What does postnatal physiotherapy treat?

Short answer
Postnatal physiotherapy treats pelvic floor symptoms, abdominal separation, birth-related pain, and movement problems after pregnancy. It may help with leaking urine, pelvic heaviness, difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function, abdominal weakness, painful intercourse, back or pelvic pain, and reduced confidence with lifting or exercise. Care is adapted to your birth, symptoms, healing, and goals.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- May help with
- Leaking urine, pelvic pain, abdominal weakness, and return to activity
- Assessment focus
- Pelvic floor, abdominal wall, breathing, posture, and movement
How an assessment works
A physiotherapist reviews pregnancy and birth history, pain, bladder and bowel habits, abdominal function, posture, breathing, and movement. They may assess the pelvic floor with your consent and explain whether a caesarean scar, perineal tear, diastasis recti, or pelvic girdle pain is affecting function. Treatment can include guided exercises, breathing and pressure management, movement retraining, education, and hands-on care when appropriate.
Preparing for treatment
Book an assessment if symptoms persist or make daily activities, intimacy, walking, or exercise difficult. Keep a short record of leakage, pain triggers, heaviness, and activities you avoid. Start exercises gradually and follow the programme given; repeated straining or breath-holding can increase pressure on the pelvic floor. Ask before returning to running, heavy lifting, or high-impact training.
When to seek medical review
Contact your maternity or medical team promptly for fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, heavy bleeding, severe pain, new leg swelling, or breathlessness. Seek urgent help for sudden chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath. Physiotherapy can support recovery but does not replace assessment of a possible infection, clot, or serious birth complication.
Questions for your doctor
Is physiotherapy suitable for my current stage of healing? Do my symptoms suggest diastasis recti, pelvic girdle pain, or a perineal injury? When can I progress lifting and exercise? Should I have a pelvic floor assessment? What symptoms mean I should contact the maternity team instead?
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Can postnatal physiotherapy help leaking urine?
It can assess contributing factors and teach pelvic floor, breathing, and movement strategies tailored to your symptoms.
Is it useful after a caesarean section?
Yes. It can support movement, abdominal recovery, scar comfort, and a gradual return to activity once your medical team considers healing appropriate.
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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.