Postpartum Physical Therapy in Des Moines & Iowa City
We’re Here to Support Your Postpartum Recovery. Every Step of the Way.
Pregnancy and delivery cause many changes in your mind and body — physically, mentally, and emotionally. While you have a new little one to care for, it’s also just as important to take care of yourself!
At Breathe. Physical Therapy & Wellness, we want you to know you’re not alone on your recovery journey. Our mission is to improve your comfort and healing. We’re specially trained to help you process your birth story, no matter the outcome. We use exercises and strategies designed to heal your body from childbirth whether it was early, late, vaginal, cesarean, peaceful, or traumatic.
Our physical therapy team is ready to work with you to improve your health, body satisfaction, sleep quality, breastfeeding comfort, and more!
Helping Iowa Women With Common Postpartum Issues & More:
We are able to begin working with women at any stage of the pregnancy journey, whether it’s before delivery or afterward. We take our time to care for our clients in an attentive, therapeutic environment that specializes in pregnancy and postpartum care.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact our physical therapy team for help:
- Back, neck, shoulder, buttock, or rib discomfort or pain
- Ab separation or postpartum “pooch” (diastasis recti abdominis or DRA)
- Cesarean and tearing-related scar pain or discomfort
- Pain during sex
- Genital aches & heaviness
- Problems with bowel movements
- Pubic symphysis pain (SPD)
- Tailbone pain
- Clogged milk duct pain
- Bladder leaks
Our Approach to Postpartum Physical Therapy at Breathe.
Beginning as early as two weeks postpartum, Breathe. can start working with you on gentle healing. A physical therapist will work one-on-one with you to help relieve any pain associated with the changes to your body during pregnancy.
First, we’ll listen to your birth story and all of the changes that have occurred in your life. Next, we’ll meet you wherever you are and:
- Review your posture and provide any guidance on necessary adjustments.
- Review your breath and equip you with tools for restored breathing.
- Provide advice and exercises for gentle healing of the pelvic floor.
- Use manual (hands-on) therapy or dry needling to ease tension and improve alignment.
- Demonstrate stretches and movements to alleviate “new mom” physical discomforts associated with holding and feeding babies.
- Discuss C-section scar mobilization and specific healing.
- Offer resources for mental health providers, chiropractors, and postpartum doulas we love and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Care
How Soon After Delivery Should I Begin Postpartum Physical Therapy?
We are able to begin working with you as soon as you are comfortable leaving your home! We can focus on gentle healing as early as two weeks after delivery, and we can begin internal pelvic floor physical therapy at six weeks. But don’t feel rushed — we will work with you to determine the best timetable to support your recovery.
You won’t need to be cleared by a physician before your first postpartum visit. Bring your baby if you’d like! If you’d like some advice but live far away or are unable to leave the house, telehealth is a perfect option.
What Postpartum Conditions Can Physical Therapy Help Me With?
Women can face a wide range of issues postpartum, but the good news is that Breathe. is here to help with many of them!
We will work with you to:
- Support the recovery of your pelvic floor.
- Find a comfortable position to feed your baby.
- Help support the healing of scars from a C-section or tear.
- Relieve clogged milk ducts.
- Advise you on self-care techniques.
- Support your emotional health.
- Connect you with outside resources like mental health therapists.
What Can I Expect During My Therapy Session?
During your physical therapy session, you’ll meet one-on-one with a PT in a calm, relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. We’ll discuss how you’re doing and perform a few non-invasive assessments to see how we can best help you. Then, we’ll equip you with a care plan and techniques to help you recover.