Postpartum Physical Therapy
The postpartum phase—often referred to as the "fourth trimester"—is a crucial time for your body to recover and heal after the incredible changes of pregnancy and childbirth. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, your body may need focused care and support to address common challenges like core weakness, pelvic pain, incontinence, or difficulty returning to exercise. Without proper attention, these issues can linger, but physical therapy provides the tools and guidance to restore strength, mobility, and confidence.
At Aspire Physical Therapy Bend, we specialize in postpartum physical therapy designed to meet your unique needs, helping you feel strong, pain-free, and empowered in your postpartum journey. Our compassionate and individualized approach ensures that you get the care you deserve, every step of the way.
Why Postpartum Physical Therapy is Essential
Pregnancy and childbirth bring incredible changes to your body, often placing significant strain on your core, pelvic floor, and overall strength. Without proper care, many common postpartum challenges—such as pain, weakness, and incontinence—can persist for months or even years. At Aspire Physical Therapy, we offer specialized care to help you recover fully and confidently.
Our postpartum therapy focuses on:
Supporting core and pelvic floor healing to restore stability and function
Reducing postpartum pain in the back, hips, pelvis, and joints
Addressing diastasis recti (abdominal separation) with targeted core strengthening
Improving bladder control and preventing incontinence issues
Guiding a safe return to movement and exercise to rebuild strength without injury
Starting therapy early can make a significant difference, helping you prevent long-term issues and regain strength more efficiently. No matter where you are in your postpartum journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
The Importance of Postpartum Recovery
The postpartum phase—often called the fourth trimester—is just as important as pregnancy. Whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, your body needs time and support to heal properly. Without proper care, many new mothers experience ongoing discomfort, pelvic floor dysfunction, or core weakness
Common Postpartum Concerns We Treat
Diastasis Recti (Ab Separation) – Strengthening deep core muscles and improving alignment to promote optimal healing and prevent future strain on your back and abdomen.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – Addressing pain, prolapse, incontinence, and weakness through targeted exercises and manual techniques to restore strength and function.
C-Section Recovery – Focusing on scar tissue healing, mobility restoration, and core reactivation to help you regain strength and mobility after surgery.
Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain – Relieving tension and discomfort caused by breastfeeding, carrying a baby, and postural changes that often accompany the postpartum period.
Returning to Exercise Safely – Creating a customized strength and fitness program to rebuild endurance and confidence.
Benefits of Postpartum Physical Therapy
Faster Recovery – Regain strength and mobility after childbirth with a tailored approach to healing, ensuring you recover safely and efficiently so you can focus on your new role as a mother.
Pelvic Floor & Core Rehabilitation – Prevent long-term issues like incontinence or prolapse with targeted exercises that restore core strength, improve posture, and enhance your overall stability.
Scar Tissue & Posture Correction – Promote proper healing after a C-section or vaginal birth with scar tissue mobilization and posture support, helping you move freely and reduce discomfort.
Safe Return to Movement – Ease back into exercise with a guided plan designed to rebuild strength and fitness while minimizing the risk of injury or setbacks.
Our goal is to provide you with the care and support you need to heal fully and feel strong, confident, and empowered in your body again. Whether you're navigating the challenges of early postpartum or looking to restore balance and strength months after delivery, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you feel your best so you can focus on what matters most—your journey through motherhood.
Postpartum Recovery: What to Expect from Therapy
We understand that the postpartum journey is both transformative and challenging. Your body has gone through incredible changes during pregnancy and delivery, and it deserves the highest level of care and support. That’s why we take a comprehensive, individualized approach to postpartum recovery, focusing on helping you heal, regain strength, and feel confident in your body again. Our goal is to provide expert guidance and compassionate support, every step of the way.
Your Treatment May Include:
Scar Tissue Mobilization – Gentle techniques to prevent adhesions and improve mobility
Core & Pelvic Floor Strengthening – Restoring stability and preventing long-term issues
Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilization – Relieving tension and promoting optimal function
Postural & Movement Retraining – Helping you move with better alignment and comfort
Safe Exercise Progression – A guided approach to rebuilding strength without risk of injury
Whether you are weeks or months postpartum, it’s never too late to prioritize your recovery. Our team is here to help you take small, meaningful steps toward healing, strength, and confidence in your daily life. You don’t have to navigate postpartum challenges alone—let us help you feel empowered and supported as you move forward.
Is Postpartum Therapy Right for You?
You might benefit from postpartum physical therapy if you’re experiencing:
Bulging, coning, or a weak sensation in your abdomen when lifting or moving
Pelvic pain, heaviness, or pressure that interferes with daily activities
Low back, hip, or tailbone pain making it hard to stand, sit, or move comfortably
Urinary leakage or incontinence when sneezing, coughing, or exercising
Painful sex or challenges returning to intimacy postpartum
Uncertainty about how to exercise safely and rebuild strength after birth
If any of these sound familiar, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Physical therapy provides the expertise and care you need to restore strength, relieve discomfort, and confidently embrace this new chapter of motherhood.
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Dr. Audrey Thompson PT, DPT
Physical Therapist — Bend Clinic
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Dr. Bailey Kelley PT, DPT
Physical Therapist — Bend Clinic
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Dr. Brittany Estuesta PT, DPT
Physical Therapist — Bend Clinic
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Dr. Kelsea Hulstrom PT, DPT
Physical Therapist — Bend Clinic
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Dr. Samantha Noregaard PT, DPT
Physical Therapist — Bend Clinic
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Molly Sutherlin, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant — Bend Clinic
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Dr. Alana Vernon PT, DPT
Physical Therapist — Sisters Clinic
Take the Next Step Toward a Stronger Postpartum Recovery
Your body has been through an incredible transformation—and it deserves expert care and support. Whether you are a few weeks or several months postpartum, we are here to help you restore strength, reduce pain, and return to the activities you love.
Schedule your postpartum therapy appointment today and start feeling like yourself again.