Pre & Post-Natal Physiotherapy
Supporting You Through Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond
Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring incredible changes — but they can also create unique physical challenges. At Sunbury & Gisborne Physiotherapy, our experienced Women’s Health Physiotherapists are here to support you through every stage, helping you manage discomfort, recover safely, and feel your best during and after pregnancy.
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Lower back pain
- Rib and thoracic pain
- Neck and shoulder discomfort
- Postural changes related to pregnancy
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Pelvic organ prolapse – guidance, exercises, and strategies to help you feel supported and confident
- Abdominal separation (DRAM) and core rehabilitation
- Postural pain related to feeding, carrying, and caring for your baby
- Safe return to exercise and activity
- Labour Preparation – exercises, education, and strategies to prepare your body for childbirth.
- Postnatal Recovery – safe, progressive guidance to rebuild strength and function after birth.
- Blocked Ducts & Mastitis Treatment – therapeutic ultrasound to relieve pain and support breastfeeding.
- Continence & Pelvic Health Support – expert management for bladder and bowel control issues, prolapse, and pelvic floor dysfunction.
When booking your appointment, please let us know if you require continence or prolapse support so we can connect you with the most appropriate physiotherapist.
- Compassionate Care – we understand the physical and emotional journey of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
- Specialised Expertise – our Women’s Health Physiotherapists have advanced training in pre- and post-natal care.
- Personalised Support – every program is tailored to your body, your stage of recovery, and your individual goals.
Book Your AppointmentPre and Post Natal FAQs
Most women benefit from a postnatal check around 6 weeks postpartum, though earlier appointments are appropriate if you have pain, abdominal separation, continence concerns, or movement limitations. We assess recovery following both vaginal and caesarean births.
Your assessment may include:
- Pelvic floor strength, endurance and coordination
- Abdominal separation (DRAM) and core activation
- Scar mobility (caesarean or perineal)
- Postural changes
- Bladder or bowel symptoms
- Guidance for safely returning to exercise, lifting and daily tasks
Internal examination is offered if appropriate and always with your consent.
Yes. Most abdominal separations improve with targeted exercises focusing on tension, control and functional strength. We guide you through safe progression and help you avoid movements that overload healing tissues.
Often sooner than you think! But readiness depends on pelvic floor function, core strength, sleep quality, feeding demands and your overall recovery. We use evidence-based return-to-running criteria to ensure you progress safely and confidently.
Yes. We treat perineal or caesarean pain, pelvic girdle issues, neck and back pain from feeding or lifting, and discomfort associated with posture or carrying your baby.
Definitely. A postnatal check can identify subtle weaknesses or movement changes that, if addressed early, help prevent future pain, prolapse symptoms or pelvic floor issues — especially when returning to exercise.
During pregnancy, physiotherapists support women experiencing pelvic girdle pain, lower back or rib pain, abdominal muscle changes (including DRAM), posture-related discomfort, carpal tunnel symptoms, and preparation for labour and birth. Treatment is tailored to your trimester and physical changes.
Yes — physiotherapy is safe throughout all stages of pregnancy when delivered by trained clinicians. We adapt all exercises and hands-on techniques to ensure comfort and safety for both you and your baby.
Absolutely. Evidence shows that specific strengthening, load management strategies, movement retraining and manual therapy can significantly reduce pregnancy-related pain and improve mobility.
Yes. We assess abdominal wall tension, width, depth and muscular coordination, then give you safe, targeted exercises to support your core and reduce strain as your pregnancy progresses.
Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history, assess movement, pelvic stability and muscle function, and provide a tailored treatment plan. Depending on your needs, treatment may include manual therapy, taping, posture education, pelvic floor strategies and an individualised exercise program.
Yes — all pregnancy physiotherapy appointments are conducted in private, fully enclosed treatment rooms to ensure comfort, safety and confidentiality.
Many women appreciate a calm, private environment during pregnancy assessments, especially when discussing pelvic symptoms, abdominal changes, pelvic girdle pain or birth preparation.
If a pelvic floor assessment is recommended, your physiotherapist will explain the options clearly — including non-internal assessment methods such as real-time ultrasound — and you can choose what feels right for you.
You are always in control, and nothing is ever performed without your consent.
Our goal is to help you feel supported, informed and comfortable throughout your pregnancy journey.
Yes. We can guide you through pelvic floor relaxation and activation techniques, breathing strategies, optimal birthing positions, and safe movement patterns to support a smoother labour and postpartum recovery.
Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to call and chat with our Sunbury Physiotherapy team – we’re here to help.