After childbirth, the body goes through a process of adaptation in which changes occur in pelvic floor function, abdominal muscles, breathing, and the management of intra-abdominal pressure.

These changes are part of the physiology of pregnancy and childbirth, and they can influence how you move, your stability, or the development of symptoms over time.

A postpartum physiotherapy assessment makes it possible to analyse these changes from a clinical perspective and determine whether intervention is needed, how to approach it, and when to start.

At our physiotherapy clinic in Barcelona, we work with physiotherapists specialised in pelvic health, approaching postpartum care through an individualised model.

Why is a postpartum assessment important?

The postpartum period is a stage of reorganisation of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and visceral systems.

During pregnancy and childbirth, the following changes may occur:

• Changes in pelvic floor function (tone, strength or coordination)
• Alterations in the abdominal muscles, including diastasis
• Modifications in the management of intra-abdominal pressure
• Changes in breathing patterns and trunk control
• The presence of scars following caesarean section, episiotomy or perineal tears

Although these changes are common, they do not always imply pathology. However, they may require assessment if symptoms or dysfunction are present.

Physiotherapy helps identify functional alterations and guide treatment in the early stages.

What does a postpartum physiotherapy assessment involve?

The assessment is individualised and structured into three main stages:

1. Clinical interview

Information is gathered about:

• Type of birth and number of deliveries
• Current symptoms (pain, urinary or faecal leakage, sensation of pressure)
• Relevant gynaecological history
• Progress during pregnancy and childbirth
• Associated health factors

2. Pelvic floor assessment

EThe evaluation focuses on pelvic floor function:

• Urinary and bowel control
• Ability to support pelvic organs
• Sexual function
• Muscle coordination and response

This approach allows the identification of both underactivity and overactivity, as well as coordination issues.

3. Physical examination

This includes the assessment of:

• Abdomen (diastasis and motor control)
• Breathing pattern
• Management of intra-abdominal pressure
• Overall movement control

When indicated, an internal vaginal examination may be performed, always with informed consent and carried out with professionalism and respect.

What is addressed after the postpartum assessment?

Treatment is designed based on clinical findings.
It may include:

• Therapeutic exercise focused on motor control and function
• Pelvic floor re-education
• Breathing and pressure management
• Management of abdominal diastasis
• Scar treatment (caesarean section, episiotomy or tears)
• Intervention in pelvic floor dysfunctions

The goal is to improve function, reduce symptoms and optimise the body’s adaptation.
Education is also included to support understanding of the process and help manage daily activities.

Physical activity after childbirth

The return to physical activity should be based on the assessment of pelvic floor function, trunk control and response to load.

Physiotherapy allows you to:

• Assess functional capacity before starting or progressing exercise
• Adapt load progressively
• Reduce the risk of symptom onset or persistence

When should you see a physiotherapist after childbirth?

La A postpartum assessment can be carried out both in the early stages and weeks or months after delivery.

It is especially recommended if:

• There is pelvic or abdominal pain
• There is urinary or faecal incontinence
• You feel a sensation of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area
• You want to return to physical activity
• You want to assess the condition of your pelvic floor after childbirth

You do not need to have symptoms to benefit from an assessment.

What are the most common postpartum symptoms related to the pelvic floor?

The most frequent dysfunctions include:

• Stress urinary incontinence: involuntary leakage of urine during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercise.
• Pelvic pressure or heaviness: a sensation of weight in the vaginal or perineal area, especially at the end of the day, when standing, or after prolonged effort.
• Perineal pain or discomfort in scars (caesarean section, episiotomy or tears).
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse.
• Altered abdominal function: a feeling of weakness, lack of control or disconnection in the abdominal area, particularly when engaging the core.
• A sense of reduced abdominal control during effort or daily activities.

Can these symptoms be treated with pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Sí. La fisioterapia de suelo pélvico es un abordaje conservador con evidencia en el tratamiento de estas diYes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a conservative approach with evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating these dysfunctions.

Treatment includes:

• Individualised functional assessment
• Therapeutic exercise
• Pelvic floor re-education
• Breathing and intra-abdominal pressure control
• Scar and myofascial tissue treatment

The goal is to improve function and reduce associated symptoms.

If you would like to learn more about pelvic floor physiotherapy, we recommend reading the article Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Questions and Answers.

Postpartum physiotherapy in Barcelona

En MAt Movo Physiotherapy, we approach postpartum care through clinical assessment, education and individualised treatment based on function.

This includes:

• Analysis of pelvic floor and abdominal function
• Design of a personalised treatment plan
• Integration of therapeutic exercise as a clinical tool
• Ongoing support throughout the functional adaptation process

If you have recently given birth and would like to assess your condition, you can book a pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment in Barcelona.