Activecare Physical Therapy
Return to Exercise Postpartum in Erie
Regaining Strength and Confidence: Return to Exercise Postpartum in Erie
The months after giving birth bring immense change—physically, emotionally, and mentally. You may feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to safely regain your strength. That’s where we come in. At Activecare Physical Therapy in Erie, our expert women’s health physical therapists help new moms rebuild core stability, improve strength, and return to exercise confidently with our personalized postpartum recovery program.
This 6-8 week program is designed for safe, gradual rehabilitation, ensuring your body heals properly while regaining function and endurance.
Who Can Benefit From Our Postpartum Exercise Program in Erie?
Our program is designed for moms recovering from pregnancy and childbirth who want to:
- Restore core and pelvic floor strength
- Rebuild muscle tone and stamina
- Improve posture and decrease back pain
- Boost energy levels and mood
- Safely lose postpartum weight without injury
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or c-section, our specialized therapists customize your rehab based on your unique recovery needs and current abilities.
If you feel frustrated with your progress or unsure about exercising again, we provide expert guidance to ease your transition back to movement—safely and effectively.
Supporting Your Safe Return to Exercise with Women’s Health Expertise
At Activecare Physical Therapy, postpartum return-to-exercise programs are supported by Julie Johnson, DPT, who works closely with new moms navigating the physical demands of returning to activity after pregnancy and childbirth.
Julie helps postpartum patients rebuild strength safely by addressing core control, pelvic floor coordination, breathing mechanics, and movement patterns that are often disrupted during pregnancy. Her approach focuses on helping women feel confident exercising again—without triggering pain, leaking, or setbacks—whether they’re returning to walking, strength training, or higher-impact activity.
Why Getting Active Again Matters
Many new moms put exercise on the back burner, but research shows postpartum activity has incredible benefits:
Patsy Bennett
I have been at Activecare Physical Therapy over the last 3 years for a couple of issues. First for my hip, before surgery, then again after tendon repair. Later I went for therapy on my shoulder, once again, before surgery. Ehren was great; he was especially helpful with letting the doctor and insurance company know that therapy was not going to help the problem. As it was, I needed a complete new shoulder!
Ehren is very good at listening, and explaining the way things work. I have other issues that impact the therapy and what I can do, and he was always willing to find another exercise that would help without exacerbating my problems.
This last time (just “graduated” in mid-December 🙂 I also worked with Kendra who was always encouraging and innovative, too, pushing me just enough.
I hope (fingers crossed) I will not need therapy again, but if so, I will definitely be back at Activecare. I would recommend them for anyone.
Debra Weindorf
Fantastic Therapist, Julie. This is my third time in PT in a year since a fall that broke my arm and led to a shoulder replacement and she’s the first one to help with the pain. She’s also working on my jaw at the same time which was also injured in the fall. I can’t even compare her to the first therapy office I went to. It’s like night and day. I highly recommend Activecare and Therapist Julie.
- Reduces Postpartum Depression – Moms who exercise are 25% less likely to develop depression.
- Aids Recovery – Movement stimulates circulation, helping the body heal faster (especially after a c-section).
- Improves Sleep – Just 20 minutes of activity can enhance sleep quality.
- Reduces Stress & Anxiety – Exercise releases endorphins, naturally easing tension.
- Boosts Strength & Confidence – As your body gets stronger, your confidence grows.
- Supports Healthy Weight Loss – Light strength training promotes gradual, safe fat loss.
Without proper postpartum rehab, many women struggle with lingering pelvic pain, urinary leaking, back pain, and fatigue for months—or even years. Our program helps you rebuild strength the right way, preventing long-term issues.
The Benefits of Our Postpartum Exercise Program in Erie
Our customized rehabilitation approach offers postpartum moms advantages such as:
1. Restored Confidence & Motivation
Many women feel disconnected from their post-baby body. We help rebuild confidence with realistic, achievable goals that bring noticeable progress each week.
2. Specialized Care for Postpartum Needs
Unlike generic fitness programs, our physical therapy team understands postpartum recovery and tailors every exercise to your individual needs.
3. Patient Education & Injury Prevention
You’ll learn how to listen to your body, recognize warning signs, and exercise safely. This prevents setbacks, ensuring long-term recovery success.
4. Accountability & Expert Guidance
Our therapists provide one-on-one coaching, progress tracking, and support to keep you motivated and on track. You are never alone in this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Returning to Exercise Postpartum in Erie, PA
When is it safe to start exercising after having a baby?
Many women are cleared to begin gentle exercise around 6 weeks postpartum, but readiness varies widely. Pelvic floor weakness, core instability, or lingering pain can make exercise unsafe without guidance. A postpartum physical therapy assessment helps determine when and how to return to activity safely.
Can I return to running or strength training after pregnancy?
Yes—but returning too quickly or without proper progression can increase the risk of injury. A structured return-to-exercise postpartum program focuses on rebuilding foundational strength first, then gradually reintroducing higher-impact or resistance exercises safely.
Is postpartum physical therapy only for women with pain or complications?
No. Many women seek postpartum physical therapy even if they feel “mostly fine” but want to return to exercise safely. Therapy can help prevent future issues like back pain, pelvic pain, or incontinence while supporting long-term strength and performance.
What if I had a C-section—can I still do postpartum rehab?
Absolutely. C-section recovery requires special attention to abdominal healing, scar mobility, and core strength. Postpartum physical therapy helps restore strength and movement safely while protecting the surgical site.
Begin Your Postpartum Strength Recovery
If you delivered in the past 12 weeks, our Return to Exercise Program can help you heal, rebuild strength, and regain confidence.
Start your postpartum recovery the right way—call Activecare Physical Therapy in Erie today.