Postnatal Physiotherapy in Chennai
The postpartum period brings significant physical changes that are rarely addressed adequately. Most new mothers are cleared for activity at 6 weeks without any assessment of the pelvic floor, abdominal wall, or musculoskeletal system. This is why so many women experience incontinence, back pain, or persistent abdominal separation months or years after delivery.
Postnatal physiotherapy at Chennai Physio Care® assesses and treats the full picture — pelvic floor function, diastasis recti, postural changes, and any pain from delivery. We then build a structured return-to-activity plan that is appropriate for your specific recovery.
All postnatal physiotherapy sessions are carried out by female physiotherapists. If you are still pregnant, see our prenatal physiotherapy page.
What Is Postnatal Physiotherapy?
Postnatal physiotherapy is physiotherapy provided after delivery to support recovery of the pelvic floor, abdominal wall, and musculoskeletal system. It addresses conditions that arise directly from pregnancy and childbirth — including diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, back pain, and pelvic girdle pain that persists after delivery.
Common Causes
Postnatal Physiotherapy can be caused by various factors, including but not limited to:
- Vaginal delivery and perineal trauma
- Caesarean section and abdominal surgery
- Diastasis recti from pregnancy
- Weakened pelvic floor muscles
- Postural changes from feeding and carrying
- Hormonal changes affecting joint stability
- Sleep deprivation and increased physical demands of infant care
Our Approach to Treatment
The first session covers a thorough assessment — pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination, abdominal wall integrity including diastasis recti, posture, and any specific pain or symptoms from delivery. This assessment determines what your body is ready for and what needs to be addressed first.
For diastasis recti, we assess the separation width and tissue quality and build a progressive core rehabilitation programme. For pelvic floor dysfunction — whether incontinence, prolapse, or pain — treatment is specific to your presentation. These two conditions often coexist and are treated as a connected system. See our diastasis recti treatment and pelvic floor rehabilitation pages for more.
Return to exercise is planned progressively — starting with low-load pelvic floor and core work and building toward higher-impact activity as your body is ready. We give you a clear programme and honest timelines based on your assessment findings.
Conditions We Treat
Our specialized Postnatal Physiotherapy services effectively address a wide range of conditions:
Benefits of Postnatal Physiotherapy
Short-term Benefits
- Accurate assessment of postpartum pelvic floor and abdominal wall
- Reduced incontinence and pelvic floor symptoms
- Reduced back and pelvic pain
- Clear guidance on safe return to activity
Long-term Benefits
- Reduced diastasis recti in most cases
- Improved pelvic floor function
- Safe return to exercise including running and strength training
- Reduced risk of long-term pelvic floor disorders
Why Choose Chennai Physio Care?
Chennai Physio Care® provides specialist postnatal physiotherapy with female physiotherapists experienced in postpartum recovery. We assess the pelvic floor, abdominal wall, and musculoskeletal system together — not in isolation. For women who had a caesarean section, we also address scar tissue mobility and its effect on core function.
Ready to Get Started?
Don't let pain limit your life any longer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert physiotherapists.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start postnatal physiotherapy?
A pelvic floor assessment can begin from 6 weeks postpartum for vaginal deliveries, or 8 weeks after a caesarean section once cleared by your obstetrician. If you have specific concerns — incontinence, significant pain, or visible abdominal separation — contact us earlier and we will advise based on your situation.
What is diastasis recti and will I have it after delivery?
Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles along the midline, which occurs to varying degrees in most pregnancies. It does not always cause symptoms, but when it does — persistent postpartum belly, core weakness, back pain, or pelvic floor dysfunction — physiotherapy is the recommended treatment. We assess it as part of every postpartum assessment.
When can I return to exercise after delivery?
This depends on your individual recovery, the type of delivery, and your pelvic floor and abdominal wall condition. A postnatal physiotherapy assessment gives you a clear picture of what your body is ready for and a structured return-to-exercise plan. Starting too early — particularly with high-impact activity — can worsen pelvic floor symptoms and prolapse.
I had a caesarean section — does postnatal physiotherapy help?
Yes. C-section recovery involves both abdominal wound healing and pelvic floor rehabilitation — even without a vaginal delivery, the pelvic floor is affected by pregnancy itself. We also address caesarean scar tissue mobility once the wound has healed, which can affect pelvic floor function and abdominal wall integrity.
Are your physiotherapists female?
Yes. All postnatal physiotherapy sessions at Chennai Physio Care® are carried out by female physiotherapists.