Postnatal physiotherapy
We understand that every woman has a different experience through pregnancy, labour and into the fourth trimester. Our experienced women’s and pelvic health physiotherapists in Christchurch are here to guide you safely through this journey.
Christchurch postnatal physio
The female body is amazing and undergoes many changes over a pregnancy and in the postnatal period. We recommend that all new mums have a postnatal physiotherapy appointment, including post C-section. Our goal is to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident during your postpartum recovery.
Our experienced women’s and pelvic health physiotherapists carry out comprehensive and evidence based assessments, and will tailor your management plan to suit your individual goals.
We can help with postnatal management of the following:
Perineal tearing including episiotomy
C-section scar management
Pelvic floor strengthening
Bladder and bowel incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic pain
Diastasis recti
Our goal is to provide you with the education and knowledge that you require to feel empowered in your individual recovery. We will advise you on a safe return to exercise plan, whether that means getting back to regular walks, yoga, returning to the gym, high intensity interval training or completing a running event.
Postnatal physiotherapy appointments can be booked any time from 4-6 weeks postpartum. We are registered with ACC and are able to lodge maternal birth injuries that occurred on or after the first of October, 2022.
Our postnatal Pilates classes are led by women's health physiotherapists and are bub friendly. This is a safe way to start moving your body again after childbirth, with classes suiting all abilities.
Reformer Pilates class timetable
Some of our reformer Pilates classes are designed to provide a safe return to exercise following vaginal delivery or C-section.
A timetable of these classes can be found below.
Class information
Difficulty: All levels
Congratulations on welcoming your little one into the world! Now it’s time to start your return to exercise journey with a postnatal reformer Pilates class, run by our qualified Women’s Health physios and pre/post-natal trained instructors - bubs are welcome!
We are here to guide you through a safe return to exercise following vaginal delivery or C-section. We focus on areas including the pelvic floor, abdominal strengthening, upper body and pelvic/hip stability.
No previous Pilates experience is required, however we do highly recommend (not mandatory) that all class members book a postnatal physiotherapy consultation prior to attending their first class. If you haven’t booked yours in yet, click the "Book now" button to make a booking with one of our Women’s Health physios.
Pricing
Women's health follow up consultation
30 minute appointment - for all women's health, pelvic health, prenatal or postnatal private follow up sessions
Frequently asked questions
Maternal birth injuries that occur on or after the 1st Oct 22 will now be acknowledged by ACC. Depending on the specific injury, your midwife, doctor or women's health physio at Four can lodge a claim on your behalf.
If you are unsure and would like to know prior to booking your appointment, please feel free to contact us and we would be more than happy to advise!
Any time from 6 weeks post delivery (vaginal or c section) is a great time to book in for a postnatal physiotherapy appointment. If there is something that you are particularly concerned about prior to this, please give us a call/email and we might consider an earlier session.
A postnatal appointment will involve a full history including information about your pregnancy, delivery and initial recovery. We may ask questions about your bladder/bowel function and exercise goals.
These appointments will often involve a physical assessment, please speak to your physiotherapist if you are concerned about this.
Please do! We love meeting your wee ones and having a snuggle so feel free to bring bubs along to your appointment as needed.
Pelvic floor assessments will often involve an internal vaginal exam to assess the strength, mobility and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles and the surrounding fascia. Your informed consent will always be gained prior to any examination, following the discussion of any concerns that you may have.
