Postpartum Physical Therapy in Nashville
Clinically reviewed by Brittany Hendrickson, PT, DPT, COMT, CDNT . Last reviewed October 2026.
When should you start postpartum physical therapy?
Many people start postpartum physical therapy after their postpartum check-up, often around 6 weeks after birth, though gentle activity can begin sooner when it is medically safe [1]. It is never too late to start. Physical therapy helps with leaking, pelvic heaviness, abdominal separation, C-section scar pain, and a safe return to exercise.
What postpartum issues do we treat?
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Leaking, urgency, or trouble controlling gas
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Pelvic heaviness or pressure
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Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
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C-section scar pain or tightness
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Pain with sex after birth
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Low back, hip, and pelvic girdle pain
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Returning to running, lifting, and sport
Does pelvic floor therapy help leaking after birth?
Supervised pelvic floor muscle training is first-line treatment for stress urinary incontinence in women [3]. Research focused only on the postpartum months is less certain [4], so your plan is tailored to you and reassessed as you go.
When can I run again after having a baby?
Expert return-to-running guidance recommends waiting until at least 12 weeks after birth and passing a load and impact assessment first, even if you feel ready sooner [2]. Your physical therapist can complete that assessment and build your return around your delivery, your symptoms, and your goals.
Can physical therapy fix diastasis recti?
Physical therapy focuses on how well your abdominal wall handles load, not only the width of the gap. Some separation can remain and still function well. The goal is a core that supports lifting your baby, training, and daily life without symptoms.
Do you see patients during pregnancy?
Yes. We treat pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, low back pain, and leaking, and we help active people keep training safely, which national guidelines encourage for most uncomplicated pregnancies [1].
How long does postpartum recovery take?
Most people need 3 to 6 visits. Many notice meaningful relief in the first 1 to 2 visits, and appointments spread further apart as you improve. Your plan depends on your delivery, your symptoms, and your goals.
When should you see a doctor first?
These are urgent maternal warning signs [5]. Contact your OB, midwife, or emergency services right away for:
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Heavy bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour
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Fever, or an incision that is painful, red, or draining
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Calf pain and swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath
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A severe headache or vision changes
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Feeling hopeless or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby (call or text 988)
Where can you get postpartum recovery treatment in Nashville?
Available at all three of our clinics:
Meet Aly Beck, PT, DPT, OCS, WCS, board-certified in women's and pelvic health
Common questions about postpartum recovery
Do I need clearance before postpartum physical therapy?
You do not need a referral to book. We do recommend completing your postpartum check with your OB or midwife before an internal pelvic assessment.
Is it too late for postpartum physical therapy if my baby is older?
No. Pelvic floor muscle training helps stress urinary incontinence in women regardless of how long ago they gave birth [3].
Is leaking after having a baby normal?
It is common, but it is treatable. You do not have to accept leaking as a permanent part of having a baby.
Does physical therapy help after a C-section?
Yes. We address scar mobility, abdominal strength, and pelvic floor function, since pregnancy itself places load on the pelvic floor regardless of delivery type.
Cost and Booking
Do I need a referral?
No. You can schedule directly with us without a physician referral.
What does physical therapy cost?
Each visit is a flat $185. We are a cash-based practice, so there are no copays, deductibles, or insurance limits on your care. We can provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
References
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 804. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135(4):e178-e188.
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Goom T, Donnelly G, Brockwell E. Returning to running postnatal: guidelines for medical, health and fitness professionals managing this population. 2019.
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Dumoulin C, Cacciari LP, Hay-Smith EJC. Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;10(10):CD005654.
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Woodley SJ, Lawrenson P, Boyle R, et al. Pelvic floor muscle training for preventing and treating urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;5(5):CD007471.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hear Her campaign: urgent maternal warning signs. cdc.gov/hearher.
Questions about Postpartum Treatment?
Get in touch so we can start working together.