What is postpartum rehabilitation physiotherapy?

Postpartum rehabilitation physiotherapy helps women recover physically after giving birth. It addresses pelvic floor dysfunction, core weakness, diastasis recti abdominis, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, back and pelvic pain, and supports a safe return to exercise and daily activities.

When should I start postpartum physiotherapy after having a baby?

Ideally 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth, whether you had a vaginal delivery or caesarean section. At that point your physiotherapist can assess your pelvic floor, core strength, and mobility, and provide tools to support healing and a gradual return to activity.

Do I need postpartum physiotherapy after a C-section?

Yes. Postpartum physiotherapy is beneficial after both vaginal and caesarean deliveries. A C-section is major abdominal surgery and recovery involves healing the incision, addressing core and pelvic floor function, and managing scar tissue. Physiotherapy can support all of these.

Can postpartum physiotherapy help with diastasis recti?

Yes. Diastasis recti abdominis — the separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy — is one of the most common conditions we treat postpartum. Your physiotherapist will assess the degree of separation and develop a progressive exercise program to restore core function and strength safely.

Can I bring my baby to my postpartum physiotherapy appointment?

Yes, absolutely. Break Free Physiotherapy welcomes babies at all postpartum appointments. We understand that being away from your newborn is not always possible and we will do everything we can to support you during your session.

When can I return to running after having a baby?

Current evidence recommends waiting at least 12 weeks postpartum before returning to running, and only when your body has the necessary pelvic floor strength, core control, and load tolerance. A postpartum physiotherapy assessment can determine whether you are ready and guide a safe return to running.

What are postpartum rehab group classes?

Break Free Physiotherapy offers postpartum rehab group classes in London, Ontario for women who have given birth within the last few years. Level 1 focuses on foundational core and pelvic floor rehab with introductory functional strength. Level 2 advances to compound movements, speed, and impact. Classes run for 6 weeks at $250.

Can postpartum physiotherapy help with urinary leaking after having a baby?

Yes. Urinary leaking after childbirth is common but not something you have to live with. Postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapy can identify the cause of leaking and develop a targeted treatment plan to reduce or eliminate incontinence through pelvic floor strengthening and coordination exercises.

Is postpartum physiotherapy covered by insurance in Ontario?

Most extended health benefit plans in Ontario cover postpartum physiotherapy under physiotherapy benefits. Break Free Physiotherapy offers direct billing to most major insurance providers. No doctor referral is required to book.

I gave birth two years ago — is it too late for postpartum physiotherapy?

It is never too late. Postpartum physiotherapy can still be effective years after delivery. Whether you are dealing with lingering incontinence, core weakness, pelvic pain, or want to return to high-impact exercise safely, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify what your body needs.

POSTPARTUM REHAB

You did it mama! Birthing a baby is a HUGE physical and emotional undertaking! Your body has gone through a lot during pregnancy, labour and delivery and now moving into the postpartum period. The postpartum period can be a challenging time and we are here to help you thrive! Whether you are a first-time mom or have multiple children, each postpartum experience can be different. Childbirth can be physically traumatic for the body, especially the pelvic floor! That’s where postpartum physiotherapy comes in and can help you in your recovery from birthing injuries, helping to prevent long-term issues, as well as guiding you back into physical activity.

A pelvic floor physiotherapist at Break Free Physiotherapy in London, Ontario completing a physiotherapy assessment for a postpartum mom who is experiencing prolapse and urinary incontinence

Postpartum physiotherapy can be helpful for:

Urinary incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse (feelings of heaviness, pressure, bulge)
Diastasis recti abdominis
Scar mobility (c-section or perineal)
Back, hip, tailbone or pelvic pain
Pain with intercourse
Abdominal weakness
Preventing long-term issues
Getting back into exercising, safely
Returning to running, sports or impact activities

Book an assessment

Physiotherapy Postpartum

Postpartum Physiotherapy involves:

A comprehensive assessment of core and pelvic floor muscle strength and function
Individualized treatment for any pelvic health concerns including urinary incontinence, feelings of heaviness/bulging or pressure, diastasis recti, painful intercourse, pelvic/low back pain, and scar mobility
Pelvic floor and core rehab that is individualized and progressive to meet your goals

For postpartum mamas, we offer:

1:1 pelvic floor physiotherapy treatment
Group classes led by a Physiotherapist

Jessica Tomlin, pelvic physiotherapist in London, Ontario, teaching a postpartum mom proper squat form during a group rehab class

Postpartum Rehab Group Classes

Physiotherapist providing cueing for a postpartum patient who is doing a squat with a weighted ball

Postpartum Rehab Group Classes may be right for you if you’re:

✓ at least 6 weeks postpartum

✓ experiencing any pelvic floor issues or hip/low back/pelvic pain

✓ wanting to connect with other moms and get stronger together

*A Pelvic Physiotherapy Assessment is required prior to the start of the class block

Why join our Group Physiotherapy Class?

You’ll be in a community of other moms who are working towards similar goals
Small groups of up to 6-8
You can bring your baby!
It’s cost effective physiotherapy treatment
You’ll get stronger!
It is tailored to postpartum women and your physiotherapist will provide you with specific modifications or cueing during the class

Call us to learn more

Break Free’s Postpartum Rehab Classes

Level 1 focuses on foundational core rehab (including the pelvic floor!) and introducing functional strength
Level 2 focuses on advanced core rehab, strength and conditioning

Upcoming Postpartum Rehab Classes

Each class is once weekly for 6 weeks

Level 1: Starts September 23rd, 2026 @10am

Level 2: Starts September 9th, 2026 @11:15am

Call us to sign up

Frequently Asked Questions

Around the 4-6 week mark postpartum works well! But also anytime after that point, especially if any issues arise!
It depends on where you are at in your postpartum journey and what issues you are experiencing! The best thing to do is to book an initial assessment and then your physiotherapist can determine which method of physiotherapy would be best for you. Check out this page to learn more about pelvic floor physiotherapy. You also must be at least 6 weeks postpartum to be eligible for the postpartum rehab classes.
Babies are most welcome! You can bring your baby to both your 1:1 physiotherapy appointments as well as the postpartum group physiotherapy class. Usually our clients will either bring their baby in the car seat or bring a blanket for them to lay down on. Sometimes they sleep, sometimes they don’t but we do what we can! In the classes, your baby could even be your weight for some of the exercises - they usually enjoy that!
You will need a yoga mat, water bottle, indoor shoes (that are appropriate for working out in), yourself and your baby if you wish for them to join!
They are 1 hour in duration. This includes a warm-up, 30-40 minute work out and a cool-down.
The cost is $250 for the 6 week block, which is paid upfront when registering for the classes. You will receive a receipt after each class that you attend.
You should contact your insurance company to double-check but many insurance companies do cover them as it is billed as group physiotherapy. Our classes are led by a physiotherapist and you need to complete a physiotherapy assessment prior to the classes starting.
If you are experiencing issues that have been occurring since pregnancy, the birth or within a few months of delivery and have goals to get stronger, reduce leakage/symptoms, then yes, the group class may be a good choice for you! The best thing to do would be to book an initial assessment with Jessica and discuss the option of attending the next round of group classes as part of your treatment plan.
During your physiotherapy assessment, your physiotherapist will assess your strength and endurance as well as your goals and current pelvic floor issues and help determine which level may be best for you to start with. Generally, if you are newly postpartum (i.e. in the fourth trimester) then Level 1 will be a good fit!
Yes, you can, if it the appropriate level for you. Your physiotherapist can help to determine this during the initial assessment. The Level 1 class involves foundational core and pelvic floor rehabilitation and introducing functional strength. The Level 2 class focuses on advanced core rehabilitation and strength and conditioning. The Level 2 class involves more impact.

If you’re interested in joining one of our group physiotherapy classes or learning more about them, fill out our contact form and we will get back to you with more information.

Please note that an initial pelvic assessment will need to be completed prior to starting the classes.

Interested in our Postpartum Rehab classes?