Postpartum Recovery

Most women return to exercise within 4-6 weeks after a vaginal birth, but this varies from person to person. Talk to your physiotherapist before you start exercising. It is best to begin with light activities to support your pelvic floor as it heals.

After a C-section (cesarean section), a return to exercise is usually recommended after 6-8 weeks, but you need your doctor’s approval. Because recovery can take longer, it is important to start with low-intensity activities such as gentle walks and to avoid straining your abdomen.

Physiotherapy offers personalized exercise programs to rebuild the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles. It also teaches you how to activate your pelvic floor muscles correctly. Techniques such as biofeedback make it easier to feel and control these muscles.

Pelvic pressure can come from the pelvic floor muscles being stretched or weakened during childbirth. Postpartum swelling or conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse can also cause this feeling. In that case, getting support from a physiotherapist is helpful.

Physiotherapy helps reduce adhesions around the C-section scar, strengthen the abdominal muscles and rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. It also supports posture correction and pain management.

C-section scar massage is a technique used to improve the flexibility of scar tissue, prevent adhesions and improve blood flow under the skin. It can speed up healing and reduce stiffness or discomfort around the scar.

You can usually start bending movements 4-8 weeks after a C-section, with your doctor’s approval. During this time, avoid straining your body and be careful when you bend. Your return to physical activity should be gradual.

Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles that develops during pregnancy. It can leave a gap in the middle of the abdomen and is usually noticed after birth. Weak abdominal muscles can lead to back pain and posture problems.