Postnatal Physiotherapy



Physiotherapist examining the abdominal and pelvic region of a patient during a postnatal physiotherapy consultation.

Postnatal Physiotherapy

Pregnancy and labour itself can have significant and often lasting impact on a woman’s body. Instability in the pelvic and abdominal muscles is common, affecting around 50% of women post pregnancy. Over 30% will have diastasis recti (also known as the tummy gap).

These issues can give rise to a number of Pelvic Health issues including constipation, pelvic or back pain, incontinence and pain during sex. Fortunately, whilst Pelvic Health issues are common both during and after pregnancy, the majority are preventable and/or treatable with Postnatal Physiotherapy.

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Why have a Postnatal Assessment?

Even if you’re not experiencing any significant discomfort or other symptoms following your pregnancy, we would always recommend having a Postnatal Assessment. It’s a full screening and assessment to pick up any postnatal complications and issues you may have, including those that are not immediately obvious.

We recommend booking an initial Postnatal Physiotherapy Assessment from 6 weeks after labour and treatment can be started straight away, so that any issues do not become chronic. As a result, you’re less likely to require extended Physiotherapy treatment, and are also less likely to need treatment later in life as pelvic floor issues are identified sooner and dealt with immediately.

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One of Ten’s Women’s Health experts taking notes during a postnatal physiotherapy consultation with a client.
A physiotherapist assessing the pelvis of a client laying on the assessment table during a postnatal physiotherapy consultation.

Ongoing support

Ten’s specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapists can diagnose and treat any conditions or pain you may experience postpartum. And we can provide advice or guidance on any symptoms, issues or concerns.

  • Common Reasons you would benefit from Postnatal Physiotherapy:

    • to identify any areas of weakness, or disfunction post childbirth that could cause pain or injury going forward
    • advice and treatment for any pain discomfort you are feeling post-pregnancy
    • DRAM (diastasis recti abdominal muscle) check
    • care and advice following a C-Section or tear, or if you have haemorrhoids
    • support and treatment for urinal and/or faecal incontinence
    • advice and support to help you return to activity and exercise safely post pregnancy – from pelvic floor training to returning to your preferred workouts, from running to gym sessions – with guidance on managing your progress
    • we can create and deliver a bespoke post natal exercise programme for you, designed specifically around you and your needs
    • relief of lumbar and/or pelvic pain
    • guidance on safe movement and posture to avoid injury or discomfort when lifting, carrying or feeding your baby
    • breast care

If you have questions or would like to talk in confidence to one of our Women’s Health Physiotherapists, please contact us.

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Prices & insurance

Self-pay prices:

  • Initial assessment: £130 (60 mins)
  • Follow up appointment: £90 (30 mins)

Self-pay sessions can be bought and booked online or by calling your preferred Studio

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Is Postnatal Physiotherapy Covered By Insurance?

All our Women’s Health Physiotherapists are registered with the Pelvic, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) society, and with all major Health Insurance Providers, including AXA PPP and Bupa.

Many of our Pelvic Health services are covered by insurance – please call your preferred studio to check before booking.

Meet the team

Leanne

Leanne has worked as a specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist in the NHS and in private practice. She has a varied and wide range of experience, including the treatment of chronic pelvic pain, vulvodynia and vaginismus, incontinence, menopause symptoms, and endometriosis. She is a member of the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy Society and the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.

Kendall

A Physiotherapist for over 10 years, Kendall has undergone specialist training via the Pelvic, Obstetrics and Gynecological Physiotherapy (POGP) society, completing numerous courses focusing on pregnancy related physiotherapy, female urinary dysfunction, and menopause. She is a registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.

Evone

A graduate of ESTeSL in Lisbon, Portugal, Evone started her career in 2004 in the Portuguese Armed Forces Hospital. She has extensive Physiotherapy experience and has undergone specialist Women’s Health training. She particularly enjoys working with pre and postnatal women, and women with complex pelvic conditions. Evone finds that many women still don't know that help is available, and is working tirelessly to resolve that! She is registered with Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy, Health and Care Professions Council and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Olivia

Olivia is passionate about increasing awareness of Women’s Health Physiotherapy to help women achieve small or big goals and ensure they reach their full potential. She enjoys treating pre and post-natal women as well as female athletes for musculoskeletal conditions and all women for pelvic floor related problems. Olivia is registered with Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy, Health and Care Professions Council and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Toni

Toni has completed numerous courses to develop her skills in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. She specialises in the treatment of pre and postnatal issues, pelvic pain, incontinence, menopause, pelvic organ prolapse and men’s health issues. Toni is passionate about empowering her clients through education to ensure they have the best understanding of their own injuries and self-management. She implements a combination of manual therapy, massage, dry needling and exercise prescription. This collaborative approach allows for a rehab program that can be suited to the lifestyle and goals of the client in order to achieve the best results possible.

Caitlin I

Throughout her career, Caitlin has developed a particular interest in Pelvic health and has completed specialised courses to be able to treat and assess pelvic health conditions. During this time, she also developed her own passion for reformer pilates, completing her training in 2022. She believes it’s a valuable tool and incorporates it into patient rehabilitation. Caitlin uses a holistic and comprehensive approach, crafting individualised treatment plans that consider both immediate concerns and broader physical well-being.

Caitlin E

Caitlin is a rugby-loving South African who qualified as a Physiotherapist in London at St George’s University. As a keen sportswoman, she is passionate about helping people achieve their goals through rehabilitation. With experience across MSK private practice, men’s rugby, and leading a physiotherapy team at the London Marathon, she enjoys working with a variety of patients regarding sporting injuries, post-operative rehab and strength and conditioning. Caitlin is a qualified Women’s Health specialist, treating a variety of pelvic floor, urinary incontinence and pre/post-natal cases. She feels strongly about supporting all women to feel empowered about their health.


Speak to a Pelvic Health Specialist

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    FAQs:

    • When should I start postnatal physiotherapy?

      Our Postnatal Assessments are suitable from 6 weeks postnatal. This ensures that the vaginal tissue or caesarean section scar has healed before we test the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.

      If you are experiencing pain postnatally, it is safe to have physiotherapy treatment as soon as you feel comfortable coming to the clinic.

    • What to expect from a postnatal physiotherapy session?

      Postnatal Assessments start with a thorough subjective assessment to highlight any bladder, bowel, prolapse, pelvic or abdominal symptoms you’re having.

      The objective assessment includes an assessment of your posture and pelvic strength, abdominal separation, caesarean scar (if appropriate) and an internal examination to assess scar tissue, pelvic floor strength and endurance and prolapse. Internal examinations are recommended but not obligatory. You will be given the option of having a chaperone for the internal examination.

      Your initial assessment includes tailored exercises and a full treatment plan to ensure you achieve your postnatal goals, including a safe return to any sports or exercise routines - many of our clients seek treatment to help them resume running, sports and weight-lifting.

      If you are experiencing pain postnatally, we will carry out a thorough subjective and objective examination to establish the root cause of your pain. We will then provide appropriate treatment and a bespoke treatment plan to get you pain-free as quickly as possible.

    • Who can benefit from postnatal physiotherapy?

      The World Health Organisation recommends that all women should have access to postnatal physiotherapy, so definitely all women should have a Postnatal Assessment. The body goes through large changes in a short space of time and it’s important that women receive appropriate advice and treatment to ensure they have a smooth postnatal recovery.

    • What types of issues can postnatal physiotherapy help with?

      - Prolapse
      - Faecal and urinary incontinence
      - Faecal and urinary urgency and frequency
      - Abdominal separation (rectus abdominis diastasis)
      - Return to sport and exercise
      - Postnatal pain
      - Carpal tunnel syndrome
      - De Quervains Tenosynovitis (thumb and wrist pain)
      - Painful sex

    • Is it safe to have postnatal physiotherapy if I had a C-section?

      Yes, it is perfectly safe to have postnatal physiotherapy following a c-section. You can resume physiotherapy as soon as you feel comfortable. If you would like an assessment of your abdominal muscles, c-section scar and pelvic floor, we would recommend waiting 6 weeks after your delivery before having an assessment. If you are struggling with pain, physiotherapy can be started as soon as you feel ready.

    • How many sessions will I need?

      Most pre and postnatal issues can be treated in 4 to 6 sessions. However, this is dependent on the severity of symptoms; some people may require additional sessions to effectively treat and resolve their symptoms.