Postpartum Physical Therapists
Licensed physical therapists (DPTs) with advanced training in women’s pelvic health and postnatal recovery.
What they do:
- Evaluate and treat pelvic floor weakness, diastasis recti (ab separation), and urinary incontinence
- Support recovery from C-section scars and perineal trauma
- Teach safe movement, posture, and core exercises
- Help manage lower back, hip, and tailbone pain
Best for:
Moms recovering from C-section or vaginal birth, struggling with leakage, pain, or pelvic floor issues.
Postnatal Massage Therapists
Licensed massage therapists (LMTs) specializing in postpartum body recovery and relaxation techniques.
What they do:
- Reduce muscle tension, swelling, and stress
- Support circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Ease shoulder, neck, and lower back pain from feeding and holding the baby
- Promote hormone balance and relaxation to support sleep
Best for:
Moms are feeling tense, sore, or exhausted, needing gentle recovery and stress relief.
Postpartum / Perinatal Chiropractors
Licensed chiropractors trained in pregnancy and postpartum spinal alignment, pelvic adjustments, and nervous system support.
What they do:
- Realign the spine and pelvis after pregnancy or delivery
- Relieve sciatica, back, and neck pain
- Improve posture, mobility, and circulation
- May also provide gentle infant chiropractic care (colic, sleep, latch)
Best for:
Moms experiencing back or hip pain, pelvic misalignment, or nerve compression post-birth.
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Licensed rehabilitation professionals helping moms adapt to daily life and self-care challenges after birth, including mental, emotional, and physical recovery.
What they do:
- Support moms in regaining independence with self-care, baby care, and home management
- Address hand, wrist, or body strain from repetitive newborn care tasks
- Provide adaptive tools and ergonomic strategies
- May help with sensory or emotional regulation postpartum
Best for:
Moms facing functional challenges, fatigue, or emotional overwhelm returning to everyday tasks.
Postpartum Fitness Coaches
Certified fitness professionals (often with pre-/postnatal specialization) who design safe movement programs for recovery and rebuilding strength.
What they do:
- Guide gentle workouts that rebuild the core and pelvic floor safely
- Focus on posture, balance, and strength without injury
- Help moms progress from recovery to an active lifestyle
- Offer virtual or in-person coaching tailored to postpartum needs
Best for:
Moms are ready to move again after medical clearance, especially those rebuilding confidence, stamina, or muscle tone.
| Category | Credentials | Focus | Typical Support for Postpartum Moms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postpartum Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with pelvic-health specialization | Pelvic floor and core recovery, pain management, C-section or perineal healing | Strengthening pelvic floor, healing diastasis recti, improving posture, relieving back/hip pain |
| Postnatal Massage Therapist | Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) | Relaxation, circulation, and muscular recovery after birth | Gentle massage for tension, swelling, hormone balance, and stress relief |
| Postpartum / Perinatal Chiropractor | Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) with prenatal/postnatal training | Spinal and pelvic alignment, nerve and joint pain | Adjustments for back, hip, or neck pain; posture correction; mobility and comfort |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | Licensed Occupational Therapist (Master’s or Doctorate) | Functional recovery, daily activity adaptation, ergonomic and emotional balance | Ergonomic tools, feeding setup, wrist/hand pain relief, fatigue management, daily self-care strategies |
| Postpartum Fitness Coach | Certified fitness professional with pre/postnatal certification | Safe exercise, rebuilding strength, restoring energy and confidence | Customized postpartum workouts, core rebuilding, gradual strength training, lifestyle motivation |
