring function. This often includes:
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Retraining coordination between the deep core and pelvic floor
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Rebuilding strength in muscles that have been stretched or underused
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Addressing movement patterns that may be reinforcing symptoms
I incorporate breathing strategies, corrective exercise principles, and Pilates-based techniques to help patients build strength progressively and safely whether the goal is managing symptoms during pregnancy, returning to daily activities, or getting back to exercise postpartum.
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Education is a key part of the process. I spend time helping patients understand what is happening in their body so they can move with confidence and take an active role in their recovery.
Every visit is one-on-one and focused on identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms so treatment is specific to your body and goals. Call 708-512-5124 today to schedule your appointment.
Prenatal and Postpartum Physical Therapy FAQ
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What is prenatal physical therapy?
Prenatal physical therapy focuses on relieving pregnancy-related pain, improving pelvic floor strength, and preparing your body for labor and delivery. At our Palos Heights clinic, we treat back/pelvic girdle pain, pelvic pain, hip pain, and core weakness during pregnancy.
When should I start prenatal physical therapy?
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You can begin prenatal physical therapy at any stage of pregnancy. Many women start when they notice back pain, pelvic pressure, or urinary leakage, but beginning early can help prevent symptoms from worsening. Some women also choose pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy to prepare their bodies for labor and delivery.
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Can physical therapy help with pregnancy back or SI joint pain?
Absolutely. We specialize in treating low back pain, sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, coccyx (tail bone) pain, and hip pain during pregnancy using hands-on treatment and corrective exercise.
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Do you perform internal pelvic floor treatment during pregnancy?
Internal pelvic floor treatment is considered a standard part of pelvic floor physical therapy, even during pregnancy. However, every pregnancy is different. We always defer to you and your medical provider for approval first.If it is appropriate for your pregnancy and both you and your provider are comfortable, internal treatment can be very beneficial. It can help address pelvic floor muscle tightness, reduce pain, and improve your ability to relax the pelvic floor with breathing — all of which can support preparation for vaginal delivery.
Can pelvic floor therapy help prepare me for labor?
Yes. Prenatal pelvic floor therapy helps improve coordination, relaxation, and pushing mechanics to support a smoother delivery and recovery.
When should I start postpartum physical therapy?
You can begin as early as 1-2 weeks postpartum, depending on your delivery and symptoms. We treat women after both vaginal and C-section births.
Do I need pelvic floor therapy if I had a C-section?
Yes. Pregnancy alone affects the core and pelvic floor. Postpartum therapy helps restore abdominal strength, improve scar mobility, and prevent long-term issues.
Is urinary leakage normal after having a baby?
Urinary leakage is common after childbirth, but it is not normal. Postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy can effectively treat leakage, urgency, and pelvic pressure. Research shows that about one-third of women still experience leakage at three months postpartum, and without treatment, symptoms are more likely to persist long term.