Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demand on the body — especially the core and pelvic floor. At Pelvitone Physical Therapy in San Diego, we provide specialized prenatal and postpartum physical therapy to help you stay comfortable during pregnancy and recover safely after birth.
Whether you want to prepare for delivery, reduce pain, or return to exercise confidently, pelvic floor physical therapy helps your body adapt to each stage.
Our approach focuses on strength, mobility, and coordination so you feel capable — not fragile — throughout pregnancy and recovery.
Prenatal (Pregnancy) Physical Therapy
Physical therapy during pregnancy helps reduce discomfort and prepare your body for labor and delivery.
We commonly help with:
- Low back and hip pain
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Pubic symphysis pain
- SI joint pain
- Pain with walking, rolling, or sleeping
- Core stability during pregnancy
- Exercise modifications
- Birth preparation strategies
- Breathing and pushing mechanics
Prenatal pelvic floor therapy also reduces risk of prolonged recovery and supports more efficient pushing during delivery.
Birth Preparation
Birth is a physical event — and preparation matters.
We teach:
- Pelvic floor relaxation and lengthening
- Labor positions
- Pushing coordination
- Perineal preparation
- Pressure management
- Partner support techniques
The goal is not a “perfect birth,” but a body that knows how to respond.
Postpartum Recovery Physical Therapy
Recovery does not end at the 6-week check. The body heals and adapts for months afterward, and guided rehabilitation significantly improves long-term outcomes.
We support recovery after vaginal or cesarean birth.
Common Postpartum Concerns
- Urinary leakage
- Core weakness or doming
- Diastasis recti
- Pelvic heaviness or prolapse symptoms
- Pain with exercise
- Back, hip, or wrist pain from caregiving
- Pain with intimacy
- Return to running or lifting
Our treatment combines pelvic floor and deep core rehabilitation so your body regains automatic support.
Return to Exercise & Activity
Many women are cleared for activity but not prepared for it. We provide structured return-to-fitness progression including:
- Core reconnection
- Impact readiness testing
- Lifting mechanics for parenting tasks
- Running progression
- Strength training guidance
The goal is to prevent setbacks while rebuilding confidence.
Cesarean Birth Recovery
C-section recovery requires both scar healing and muscular rehabilitation.
We address:
- Scar mobility
- Abdominal coordination
- Core strength rebuilding
- Postural compensation patterns
- Return to activity safely
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start postpartum physical therapy?
You can begin as early as a few weeks postpartum for education and gentle recovery guidance. Many patients start between 4–12 weeks.
Is pain normal after childbirth?
Discomfort is common early on, but persistent symptoms are treatable and should not be ignored.
Do I need symptoms to come in?
No. Preventative care often leads to the best long-term outcomes.
When to See a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
You may benefit from therapy if you experience:
- Pain during pregnancy
- Difficulty recovering after birth
- Leaking or pressure
- Trouble returning to workouts
- Persistent core weakness