Postpartum Physical Therapy Hillsboro Oregon
After giving birth, your body has gone through one of the most transformative experiences it will ever face. It is natural to feel different—maybe even disconnected from your body. But just because these changes are common does not mean you have to live with pain, discomfort, or limited movement. At Pain & Performance Coach in Hillsboro, Oregon, postpartum physical therapy is designed to help you feel strong, supported, and confident in your body again.
Whether you are six weeks or six months postpartum, or even years beyond childbirth, it is never too late to take charge of your recovery. You deserve care customized to your body, symptoms, and goals—not a one-size-fits-all plan.
What Is Postpartum Physical Therapy?
Postpartum physical therapy focuses on helping you recover from the physical effects of pregnancy and childbirth. It addresses issues like pelvic floor dysfunction, core weakness, joint instability, fatigue, and pain in the back, hips, or shoulders. These symptoms are often brushed aside as “normal,” but they are signs your body needs support and rehabilitation.
When you engage in postpartum physical therapy, you will work on:
- Reconnecting with your core muscles
- Strengthening the pelvic floor
- Improving posture and joint stability
- Reducing or eliminating chronic pain
- Rebuilding energy and physical confidence
This is not just about “bouncing back.” It is about moving forward in a way that honors what your body has been through and supports where you want to go next.
Common Issues Treated in Postpartum Therapy
Many postpartum symptoms are a result of muscular weakness/deconditioning, joint stress, and changes to your connective tissues. These issues may show up immediately or months down the line, especially when you are returning to exercise, lifting your child, or managing everyday stress.
This condition involves a separation of your abdominal muscles, often seen as a bulge or “coning” in the belly. It can lead to core weakness, instability, and back pain. A targeted rehab plan will help you rebuild core function safely and gradually.
Caring for a newborn often involves repetitive lifting, bending, and feeding positions. These can strain your spine, hips, and shoulders, leading to persistent discomfort. Postpartum physical therapy uses movement-based strategies to relieve this pain and prevent future flare-ups.
Pregnancy transforms the way your body holds itself, and many of those postural adaptations stay long after giving birth. Working on building your postural range and postural tolerance often makes a huge difference in tolerating repeatitive and sustained positions involved in care of your baby
If you have joint hypermobility or a connective tissue disorder like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, postpartum recovery can feel even more complicated. Therapy sessions can help you manage joint pain, build strength, and stabilize areas that feel “loose” or prone to injury.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and the demands of new parenthood can drain your energy and make physical tasks feel overwhelming. With progressive, manageable movement strategies, you will build back endurance and strength without pushing beyond your limits.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
When you start postpartum physical therapy, your journey begins with a thorough evaluation. This includes discussing your medical history, birth experience, current symptoms, and goals for recovery.
From there, a personalized treatment plan will be created, which may include:
- External Pelvic floor rehabilitation to address dysfunction and rebuild control
- Core and breathing techniques to safely re-engage deep abdominal muscles
- Functional strength training to support everyday tasks like lifting, walking, and carrying
- Mobility and flexibility work to improve the range of motion
- Postural training to improve comfort and reduce strain on the spine and joints
- Education to understand what is happening in your body and how to help it heal
Treatment is collaborative. You will be guided every step of the way, but you will also be empowered with tools and knowledge to use at home.
For all internal pelvic floor concerns (including but not limited to any form of leakage and pain with insertion/intercourse) we refer to leading pelvic health specialist Dr.Sandy Hilton of SW Physical Therapy in Tigard, OR . Her office phone number is: (503) 597-1151
When Should You Start Postpartum Physical Therapy?
There is no perfect timeline for starting physical therapy. While many begin after their six-week postpartum check-up, others start later—and still see tremendous benefits.
You should consider booking a postpartum evaluation if you are experiencing:
- Ongoing pelvic, hip, or back pain
- Core weakness or abdominal separation
- Difficulty lifting or returning to exercise
- Struggles with getting up, standing, or walking for prolonged periods
- General fatigue or feeling disconnected from your body
Postpartum therapy is not just for new moms either. Unresolved issues can still be addressed even if you gave birth months or years ago. Healing does not have an expiration date.
Who Benefits from This Type of Therapy?
Anyone who has given birth—whether vaginally or by C-section—can benefit from postpartum rehabilitation. You do not need to be an athlete or have a formal diagnosis. You just need a body that is asking for a little more support.
Therapy can help if you are:
- A first-time parent experiencing postpartum recovery
- An active person looking to return to fitness safely
- Dealing with a connective tissue condition like EDS or hypermobility spectrum disorder
- Recovering from a complicated delivery or cesarean section
- Managing chronic fatigue or long COVID symptoms that have worsened post-pregnancy
No matter where you are in your journey, it is never too late to restore strength, stability, and peace of mind.
Reclaim Your Strength with Postpartum Physical Therapy
Postpartum recovery is not something you have to go through alone—or guess your way through. At Pain & Performance Coach in Hillsboro, you will receive personalized, expert care that is focused on helping you feel strong, supported, and pain-free. Whether you have pelvic floor issues, core weakness, or just want to move better after childbirth, you deserve a plan that works for your body.
Book your postpartum physical therapy evaluation today by calling 971-364-0909 and start rebuilding your strength and confidence with a provider who understands what real recovery looks like.