How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Supports Postpartum Recovery
After childbirth, most new parents are told to “take it easy” and let their bodies heal—but rest alone isn’t always enough. The postpartum period brings dramatic physical changes, especially to the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and core stability. These areas experience immense strain during pregnancy and delivery, which can lead to symptoms like urinary leakage, pelvic pressure, or pain in and around the pelvis.
While some changes are expected, many women are left with lingering issues that don’t fully resolve on their own. A six-week check-up may clear you for activity, but as many of us know, recovery takes much longer than six weeks. Without intentional support, those early symptoms can feel limiting and intimidating, affecting your confidence in moving your body, engageing n intimate activity and caring for your little one.
That’s where pelvic floor physical therapy plays a critical role. At Lady Bird PT in Austin, postpartum care focuses on restoring balance, strength, and function—helping new parents feel like themselves again by learning to trust their new and recovering bodies.
Common Pelvic Floor Issues After Childbirth
Childbirth places tremendous stress on the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, your body undergoes significant changes that can affect how your pelvic floor functions.
If you gave birth vaginally, your pelvic floor muscles had to stretch three to four times their resting length to allow baby to pass. If you gave birth via cesarean, you’re recovering from a major abdominal surgery. Regardless of how you birth, your body will need both time and TLC to regain strength and recover.
Some of the most common postpartum pelvic floor issues include:
Urinary incontinence: Leaking urine during coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise is a frequent complaint after birth and often signals weakened or uncoordinated pelvic muscles.
Pelvic organ prolapse: A feeling of heaviness, pressure, or bulging in the pelvic area may indicate that the pelvic organs are no longer adequately supported.
Painful intercourse: Postpartum discomfort during intimacy can result from scar tissue, muscle tightness, or hormonal changes affecting tissue elasticity.
Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements: Disrupted muscle coordination can make it harder to fully evacuate the bowels, causing additional strain and discomfort.
Abdominal separation (diastasis recti): A widening of the abdominal muscles which is some cases can affect core strength - though in others may be a normal adaptation associated with pregnancy.
These symptoms are common but treatable. You don’t have to accept them as a new baseline. At Lady Bird PT in Austin, pelvic floor therapy is designed to address these concerns early and thoroughly, helping you recover with confidence.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps You Reconnect with Your Core
During pregnancy and childbirth, the core and pelvic floor work overtime. They stretch to accommodate your growing baby and bump, often leading to fatigue, changes in coordination and weakness over time. If you feel disconnected from your body, you’re not alone. Pelvic floor physical therapy bridges that gap by helping you rebuild strength, stability, and awareness from the inside out.
At Lady Bird PT, your therapist will assess how your core and pelvic floor are functioning together. You’ll learn targeted exercises that retrain these muscles to activate correctly—without overcompensation or strain. This approach not only improves symptoms like leakage or pelvic heaviness, but also supports better posture, breathing, and full-body movement. We’ll use these strong foundations to help you build back to the activities you love in a supportive way.
Benefits of Seeing a Pelvic Floor Therapist Early in Recovery
Many new parents are surprised to learn that you don’t need to wait for severe symptoms before seeing a pelvic floor therapist. In fact, starting therapy early—often within the first few weeks postpartum or even during pregnancy — can lead to better recovery outcomes.
Early pelvic floor therapy can help:
Prevent long-term complications: Addressing issues like urinary incontinence or pelvic heaviness before they become chronic can reduce the need for more intensive treatment later.
Support tissue healing: Gentle techniques and guided movement can improve circulation, reduce scar tissue restrictions, and ease discomfort after delivery or surgery.
Promote safe return to activity: Whether you’re eager to walk pain-free or return to exercise, a therapist can guide you back safely and gradually.
Boost confidence and comfort: Feeling unsure about what’s “normal” postpartum is common. Working with a therapist provides reassurance, education, and personalized support.
At Lady Bird PT in Austin, early intervention isn’t about doing more. It’s about healing holistically in order to prevent future aches and pains and set you up for a healthy cuture. Pelvic floor therapy gives you the tools and guidance you need to navigate recovery with strength and clarity.
What Postpartum Sessions Look Like at Lady Bird PT in Austin
At Lady Bird PT, postpartum pelvic floor therapy is personalized, supportive, and focused entirely on your comfort and goals. Your first session typically begins with a conversation about your birth experience, current symptoms, and daily routines. We talk about what life and activity looked like prior to and during pregnancy as well as what you want to return to, now. This helps your therapist understand what your body has been through and what you need most right now.
With your consent, your therapist may perform a physical assessment to evaluate pelvic floor function, core strength, posture, and any areas of tension or discomfort. Internal exams are never required—but when appropriate, they can offer valuable insight into muscle coordination and healing progress.
Each treatment plan is tailored to your body’s needs. Early sessions may include gentle hands-on techniques, breathing exercises, core and pelvic floor retraining, and education about how to move and lift safely. Future sessions include exercise progression and sport specific training with continued hands-on work as necessary. The environment is calm, private, and judgment-free—designed to help you feel safe as you heal.
At Lady Bird PT, your postpartum care is never rushed or standardized. It’s about restoring confidence, comfort, and connection to your body—on your terms.
When to Start Pelvic Floor Therapy After Birth
The right time to begin pelvic floor physical therapy can vary depending on your delivery experience, overall health, and how you're feeling in the early weeks of recovery. Typically, new parents begin pelvic floor physical therapy around 3 to 6 weeks postpartum, however earlier support may be helpful for managing pain, improving mobility, or if you’re eager to get started.
If you're unsure when to begin, trust your instincts. Signs like persistent pelvic pressure, leakage, pain, or simply feeling “off” in your core are valid reasons to seek help. Therapy is not just for when symptoms are severe—it’s a proactive way to support your body through a major transition.
At Lady Bird PT in Austin, therapists are experienced in working with postpartum individuals at every stage—from the first weeks after birth to months (or even years) later. You’re never too early or too late to benefit from pelvic floor therapy.