Treatment Options for Postpartum Pelvic Pain Therapy in Los Angeles, CA

Bringing a baby into the world is an incredible physical and emotional experience. Yet for many new mothers, the weeks and months after childbirth can come with unexpected challenges—especially when pelvic pain lingers far longer than expected. If you’re months postpartum and still struggling with discomfort in your pelvic region, hips, or lower back, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to simply “live with it.”

At Femina PT, a women’s health physical therapy clinic in Los Angeles, our specialists see this every day. With targeted postpartum pelvic pain therapy programs, we help women move past pain, restore confidence in their bodies, and feel at home in their postpartum selves again.

Understanding Postpartum Pelvic Pain

After childbirth, the body goes through a major transformation as ligaments, muscles, and connective tissues recover from pregnancy and delivery. During this time, it’s normal to feel some soreness or heaviness. However, when pain persists beyond the initial healing period—usually 6 to 12 weeks postpartum—it’s a sign that something deeper may be going on.

Persistent postpartum pelvic pain can involve several regions:

• The pelvic floor (the muscles supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowel)
  
• The pubic symphysis (the joint at the front of your pelvis)
  
• The sacroiliac joints (where your pelvis meets your spine)
  
• Surrounding structures like the hips, lower back, and abdominal wall
  

Pain may show up as:

• Aching or sharp pain with walking, sitting, or standing
  
• Discomfort during intercourse
  
• Pain around a C-section
  
• Pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area
  
• Difficulty controlling urination or bowel movements
  

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to consider professional Pelvic floor PT.

Common Pelvic Floor Pain Causes

The pelvic floor pain causes therapists see most often in postpartum women tends to involve a combination of physical, hormonal, and biomechanical factors. Here are some of the most common contributors:

1. Muscle Imbalance or Overactivity

During pregnancy, your pelvic floor muscles must support increased weight and pressure. After delivery, those same muscles can remain tight, weak, or poorly coordinated. An overactive (hypertonic) pelvic floor can cause pain, spasms, or burning sensations, while a weak (hypotonic) one can lead to instability and pressure.

2. Joint or Ligament Laxity

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly from relaxin, loosen the ligaments around your pelvis. If stability isn’t restored after childbirth, the sacroiliac joints or pubic symphysis may move excessively, causing sharp or aching pain when walking, rolling, or carrying your baby.

3. Scar Tissue or Adhesions

C-section scars, episiotomies, or perineal tears can lead to fascial restrictions that pull on surrounding tissues. Without proper mobilization, this scar tissue can alter movement patterns and contribute to pelvic or lower-abdominal pain.

4. Core and Postural Changes

Pregnancy stretches the abdominal wall and often leads to diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles). This can disrupt core stability and place extra strain on the pelvic floor and lower back. Poor posture—especially from feeding or carrying your baby—can further compound the issue.

5. Nerve Irritation

Childbirth can put pressure on nerves like the pudendal or obturator nerves, leading to radiating pelvic pain, tingling, or numbness. A skilled Pelvic floor physical therapist can identify nerve-related symptoms and guide gentle desensitization and mobility work.

Why Pain Persists: When “Normal Recovery” Isn’t Enough

While mild discomfort is expected early on, ongoing pain after 8–12 weeks often signals that deeper structures haven’t fully recovered. Many women try Kegels or general core exercises at home, but if the underlying cause is tension, scar tissue, or alignment issues, these exercises may not help and sometimes can even worsen the pain.

That’s where individualized postpartum pelvic pain therapy comes in. At Femina PT, we specialize in identifying the why behind your pain. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all plan, we tailor therapy to your specific pelvic floor findings, lifestyle demands, and long-term goals.

Advanced Therapy Options at Femina PT

At Femina PT, our therapists are all licensed physical therapists specializing in pelvic health and women’s wellness. Each session is one-on-one, allowing us to focus entirely on you. We use evidence-based techniques to address both the muscular and fascial systems of the pelvis.

Here are some of the advanced treatment methods available:

1. Myofascial Release Therapy

Gentle, hands-on techniques that release restrictions in the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). This helps improve circulation, reduce tightness, and restore natural movement patterns. Myofascial release is especially effective for postpartum women with scar tissue, chronic tension, or nerve irritation.

2. Graston Technique®

A specialized form of soft-tissue mobilization using stainless-steel instruments to break up adhesions and stimulate healing. It’s commonly used for C-section scars, helping to improve flexibility and reduce pain during movement.

3. Shockwave or SoftWave Therapy

These advanced modalities use sound waves to promote tissue regeneration,reduce inflammation and relax overactive or tight muscles in deeper layers of the pelvis. For women who have tried traditional manual therapy but still experience stubborn pain, this can be a game-changer.

4. Pelvic Floor Re-education

A blend of manual therapy, guided exercise, and sometimes biofeedback to help the pelvic floor contract and relax effectively. Contrary to popular belief, not every postpartum woman needs to “strengthen” her pelvic floor—many first need to learn to release it.

5. Core Integration and Functional Movement Training

Our therapists teach safe, evidence-based ways to rebuild core stability and posture after pregnancy. This includes breathing mechanics, gentle activation of deep core muscles, and strategies to protect your spine and hips during daily activities.

6. Education and Empowerment

Knowledge is power. We help you understand your anatomy, how to move without pain, and how to care for your pelvic floor as you transition through motherhood.

What to Expect During Postpartum Pelvic Pain Therapy 

Your first session at Femina PT includes a comprehensive evaluation of your:

• Posture and alignment
  
• Pelvic floor muscle tone and coordination
  
• Core and hip strength
  
• Scar mobility and tissue health
  
• Breathing patterns
  

Based on these findings, your therapist will create a personalized care plan. Sessions often include a combination of manual therapy, guided exercises, and home programs to support progress between visits.

Over time, patients often report:

• Reduced pain and tightness
  
• Improved bladder and bowel control
  
• Better core strength and posture
  
• Enhanced sexual comfort
  
• Greater confidence in movement
  

Home Strategies to Support Your Healing

Alongside your professional Pelvic floor PT sessions, consistent home care can speed your recovery. Here are a few helpful habits:

1. Practice Diaphragmatic Breathing – Deep breathing can help relax pelvic floor tension and improve core coordination.
   
2. Stay Aware of Posture – Avoid slouching during feeding or carrying your baby; keep shoulders relaxed and core gently engaged.
   
3. Avoid Over-Bracing – Holding your belly tightly all day can increase pelvic pressure.
   
4. Use Gentle Mobility Work – Pelvic tilts, hip openers, and child’s pose can ease tension and improve circulation.
   
5. Prioritize Rest and Recovery – Healing is physical, mental, and hormonal; fatigue can amplify pain.
   

If pain increases or new symptoms appear, it’s best to check in with your therapist before resuming exercises.

When to Seek Professional Help

Persistent pelvic pain beyond the early postpartum weeks deserves attention—especially if you experience:

• Pain that limits sitting, walking, or intimacy
  
• Pressure or bulging sensations
  
• Urinary leakage or constipation
  
• Numbness, burning, or sharp pelvic sensations
  

You don’t have to wait until symptoms are “bad enough.” Early intervention with postpartum pelvic pain therapy can prevent chronic issues and help you return to your favorite activities sooner.

Why Los Angeles Women Trust Femina PT

Femina PT is one of Southern California’s leading women’s health and pelvic rehabilitation centers. Every patient is treated by a licensed physical therapist—never an aide or assistant. With multiple convenient Los Angeles locations and advanced therapy options, we pride ourselves on offering compassionate, evidence-based care for women at all stages of life.

Our approach blends science with sensitivity. Whether your goal is pain relief, improved mobility, or simply feeling like yourself again, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Choose our office nearest you in Los Angeles: 

Conclusion

Postpartum pelvic pain is common, but it should never be accepted as normal. If you’re still experiencing discomfort weeks or months after giving birth, professional help can make all the difference. With individualized postpartum pelvic pain therapy at Femina PT – Los Angeles, you can uncover the root causes of your pain—whether it’s muscle tension, joint instability, or scar tissue—and begin healing with guidance from skilled therapists who understand postpartum recovery.

At Femina PT, our dedicated team of women’s health specialists provides compassionate, one-on-one Pelvic floor Physical Therapy in Los Angeles designed to restore comfort, strength, and confidence. Through advanced techniques and evidence-based care, we help you move beyond pain and reconnect with your body. Motherhood should feel empowering, not painful—and with the right therapy, it truly can.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is pelvic pain normal postpartum?
Some pelvic pain is common postpartum due to healing tissues, hormonal changes, and pelvic floor strain from pregnancy and delivery. However, severe, worsening, or persistent pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

2. Is it normal to have pelvic pain after giving birth?
Experiencing pelvic pain after giving birth is common as the body recovers from delivery, but persistent or severe pain should be checked by a healthcare provider.

3. Why does sex hurt postpartum?
Sex can hurt postpartum due to vaginal dryness, tearing, or episiotomy healing, hormonal changes, and pelvic floor muscle tension. Scar tissue, infection, or pelvic floor dysfunction can also contribute, so persistent pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

4. What causes pelvic floor pain after childbirth?
Common pelvic floor pain causes therapists encounter include muscle imbalances, ligament laxity, scar tissue from C-sections or episiotomies, nerve irritation, and core or postural weaknesses. Each patient’s experience is unique, so individualized assessment is critical.

5. What treatments are included in postpartum pelvic pain therapy?
Therapy may include myofascial release, Graston Technique®, shockwave or SoftWave therapy, pelvic floor re-education, core integration, and home exercise programs. Each treatment plan is tailored to address the root cause of your pain and support long-term recovery.

6. Is postpartum pelvic pain therapy safe for all new mothers?
Therapists at Femina PT customize programs to each patient’s delivery type, healing stage, and physical condition, ensuring safe and effective care—even for women who had C-sections, episiotomies, or complications during childbirth.

7. Where can I find postpartum pelvic pain therapy in Los Angeles?
If you’re looking for postpartum pelvic pain therapy in Los Angeles, FeminaPT has three locations:

• Beverly Hills – 9012 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
  
• Pasadena – 350 S Lake Ave, Suite 220, Pasadena, CA 91101 
  
• Sherman Oaks – 13425 Ventura Blvd, Suite 200, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
  

They provide pelvic floor physical therapy, pain management, biofeedback, and specialized postpartum recovery programs.

References

1. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – Section on Women’s Health: Postpartum Pelvic Pain Management Guidelines.
   
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Prevalence and Risk Factors for Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain.” Journal of Women’s Health, 2022.
   
3. Bo, K. et al. “Pelvic Floor Muscle Function and Dysfunction After Childbirth.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019.
   
4. Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Association of California. Clinical Practice Resources for Pelvic Pain and Postpartum Rehabilitation, 2023.
   
5. Femina PT Official Website: https://feminapt.com