Postnatal Physio and Recovery After Birth
Postnatal physio is part of Bluebell's women's health physiotherapy service at our clinic on Warren Road, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham ME5 9RD. It is for people recovering after birth who want help with symptoms such as bladder leakage, pelvic heaviness, abdominal separation, back or pelvic pain, or getting back to exercise. You can book directly without a GP referral. Your appointment starts with a conversation about the birth, your recovery so far and what you want to be able to do again.
What postnatal physiotherapy covers
The women's health service lists postnatal recovery alongside pelvic floor weakness, bladder leakage, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse support, pregnancy-related pain and abdominal separation, also called diastasis recti. After birth these can overlap. Someone may notice leaking when they cough, a gap along the middle of the tummy and an aching lower back, all at once. Physiotherapy looks at how those symptoms relate to movement, lifting and daily tasks such as carrying a car seat or feeding, then discusses exercise and advice that fit your recovery. Our women's health service page explains the wider service.
When to see a physio after birth
Your GP postnatal check, usually around six to eight weeks after birth, is an important medical appointment and physiotherapy does not replace it. You can contact a physiotherapist before or after that check if something is worrying you, for example leaking that is not improving, pelvic pain when walking or a feeling of heaviness. If you had a caesarean section or a complicated delivery, follow the advice from your maternity team and bring any letters you were given. There is no need to wait until you plan to return to running before asking about pelvic floor recovery.
Abdominal separation and core recovery
Diastasis recti describes the stretching apart of the tummy muscles along the midline during pregnancy. It is common, and many people find the gap changes over the months after birth. A physiotherapist can discuss how it feels during everyday movements, whether certain exercises cause doming or discomfort, and how to build strength gradually. The aim is to help you move with confidence, not to chase a particular measurement or promise that the gap will close. Our pelvic floor physiotherapy page explains how pelvic floor rehabilitation is arranged within the same service.
Back and pelvic pain after pregnancy
Lifting, feeding positions and broken sleep can all affect how the back and pelvis feel in the months after birth, and pain that started in pregnancy sometimes continues afterwards. Describe which positions ease or aggravate it and how it affects caring for your baby. Treatment can include advice on positions, exercise and hands-on care where appropriate to the assessment. If back pain is your main concern, our lower back pain information explains common causes, and the pelvic floor problems guide covers leakage and heaviness in more detail.
When to get medical help first
Contact your GP, midwife or maternity unit urgently for heavy bleeding, fever, a wound that is red, hot or leaking, severe tummy pain, or a painful, swollen calf. Call 999 for chest pain or sudden breathlessness. Seek prompt medical advice for new difficulty passing urine or controlling your bowels. If your mood is low, you feel anxious most of the time or you have thoughts of harming yourself, speak to your GP or health visitor straight away. These symptoms should not wait for a physiotherapy appointment.
Booking a postnatal appointment
Tell the clinic you would like a postnatal women's health appointment when you get in touch, and mention roughly when you gave birth. Appointments are with HCPC-registered physiotherapists, Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm, with free parking on site. Ask for the current fee when booking. You can describe your symptoms in your own words; there is no need to know the medical terms before you call 01634 757123 or book online.
Common questions
What is postnatal physiotherapy?
It is physiotherapy for recovery after birth, looking at symptoms such as bladder leakage, pelvic pain, back pain and abdominal separation, and helping you return to activity at a pace that suits you.
When should I see a physio after giving birth?
You can get in touch whenever symptoms are worrying you. Your GP postnatal check still matters, and urgent symptoms such as heavy bleeding or fever need medical care first.
Can a physio help with diastasis recti?
Yes. Abdominal separation is one of the problems covered by our women's health service. Physiotherapy focuses on comfortable movement and gradual strengthening rather than promising the gap will close.
Do I need a referral for postnatal physio?
No. You can book directly. If you plan to claim on health insurance, check with your insurer whether they need a GP referral first.