Pregnancy and childbirth bring remarkable changes to the body—but they can also leave lasting physical challenges. For many women, issues like diastasis recti and lingering C-section scar discomfort aren’t just cosmetic—they affect strength, posture, and confidence in daily movement.
At Revive Performance Therapy in Columbus, GA, we believe that postpartum recovery is not about “bouncing back”—it’s about moving forward with care, education, and support. Physical therapy offers a safe, effective way to restore core integrity, manage scar tissue, and rebuild function in a way that respects each individual’s healing timeline.
Whether you’re weeks, months, or even years postpartum, it’s never too late to address these concerns. With the right guidance, healing is not only possible—it’s empowering.
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What is Diastasis Recti and Why It Matters
Diastasis recti is a condition where the connective tissue between the two sides of the abdominal muscles (the linea alba) stretches and thins, creating a visible or palpable separation. It’s a common outcome of pregnancy due to the natural expansion of the abdomen, but it doesn’t always resolve on its own.
How It Affects the Body
When the abdominal wall loses its integrity, it can impact more than just appearance. Diastasis recti may lead to:
- Core weakness and instability
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Poor posture
- Difficulty with lifting, twisting, or even standing for long periods
Left unaddressed, these issues can limit daily function and increase the risk of further injury—especially during postpartum recovery or a return to exercise.
Why Early Identification Matters
Many women don’t even know they have diastasis recti until symptoms persist well after childbirth. A trained physical therapist can assess the degree of separation and guide you through evidence-based exercises to rebuild strength and restore control—safely and progressively.
The Impact of C-Section Scars on Movement and Recovery
A Cesarean birth is a major abdominal surgery, and while the external scar may seem small, the healing process goes much deeper. The layers of tissue cut during a C-section—skin, fascia, muscle, and uterus—can all be affected by scar tissue formation, which can influence how your body moves and feels long after delivery.
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Scar Tissue and Its Effects
Scar tissue can create adhesions, which may limit mobility in the surrounding muscles and fascia. This can lead to:
- Tightness or pulling sensations in the lower abdomen
- Altered posture and movement mechanics
- Pain with certain exercises or daily tasks
- Reduced core and pelvic floor function
Even years after delivery, some individuals notice stiffness or numbness around their scar, or unexplained discomfort during activity.
How Physical Therapy Helps
Physical therapists trained in postpartum care can use gentle techniques to mobilize scar tissue, reduce adhesions, and restore normal tissue glide. When combined with core reactivation and movement retraining, this work helps women regain not just function—but comfort and confidence in their bodies again.
How Physical Therapy Supports Postpartum Healing
Postpartum recovery is deeply personal, and physical therapy offers a customized, whole-body approach to healing. Whether you’re managing diastasis recti, recovering from a C-section, or dealing with general postpartum weakness, a skilled PT helps you rebuild strength and function with purpose and care.
Scar Mobilization Techniques
For C-section recovery, hands-on therapy can reduce scar adhesions and improve tissue mobility. This might include gentle massage, myofascial release, or guided self-mobilization techniques that restore natural movement without discomfort.
Core Retraining and Breathwork
Healing diastasis recti starts with reconnecting to your deep core—especially the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor. Physical therapists use breathing strategies, posture corrections, and progressive exercises to rebuild coordination and support. This foundation allows for safe progression to more dynamic movements as strength improves.
Postural Awareness and Body Mechanics
Pregnancy and early motherhood can shift posture dramatically. PT helps correct imbalances that may contribute to pain or dysfunction, focusing on alignment during standing, lifting, or holding your baby. Small changes in daily movement can make a big difference in long-term recovery.
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Individualized, Phase-Based Progression
Every recovery timeline is unique. At Revive Performance in Columbus, GA, we meet you where you are—whether you’re six weeks postpartum or six years—and build a plan that moves at your pace, with your goals in mind.
When to Start and What to Expect from Treatment
One of the most common questions we hear is: “When should I start physical therapy after birth?” The answer depends on your delivery, healing process, and individual needs—but in most cases, earlier support leads to better long-term outcomes.
When to Begin PT Postpartum
- Vaginal Delivery: Many women can safely begin gentle core and pelvic floor engagement as early as 2–4 weeks postpartum, with formal physical therapy typically beginning around the 6-week mark, pending clearance from their OB or midwife.
- C-Section Recovery: For surgical births, the timeline is often slightly longer, with PT typically starting around 6–8 weeks postpartum—again, after medical clearance.
However, it’s never too late to address postpartum issues. Even years later, physical therapy can help improve strength, reduce discomfort, and support your goals—whether you’re returning to exercise or just want to feel better in your body.
What to Expect at Revive Performance
Your first session includes a comprehensive evaluation: posture, breathing, scar mobility, core and pelvic floor function, and movement patterns. From there, we’ll build a plan that’s tailored to your body and your lifestyle.
Expect clear education, thoughtful progressions, and 1:1 attention every step of the way. Healing doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right guidance, you’ll feel stronger, more connected, and more in control.
Why Personalized Care at Revive Performance Matters
Every postpartum journey is unique. No two bodies heal the same way, and no two people experience childbirth in exactly the same way. That’s why individualized care is essential—and why so many families in Columbus, GA trust Revive Performance for postpartum recovery.
You Deserve More Than a Standard Protocol
Generic workout plans or social media “fixes” often miss the mark when it comes to healing diastasis recti or recovering from a C-section. At Revive Performance Therapy, we take the time to understand your story—your symptoms, your goals, your daily demands—and build a plan that’s as specific as your recovery needs to be.
Care That Moves With You
Whether you’re navigating the early postpartum period or returning to fitness months—or years—after delivery, we meet you where you are. With focused one-on-one care, gentle progressions, and clear education, we help you regain strength, confidence, and ownership of your body. Postpartum care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And you deserve support that prioritizes both healing and empowerment.