Enrich Motion - The Physical Struggle

The postpartum period is a time of profound change, demanding immense physical recovery alongside the challenges of caring for a newborn. Shockingly, the concept of having only a basic 6-week checkup and being “done” is essentially inadequate. According to this 2022 study on postpartum care in the US, approximately 75% of postpartum women report some type of health problem in the first year after childbirth.

This is why Physical Therapy (PT) is often the missing link in postpartum recovery. Physical therapists are recognized as experts in caring for the musculoskeletal system and its functions, playing an essential role in optimizing function and providing pain relief during the perinatal period.

The Hidden Epidemic: Postpartum Physical Struggles

Many symptoms mothers experience are mistakenly written off as simply “part of motherhood” or “the new normal”. However, these common physical struggles are treatable conditions where PT can help provide the guidance and support needed for effective healing.

1. Persistent Pain and Dysfunction

Musculoskeletal pain is widespread. Lumbopelvic pain (LBP) and Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) are the most common forms of postpartum pain, with prevalence rates as high as 25–80% for combined LBP/PGP according to this systematic review by Wiezer et al. This pain typically increases during the postpartum period, often due to new childcare activities, and can significantly impair daily functioning. Without intervention, musculoskeletal conditions that limited function during pregnancy often continue into the postpartum period.

2. Core Weakness and Separation (Diastasis Recti)

Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA), defined as a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba, according to Sperstad et al., affects approximately 40–45% of women at six months postpartum. This separation can persist for years after birth in a substantial proportion of women.

DRA is associated with reduced abdominal muscle strength and endurance, as well as impaired functional performance. Women with DRA demonstrate lower abdominal muscle strength and endurance compared to those without DRA. There is also evidence of impaired load transfer and trunk stability, particularly during vertical loading tasks, due to the compromised integrity of the linea alba and abdominal wall.

3. Pelvic Floor Issues

Childbirth is a significant risk factor for pelvic floor disorders, which may manifest as urinary incontinence (UI), fecal incontinence, or Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP).

Urinary Incontinence (UI): UI is reported by almost half (47%) of Brown et al. study subjects one year postpartum. If UI does not resolve within three months, symptoms tend to persist for a year or longer.
Prolapse: Pregnancy is the greatest risk factor for the future development of POP. Symptoms can include a vaginal lump or bulge or a dragging sensation.
Mental Health Connection: Individuals suffering from pelvic floor issues are also more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. This 2024 study shows that the prevalence of depression in women with UI is about 26%, and with POP about 35%; anxiety is also significantly elevated, with rates up to 47% in women with UI.

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