Postnatal Pain Explained: How Physiotherapy Helps With Back, Hip and Pelvic Pain After Birth
Many women expect some discomfort after giving birth, but ongoing pain is not something you should just endure.
Postnatal physiotherapy can make a big difference to common issues like lower back pain, hip pain and pelvic pain. With the right support, most women can return to daily life feeling stronger, steadier and far more comfortable.
Why Pain Persists After Pregnancy
Pregnancy puts the body through a lot. A growing ‘baby bump’ shifts your posture, stretches abdominal tissues and increases pressure on the pelvic floor. Hormonal changes also play a part. Relaxin and progesterone soften ligaments to prepare the pelvis for birth, but this can also leave joints feeling unstable for months afterwards.
Birth itself, whether vaginal or caesarean, adds another layer of strain. You may be recovering from stitches, scar tissue, perineal trauma or muscle weakness. Even straightforward births can leave the back and pelvis working harder than usual as you look after a newborn.
Common Areas of Postnatal Pain
Lower back pain
Lifting, feeding, carrying and long hours spent in awkward positions often irritate the lower back. Weak abdominal muscles and a tired pelvic floor add to the problem because these muscles usually support the spine.
Pelvic pain
Pain around the pubic bone, tailbone or deep inside the pelvis is common, particularly if pelvic girdle pain was present during pregnancy. Joints may still be sensitive, and surrounding muscles often tighten to compensate.
Hip pain
Changes in how often you walk during pregnancy, along with weakened gluteal muscles, can leave the hips feeling stiff or sore. Repetitive lifting and side-lying for feeding or sleeping can also aggravate this area.
How Postnatal Physiotherapy Helps
Our women’s health physiotherapists look at the whole picture, not just a painful spot.
At PelviCare, assessments typically include posture, pelvic floor function, abdominal strength, joint mobility and breathing patterns. This approach helps identify what is actually driving your symptoms.
Therapy targeted for your needs
Gentle hands-on treatment can ease tight muscles, improve joint movement and reduce irritation around the pelvis and spine. Techniques vary depending on your symptoms, but the goal is always to make movement feel easier and less painful.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
If the pelvic floor is weak, overactive or simply not coordinating well, it can affect how the back and pelvis behave. Guided pelvic floor exercises and relaxation strategies help restore balance.
Core and glute strengthening
Rebuilding strength in the deeper abdominal muscles and hips supports the pelvis and reduces strain on the lower back. We provide exercises tailored to your level, starting small and progressing safely.
Changes to your lifestyle
Simple tweaks often help more than people expect. Adjusting how you lift the baby, sit during feeds or move through daily tasks can take immediate pressure off painful areas.
When to Seek Help
If pain is affecting your sleep, how you’re eating, exercising or caring for your baby, it’s worth booking an assessment.
Getting support early means you’ll recover quicker and prevents symptoms from becoming long-term. With expert guidance, most women notice steady, reassuring progress within a few sessions.
Find out more about our postnatal physiotherapy in London. Or simply get in touch today.