Pre and postnatal physiotherapy
Expert care for when you need it most
Pregnancy and the postnatal period bring incredible changes to your life and body. While this is a beautiful, lifechanging journey, it also comes with unique physical challenges.
As mothers themselves, our team have experienced the joy, wonder and discomfort of motherhood. It’s their mission to ensure our new mums feel supported and listened to throughout their recovery.
Why see women's physio during pregnancy and postpartum
No matter how easy or challenging your pregnancy, or how you bring your baby into the world, this process has a significant impact on your body. Your centre of gravity shifts, ligaments are softened by hormones, abdominal muscles stretch, your pelvic floor is under strain.
Just like any other surgical procedure or injury, the right rehabilitation and care can make all the difference in your recovery.
Our women’s physiotherapists are available in two convenient Perth locations (Leeming and Palmyra) and can help you manage many pre and postnatal conditions, while providing expert care tailored to your body during this important time. In addition to physio, our skilled remedial massage therapist can provide relief from pregnancy and postnatal discomfort.
Understanding changes to your body in pregnancy
Let’s look at the main changes your body experienced during pregnancy and childbirth, and the common issues this creates.
- Your organs were compressed and moved around, and your diaphragm shifted upwards, causing discomfort.
- Your ribs spread to make room for baby, causing referred pain.
- Your pelvic floor experienced a large amount of pressure from your growing baby, causing pelvic and hip pain, and incontinence.
- Your back muscles overcompensated to manage the extra weight at the front of your body, causing discomfort.
- Your back muscles overcompensated to manage the extra weight at the front of your body, causing discomfort.
- Your posture changed, often resulting in hunched, rounded shoulders and a forward head posture. Holding a baby or a child on your hip then reinforced this new posture.
The benefits of pregnancy physio / postnatal physio
Manage aches and pains
Our physio services help manage common issues like lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, and rib discomfort through gentle hands-on treatment and specific exercises.
Prepare your body and mind for birth
Preparation is key here. We teach you exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, improve your breathing techniques and optimise your posture. All of which can help your body and mind to prepare for and manage childbirth.
Stay active and return to exercise safely
Wondering what exercise is safe during pregnancy and beyond? We provide personalised advice on how to keep active throughout your pregnancy, adapting your routine as your body changes, and then return to your preferred physical activities post-birth.
Prevent common pregnancy complaints
Pregnancy physio and postnatal care can help prevent issues like diastasis recti (abdominal separation), pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pain from developing or worsening.
Manage new mum discomfort
Feeding, carrying and taking care of your baby brings with it a raft of new physical demands. Our women’s physios can help you with issues like neck pain, wrist pain and upper back tension.
What to expect with pre and postnatal physio and Physio73
We take pride in the outcomes we’re able to provide for our mothers, and our philosophy involves best practice approaches to pre and postnatal physiotherapy.
During your visits, you will receive:
Comprehensive assessment
We start with a detailed conversation about your pregnancy (and/or childbirth) journey, any discomfort you’re experiencing, your activity levels and your birth plans. We’ll assess your posture, movement patterns and identify areas in need of support.
Hands-on physio treatment
Gentle manual therapy techniques to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension and improve mobility in areas like your lower back, pelvis and hips.
Pelvic floor education
We’ll teach you how to properly engage and relax your pelvic floor muscles, both essential skills for pregnancy, birth and maintaining normal urinary function post-birth.
Tailored exercises
Safe, effective exercises designed for each stage of pregnancy and your body, helping you maintain strength and prepare for labour or manage recovery.
Book to see a pre or postnatal physio in Perth and let us support you through this important time.