Prenatal & Postpartum Rehabilitation

Comfortable movement, confident recovery, and safe return to activity

Pregnancy and postpartum are seasons of rapid change. At Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center, our women’s health physical therapists provide prenatal and postpartum rehabilitation to help you move comfortably, protect your core and pelvic floor, and return to the activities you love—safely and confidently. Care is available in Washington and Odon, Indiana, and we welcome patients from Daviess County and across Southern Indiana.

Who we help

You may benefit from prenatal or postpartum PT if you experience any of the following:

• Prenatal pain:
  • Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain
  • Pubic symphysis pain (groin/pelvic girdle pain)
  • Low back, hip, or tailbone pain
  • Discomfort with rolling in bed, standing from chairs, or walking/standing for long periods
• Postpartum concerns:
  • Pelvic, back, hip, or tailbone pain
  • Urinary leakage (with coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting, or running)
  • Diastasis recti abdominis (abdominal separation)
  • Scar sensitivity or restricted motion after C-section or perineal tear/episiotomy
  • Core weakness, heaviness/pressure, or difficulty returning to exercise/work
• Baby care & lifting:
  • Neck/shoulder strain, wrist/thumb pain, or back discomfort with feeding, baby wearing, or car seat/carry setups

How prenatal & postpartum PT helps

Your therapist develops an individualized plan that fits your stage, goals, and daily routines. Treatment may include:

During pregnancy

• Pain relief strategies for SIJ, pubic symphysis, low back/hip, and tailbone
• Breathing and pressure management to reduce strain on your core and pelvic floor
• Postural and movement coaching (tips for rolling, standing, and lifting)
• Pelvic floor coordination (relax/activate appropriately as needed)
• Targeted strength & mobility to support a changing body

After delivery

• Core and pelvic floor re-training to improve support and coordination
• Urge suppression & bladder habits for leakage/urgency (see Bladder Health below)
• Diastasis recti assessment and progressive core program
• Scar care (C-section/perineal) to improve mobility and comfort
• Gradual return-to-activity plan for walking, lifting, running, and fitness
• Baby-lifting and childcare ergonomics to protect your back, hips, and wrists

Baby-lifting and childcare ergonomics

Small changes make a big difference. We’ll show you joint-friendly techniques for:

• Picking up and setting down baby, car seats, strollers, and diaper bags
• Feeding positions that reduce neck, shoulder, and back strain
• Safe ways to load/unload car seats and manage floor-to-crib transfers
• Wrist/thumb protection for “mommy’s thumb”/De Quervain’s symptoms

You’ll leave with simple, repeatable setups to use all day—at home and on the go.

What to expect

Evaluation

Your PT will review your medical and birth history, current symptoms, and daily routines. We screen posture, spine/hip mobility, core and pelvic floor coordination, and movement patterns that may contribute to pain or leakage.

Personalized plan

Together, we’ll set clear goals and a visit schedule. Your plan will include targeted exercises, breathing/pressure strategies, ergonomic coaching, and a home program that fits real life (short, doable routines).

Progress you can feel

We track outcomes—like pain, leakage episodes, activity tolerance, and confidence—and adjust as you improve. When appropriate, we coordinate with your OB-GYN, midwife, or other providers.

FAQs

When can I start physical therapy after delivery?
Most postpartum patients benefit from PT once cleared by their provider. We also offer early education and gentle strategies before your 6-week visit—ask your provider about what’s right for you.

Is pelvic floor therapy included?
Yes. Your plan may include pelvic floor coordination and core work. If pelvic floor symptoms are primary, see Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation for a deeper dive.

Can PT help if my symptoms started months or years ago?
Yes. It’s never “too late” to improve strength, coordination, and comfort.

Do I need a referral?
Many insurers require a physician referral. Call (812) 254-8889 and we’ll help you determine next steps.

Locations and scheduling

CORE Center | 421 E. Van Trees Street, Washington, IN
CORE Center at North Daviess | 800 S. West Street, Odon, IN

Call (812) 254-8889 to schedule a prenatal or postpartum evaluation or ask about referral requirements.

We serve women from Washington, Odon, Jasper, Vincennes, Loogootee, Petersburg, Bloomfield, and surrounding communities across Southern Indiana.