Postpartum Recovery in Erie

What Conditions Can Postpartum Physical Therapy in Erie Help?

Many women struggle with lingering postpartum symptoms that can persist for months—or even years—without proper rehabilitation. We treat common post-pregnancy concerns, including:

• Pelvic girdle pain (stiffness, instability, or discomfort)
• Low back & hip pain
• Pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary or fecal incontinence, leakage, or prolapse)
• Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
• Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
• Perineal & episiotomy scar pain
• Persistent swelling or nerve compression
• Difficulty activating or coordinating pelvic floor muscles

These issues often stem from:

• Hormonal changes impacting tissue elasticity
• Pelvic instability from pregnancy and delivery
• Core muscle imbalances
• Upper back & neck strain from breastfeeding and newborn care
• Improper body mechanics

Many women recover naturally over the first postpartum year, but lingering dysfunction often requires targeted therapy to fully restore function and prevent long-term issues.

Benefits of Postpartum Therapy in Erie

Our advanced postpartum rehabilitation techniques go beyond Kegels, delivering real, lasting relief from post-pregnancy discomforts. Women completing our 4-8 week programs experience:

• Improved Body Alignment & Posture – Correcting pelvic and spinal imbalances for better movement and comfort.
• Reduced Pelvic, Hip & Back Pain – Hands-on therapy to relieve tension, stiffness, and instability after childbirth.
• Strengthened Core & Pelvic Floor – Rebuilding deep stabilizing muscles to prevent leakage and improve support.
• Increased Confidence & Body Awareness – Helping you feel strong and in control of your body again.
• Guidance for Everyday Movements – Teaching safe lifting, nursing, and baby-carrying techniques to prevent injury.

Many of our patients say this therapy is the missing piece in their postpartum healing journey, helping them return to daily life with confidence and ease.

What to Expect During a Session

Your first visit includes a 60-minute evaluation, where our specialists assess your symptoms, movement patterns, and recovery goals. Follow-up sessions, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, focus on hands-on therapy, corrective exercises, and functional retraining to restore strength and mobility.

Treatment techniques may include gentle joint mobilization to realign the pelvis and spine, soft tissue massage and trigger point release to relieve tension, and neuromuscular retraining to improve pelvic floor activation and relaxation. We also incorporate guided core and pelvic strengthening exercises, scar tissue mobilization for C-section or perineal scars, and postural education to prevent strain during daily activities like lifting or feeding a baby.

Every session is personalized, respectful, and designed to fit your comfort level. Internal techniques are only incorporated if necessary and always with your full consent, ensuring a safe and supportive healing experience.

Compassionate, Specialized Care for Postpartum Healing

Postpartum pelvic floor therapy at Activecare Physical Therapy is supported by Julie Johnson, DPT, who works with women navigating the physical changes that follow pregnancy and childbirth.

Julie focuses on helping postpartum patients restore pelvic floor and core function while addressing common concerns such as pain, instability, weakness, and difficulty returning to daily activities. Her care emphasizes gentle progression, patient comfort, and education—helping new moms understand what their bodies are experiencing and how to heal safely during the postpartum period.

Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Physical Therapy in Erie, PA

Is postpartum pelvic floor therapy necessary if I had a “normal” delivery?
Yes. Even uncomplicated vaginal deliveries place significant stress on the pelvic floor, core muscles, and joints. Many women benefit from postpartum physical therapy to address weakness, instability, or symptoms that may not be obvious right away.

How soon after childbirth can I start postpartum physical therapy?
Many women can begin postpartum physical therapy as early as 6 weeks after delivery, depending on healing and medical clearance. Some women wait longer, especially if symptoms develop gradually. An evaluation helps determine the safest time to start.

Can postpartum physical therapy help with pelvic pain or tailbone pain?
Yes. Pelvic pain, tailbone pain (coccydynia), and hip or low back discomfort are common after childbirth. Postpartum physical therapy addresses muscle imbalances, joint alignment, and tissue tension contributing to these symptoms.

What if I’m leaking urine or struggling with bowel control after giving birth?
Urinary or bowel leakage is a common postpartum issue but not something you should ignore. Pelvic floor physical therapy helps retrain muscle coordination and strength to restore control and prevent long-term dysfunction.

Start Your Recovery Today

You don’t have to live with postpartum pain, leakage, or weakness. Take control of your recovery with targeted therapy that restores strength, function, and confidence.

Motherhood should be joyful, not painful. Let us help you heal—contact Activecare Physical Therapy in Erie today to learn more!