Postpartum Physical Therapy
Postpartum Recovery Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Specialized treatment for diastasis recti, pelvic floor weakness, C-section recovery, and getting back to the activities you love.
Common Postpartum Issues
Symptoms We Treat
If you're experiencing any of these, pelvic floor physical therapy can help:
Diastasis Recti
Abdominal separation that can cause (or be caused by) core weakness, and can often create back pain. PT can help restore core function and get you exercising without fear or pain.
Learn more about diastasis recti treatment →Urinary Incontinence
Leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump, or run. This is common after birth, but it's NOT something you have to live with forever.
Learn more about incontinence treatment →C-Section Recovery
Scar tissue that feels tight, numb, or painful. Difficulty engaging your core. Sensation changes around the incision site.
Learn more about C-section recovery →Painful Intercourse
Pain during or after sex, often caused by tight pelvic floor muscles, scar tissue from tearing, or vaginal dryness.
Learn more about painful intercourse treatment →Back or Pelvic Pain
Persistent lower back pain, SI joint pain, or pubic symphysis pain that didn't resolve after delivery.
Learn more about back & pelvic pain →Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Feeling of bulging or pressure in the vagina. Sensation that something is "falling down" or heaviness in the pelvis.
Learn more about prolapse treatment →Trouble Returning to Exercise
Unable to run, jump, or do high-impact activities without leaking or pelvic pressure. Core doesn't feel stable during workouts.
Learn more about returning to exercise →How Physical Therapy Helps
What Postpartum PT Actually Does
Postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t just Kegels (in fact, Kegels alone are rarely the answer). A good pelvic floor PT looks at everything that attaches to and affects the pelvis—your back, hips, core, diaphragm, and movement patterns—then assesses whether your pelvic floor muscles are squeezing when they should squeeze and relaxing when they should relax.
What Treatment Includes:
- Pelvic Floor Assessment: Internal and external exam to evaluate muscle strength, coordination, and any areas of tension or weakness
- Core Rehabilitation: Specific exercises to manage diastasis recti and restore core activation for all of the core muscles
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on treatment for scar tissue (C-section or tearing), muscle tension, and joint dysfunction
- Breathing & Alignment: Learning to use your breath and posture to support pelvic floor healing
- Progressive Strengthening: Gradually rebuilding strength for daily activities and exercise
- Return to Activity Plan: Safe progression back to running, lifting, high-impact workouts
Why It Works
Unlike generalized postpartum fitness programs, pelvic floor PT is tailored to YOUR specific body, YOUR birth experience, and YOUR symptoms. Dr. Danaya assesses exactly what's not working and creates a treatment plan to address it.
Some patients are symptom-free in 3–4 sessions. Others with more complex issues need longer. Dr. Danaya has been postpartum four times herself—each recovery completely different—and she knows firsthand there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline.
Timeline & Expectations
When Should You Start?
You can start as soon as you feel ready. Any internal assessments will be held off until after clearance from your birth provider—usually 6 weeks—but we can always have a conversation with your provider if we feel you would benefit from internal treatment sooner. With that said, you are more than just a pelvis! Physical therapy for the other areas of your body can be started sooner than 6 weeks.
Many women benefit from earlier intervention especially if they are having pain or other symptoms that are affecting their daily life or ability to care for their new baby.
You also don’t need to wait until you’ve “had all your babies.” Pelvic Floor PT is incredibly important between pregnancies to help maintain strength and stability throughout your body and to prepare you for your next pregnancy.
Years postpartum? It’s never too late to start! Dr. Danaya has successfully treated women who had their children decades ago. Your body can still heal and strengthen—you just need the right guidance.
What to Expect
Your First Postpartum PT Visit
Before Your Appointment
You'll fill out a detailed health history form covering your pregnancy, delivery, current symptoms, and goals. This helps Dr. Danaya understand your full picture before meeting you.
During Your 60-Minute Initial Evaluation
Health History Discussion: Review your birth story, current symptoms, and what you’re hoping to achieve
Movement Assessment: Evaluate your posture, breathing patterns, core activation, whole body movements, and any areas of weakness, pain, or compensation
Pelvic Floor Assessment: Internal and external assessment to evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength, coordination, and any areas of tension or scar tissue. This is always optional and fully explained before proceeding.
Treatment Plan & Initial Therapy: Discuss findings, answer questions, and begin hands-on treatment or exercise instruction
Follow-Up Treatment Sessions (60 Minutes)
Each session includes manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and education. You'll receive a home program to continue progress between appointments.
Patient Stories
What Patients Say
“Danaya was amazing to work with. She was helpful in getting me back to my normal self after having a baby. My neck and back pain are gone. I can workout normally without pain. Dry needling was very helpful in releasing my tense muscles. I will continue to go back to her when I need it!”
— Morgan Maloy — Postpartum Recovery
*Reviews reflect Dr. Danaya’s work at her previous Utah Valley practice
Common Questions
Postpartum PT FAQ
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. Utah is a Direct Access state, meaning you can see a physical therapist without a physician referral. However, some insurance companies require one for reimbursement—we can help you figure this out during your free consultation.
Is the internal exam required?
No. While an internal pelvic floor assessment provides the most accurate information, it's always optional. Many issues can be addressed with external treatment alone, and Dr. Danaya will never pressure you to do anything you're uncomfortable with.
Can I bring my baby?
Absolutely! Many patients bring their babies to appointments. We'll work around feeding schedules and fussy moments—your baby is always welcome.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients see significant improvement within 10-12 sessions, though this varies based on symptoms and goals. Dr. Danaya will give you a realistic timeline during your initial evaluation.
I had a C-section. Do I still need pelvic floor PT?
Yes! Even though you didn't deliver vaginally, pregnancy itself affects the pelvic floor. Plus, C-section scar tissue can cause pain, core weakness, and other issues that respond well to PT. Many C-section patients benefit tremendously from pelvic floor therapy.
Will this help me get back to running?
Absolutely. Dr. Danaya is a former NCAA Division I track athlete and specializes in helping postpartum athletes return to high-impact activity safely. We'll create a progressive plan to get you back to running without leaking or pelvic pressure.
I'm pregnant again. Can I still do PT?
Yes! In fact, addressing pelvic floor issues before your next delivery can prevent them from worsening and set you up for better recovery postpartum. Many patients continue PT through subsequent pregnancies.
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Let's discuss your symptoms, answer your questions, and create a plan to help you heal and strengthen — no pressure, just answers.
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