Bringing a baby into the world is an incredible experience — but pregnancy and birth also place significant demands on your body. While much attention is understandably focused on your baby’s health, your recovery matters too.
Many women are familiar with the standard 6-week GP or obstetric check-up after birth, but fewer realise that a postnatal physiotherapy assessment can play an equally important role in long-term recovery, comfort, and return to exercise.
At BodyCare Physiotherapy, our pelvic health physios Sophie and Mahlie provide comprehensive postnatal physiotherapy assessments to help new mothers recover safely, rebuild strength, and feel supported during this major transition.
What Does a 6-Week Postnatal Physio Assessment Include?
A postnatal physiotherapy assessment focuses specifically on your physical recovery and function. It can help identify issues early and guide safe return to exercise, lifting, work, and everyday activities.
Every assessment is tailored to your individual experience, whether you had a vaginal delivery or caesarean birth.
Your physiotherapist may assess:
Pelvic Floor Function
Pregnancy and childbirth can place considerable strain on the pelvic floor muscles. Weakness, overactivity, or injury may contribute to symptoms such as:
- Urinary leakage
- Urgency or frequency issues
- Heaviness or prolapse symptoms
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty returning to exercise
A pelvic floor assessment helps determine how these muscles are functioning and whether targeted rehabilitation is needed.
Abdominal Muscle Recovery
Many women experience abdominal separation (diastasis recti) after pregnancy. We assess:
- Abdominal muscle strength and coordination
- Core function
- Breathing patterns
- Pressure management during movement
This helps guide safe recovery and exercise progression.
Scar Assessment and Recovery
If you experienced a caesarean birth, tearing, or episiotomy, scar tissue can sometimes contribute to pain, tightness, or altered movement patterns.
Physiotherapy can support scar healing and improve comfort and mobility.
Posture, Back, and Pelvic Pain
Feeding, carrying, lifting, and prolonged sitting can place new stresses on your body. Many mothers experience:
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Wrist or hand discomfort
Treatment may include hands-on therapy, exercise, movement advice, and ergonomic strategies for feeding and carrying your baby.
Returning to Exercise Safely
One of the most common questions new mothers ask is:
“When can I start exercising again?”
The answer depends on your recovery, symptoms, strength, and birth experience. Returning too early to high-impact exercise may increase the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction or ongoing pain.
At BodyCare Physiotherapy we provide individualised guidance for returning to:
- Walking
- Strength training
- Running
- Pilates
- Gym exercise
- Sport
Why Early Assessment Matters
Many postnatal symptoms are common — but they are not something you simply have to “put up with.”
Early physiotherapy assessment can help:
- Prevent minor issues from becoming long-term problems
- Improve pelvic floor recovery
- Reduce pain and discomfort
- Support safe exercise return
- Improve confidence in your body again
Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, a postnatal check-up is important as some issues can be asymptomatic. Risk of future injury or impairments can be reduced with early assessment and intervention.
How We Can Help
At BodyCare Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care for women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Our postnatal services include:
- Pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation
- Postnatal recovery assessments
- Diastasis recti management
- Caesarean scar rehabilitation
- Return-to-exercise planning
- Treatment for pelvic, back, and neck pain
- Individualised postnatal Pilates
We understand that every postpartum journey is different, and we are here to support you at every stage.
Book Your Postnatal Assessment
If you are approaching your 6-week check-up or have recently had your baby, we would love to support your recovery.
Also remember – if you’ve “missed” your 6-week appointment – it’s never too late to get started!
Book online or call us on 98422759 to book your postnatal physiotherapy assessment and take the next step toward feeling strong, confident, and supported after birth.