Postpartum Back Pain? PT can help!

Bringing a new baby into the world is one of life’s most rewarding experiences—but it can also come with unexpected physical challenges. Postpartum back pain is a common complaint among new moms, and if left untreated, it can interfere with daily life, parenting, and your overall well-being. The good news? Physical therapy offers effective, drug-free solutions to help you recover and regain strength.

At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we specialize in helping postpartum women navigate this transitional period with personalized care that addresses the root causes of back pain, so you can feel your best and focus on what truly matters—your family.

Why Do So Many Moms Experience Postpartum Back Pain?

Pregnancy and childbirth cause significant changes to your body that can contribute to back discomfort:

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones like relaxin loosen ligaments and joints to prepare for childbirth. This can create instability in your pelvis and spine, leading to pain after delivery (Woolhouse et al., 2014).

• Postural Shifts: As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts forward, increasing strain on your lower back muscles (Smith et al., 2016).

• Muscle Weakness and Imbalance: Pregnancy and delivery can weaken your core and pelvic floor muscles, reducing support for your spine (Lee et al., 2019).

• Physical Demands of Motherhood: Caring for a newborn often involves repetitive bending, lifting, and prolonged positions that can aggravate back pain (Akodu et al., 2020).
  

These factors combine to make postpartum back pain a challenge—but one you don’t have to face alone.

How Physical Therapy Can Help You Beat Postpartum Back Pain

1. Assessment to Identify the Root Cause

At Nashville PT, we don’t just treat symptoms—we find the source of your pain. A thorough physical exam evaluates your posture, core strength, pelvic floor function, and movement patterns. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your body’s needs.

2. Strengthening Your Core and Pelvic Floor

Weakness in the deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor often contributes to back pain after pregnancy. Physical therapy incorporates exercises that gently rebuild these muscles, improving spine stability and reducing pain.

Studies show that postpartum women who engage in core and pelvic floor strengthening report significant pain relief and improved function (Bø et al., 2014).

3. Improving Posture and Movement Patterns

We work with you to correct postural habits that may have developed during pregnancy or early motherhood—like slouching while nursing or carrying your baby on one side. Proper alignment decreases strain on your back and promotes healing.

4. Manual Therapy and Pain Relief Techniques

Hands-on treatment such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization can help reduce muscle tension and improve mobility. These techniques complement your exercise program and provide relief from discomfort.

5. Education and Lifestyle Coaching

Motherhood is busy and exhausting. We provide guidance on safe body mechanics for lifting, carrying, and breastfeeding positions, helping you avoid movements that may worsen your pain.

Why Choose Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance?

Our cash-based, one-on-one care model means you get undivided attention from your physical therapist every session. We tailor your care to your unique postpartum needs and goals—whether that’s easing pain, returning to exercise, or simply feeling more comfortable in your day-to-day life.

Unlike insurance-based clinics where time is limited and treatment can feel rushed, we prioritize quality care and long-term results for busy Nashville moms.

Don’t Wait—Your Back Deserves Attention Now

Postpartum back pain isn’t something you have to accept or push through. If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or discomfort, physical therapy can help you heal safely and effectively.

At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we’re here to support your postpartum journey with expert care tailored to your body and lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule your personalized evaluation and take the first step toward a stronger, pain-free back.

References:

• Woolhouse H, Gartland D, Brown SJ. “Patterns and persistence of postpartum physical and emotional health problems.” BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2014;14:114. doi:10.1186/1471-2393-14-114

• Smith M, Mitchell S, Zubairi S. “Postural changes during pregnancy: Effects on the musculoskeletal system.” J Women’s Health Phys Ther. 2016;40(3):141-147.

• Lee D, Lee L, Song C. “Effect of pelvic floor muscle training on postnatal recovery: A systematic review.” Int Urogynecol J. 2019;30(2):195-205.

• Bø K, Hilde G, Stær-Jensen J, et al. “Does it work in the long term?—Pelvic floor muscle training for female stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.” Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2014;26(5):360-365.

• Akodu AK, Adedoyin RA, Adejuwon AA. “Physical and psychosocial effects of motherhood on postpartum women: A Nigerian perspective.” Int J Reprod Med. 2020;2020:6789584.