Supportive Physiotherapy for Your Postnatal Recovery
The postnatal period is a time of significant physical and emotional change. At 18 Physio, we understand that every postpartum journey is unique. Our team provides expert care to help you recover safely, rebuild strength, and return to the activities you love. Whether that’s returning to sport, performance, or being able to carry your baby with ease. Our services are tailored to your individual needs, with a strong focus on pelvic health, musculoskeletal recovery, breast care, and clinical exercise.
Postnatal Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Pregnancy and birth can have a significant impact on the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. Whether you had a vaginal or caesarean birth, you may experience symptoms such as bladder or bowel leakage, pelvic heaviness, prolapse, pain with intimacy, or difficulty engaging the pelvic floor muscles. These are common symptoms, but not normal and the team at 18 Physio can help.
Our postnatal pelvic health physiotherapy sessions focus on gentle, evidence-based treatment. We assess pelvic floor muscle function, abdominal separation, core control and general strength. We tailor treatment to support your postpartum journey, improve strength, and manage any symptoms. Internal assessments are always optional and conducted with consent, in a safe and supportive space.
We work with you to restore function, support your return to the activities that matter most to you, and promote a confident, comfortable recovery, no matter what stage postpartum you are.
Postnatal Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
The physical demands of caring for a baby can take a toll on your body. Common concerns include back, neck, or wrist pain, hip or pelvic joint discomfort, abdominal separation, and general postural strain.
Our physiotherapists are skilled in assessing and treating musculoskeletal changes related to pregnancy and early parenthood. Treatment may include hands-on treatments, postural education, taping or support garments, and targeted exercises to build strength and to help you move more freely and comfortably. We also provide guidance on body mechanics for lifting, feeding, and baby care, helping reduce ongoing strain.
Our goal is to help you feel strong, supported, and physically capable as you adjust to life with your baby.
Breast Conditions
Breast and chest-related issues can arise during the breastfeeding or chest-feeding journey. Conditions such as blocked ducts, mastitis or engorgement can be painful and impact both comfort and milk flow.
Physiotherapy can be a valuable part of managing these issues. We offer therapeutic ultrasound, lymphatic drainage, and education on positioning and feeding support. We work closely with lactation consultants and other care providers to ensure a coordinated approach to your care.
Whether you’re feeding, weaning, or navigating discomfort, we’re here to help you to manage symptoms.
Abdominal Separation
Abdominal separation, or diastasis recti, is a common postpartum condition where the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles becomes stretched, creating a visible or palpable gap along the midline. This is a natural response to pregnancy and varies from person to person. In physiotherapy, we begin with a thorough assessment to understand the depth, width, and tension of the separation, as well as how it may be affecting posture, breathing, or core function.
Treatment focuses on gentle, progressive exercises that support the abdominal and deep abdominal muscles, pelvic floor muscles, and breathing mechanics. Education around movement strategies, lifting, and daily activities is also an important part of recovery. With consistent, tailored support, it is absolutely possible to improve core strength, reduce symptoms, and feel more confident in your body again.
Postpartum Clinical Exercise
Our postpartum clinical exercise programs are designed to help you safely regain strength and function after pregnancy and childbirth. Whether you’re looking to rebuild core strength, manage an abdominal separation, or return to high-level sport or performance, our sessions are tailored to your goals. We offer:
- 1:1 and 2:1 supervised sessions (if you tee it up with a friend)
- Programs incorporating Pilates principles with a focus on posture, breath, and control
- Gradual progression to build capacity safely and effectively
- Support for your pelvic floor, abdominal wall, and full-body strength
These sessions are ideal for anyone looking for a structured, guided return to movement, with expert supervision from a physiotherapist who understands the postpartum body.
Postnatal Package
Our postnatal package is designed to support you through your postpartum journey with individualised care and expert guidance. It includes one 45-minute initial consultation and two 30-minute follow-up sessions, which can be used flexibly for pelvic floor muscle assessment and training, abdominal separation rehabilitation, musculoskeletal treatment for postpartum discomfort, or tailored clinical exercise. This cost-effective package is $350, offering both value and flexibility as you prepare your body for returning to all you love postpartum!