Postpartum Rehab: How Physical Therapy Supports Your Recovery
Bringing a new baby into the world is an incredible experience, but it also places unique physical demands on the body. Many women are surprised by how different their body feels after birth—whether it’s changes in strength, core stability, or pelvic health. Postpartum rehab is not just about “bouncing back.” It’s about healing, rebuilding, and supporting your body so you can feel strong and confident in this new chapter of life.
At Wildflower Physical Therapy & Wellness in Indianapolis, we specialize in postpartum rehab tailored to your individual needs. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a c-section, your recovery deserves the same care and attention as your pregnancy.
The “6-Week Checkup” Myth
Many new moms are surprised at how quickly they’re told they’re “cleared” after giving birth—often at the 6-week postpartum visit. While this clearance means your incision or tissues are healing, it doesn’t mean your body is ready for lifting, running, or the physical demands of parenting. Postpartum physical therapy fills the gap between being medically cleared and being truly ready for movement.
At Wildflower PT & Wellness in Indianapolis, we guide women through this stage with individualized assessments. Instead of a blanket “you’re cleared,” we provide a clear plan for safely restoring your strength, mobility, and confidence.
Postpartum Rehab is Preventative Care
Another misconception is that postpartum PT is only necessary if you’re experiencing problems like leakage or pain. In reality, rehab can also be preventative. Just like athletes use physical therapy to prevent injuries, new moms can use it to protect against long-term issues such as pelvic organ prolapse, chronic back pain, or recurrent core weakness. Even if you feel “fine,” postpartum PT ensures your body stays resilient for the future.
Pregnancy and delivery affect every layer of the body—from muscles and ligaments to connective tissues and nerves. Common postpartum concerns include:
Core weakness or abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
Urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing, or exercise
Pelvic pain or heaviness
Low back or hip pain
Difficulty returning to exercise or daily activities
These are not just “normal” parts of motherhood. They are signs that your body needs support.
The Mental and Emotional Side of Recovery
Postpartum healing isn’t only physical—it’s deeply connected to emotional well-being. Many women feel discouraged when their body doesn’t “bounce back” as quickly as expected, or they feel uncertain about exercising again. Working with a pelvic health physical therapist provides reassurance, validation, and guidance. Knowing that your recovery is supported by evidence-based care can relieve anxiety and help you rebuild confidence in your body.
A Lifelong Investment in Health
Postpartum rehab also lays the foundation for long-term health. Addressing core and pelvic floor function early helps reduce risks for issues like incontinence or prolapse decades later. It’s not just about the months after birth—it’s about setting your body up for strength and resilience throughout life.
What to Expect from Postpartum PT
A physical therapist trained in pelvic health can evaluate how your core, pelvic floor, posture, and breathing all work together. At Wildflower PT & Wellness, we provide:
Tailored strengthening and stabilization exercises
Strategies to reconnect with your core and pelvic floor
Guidance for safe return to exercise, running, or lifting
Education on posture, breathwork, and movement strategies for daily life
Postpartum rehab isn’t just about exercise—it’s about the daily movements of motherhood. From lifting a car seat, to carrying a baby on your hip, to bending over the crib, these activities place stress on your healing body. PT provides strategies for safer lifting, better posture, and more efficient movement, helping you avoid pain and fatigue. Learn more about the conditions treated by our pelvic health physical therapy program HERE.
Postpartum Isn’t a Finite Timeframe
Many women think postpartum rehab is only for the first few weeks after birth. In reality, whether you are 6 weeks or 6 years postpartum, PT can help. The body continues to adapt, and it’s never “too late” to benefit from targeted rehab. The human body is so incredibly complex, and we are here to help you unravel those complexities.
Postpartum recovery takes time, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right guidance, you can restore strength, relieve pain, and return to the activities you love—whether that’s exercise, caring for your baby, or simply moving comfortably in your daily life.
👉 Ready to feel stronger postpartum? Contact Wildflower Physical Therapy & Wellness in Indianapolis today to schedule your postpartum rehab session.
If you are struggling with illness or injury and would like to get your body moving, schedule a physical therapy appointment with us today! At Wildflower Physical Therapy & Wellness, we can help you to get back to the life you want to live through pain management strategies, activity promotion and exercise. Our Cash Based Physical Therapy model allows us to deliver a highly individualized treatment plan without the fuss of insurance companies. Interested in trying dry needling to support your exercise routine and maximize recovery? Reach out to us today!