How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps with Postpartum Incontinence

Bringing a baby into the world is a transformative experience—but for many new mothers, the postpartum period brings unexpected challenges. One of the most common (yet least openly discussed) is postpartum incontinence. If you’re leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise after giving birth, you’re far from alone—and more importantly, you don’t have to live with it.

At YourFormSux (YFS), we specialize in pelvic floor physiotherapy that helps new mothers recover fully—not just survive the postpartum period. Our approach addresses the root cause of postpartum incontinence and empowers you with tools to rebuild strength, control, and confidence.

Let’s explore what causes postpartum incontinence and how physiotherapy can help you regain your foundation for lifelong pelvic health.

Understanding Postpartum Incontinence

Postpartum incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine following childbirth. It may show up as:

Leaks when laughing, coughing, or sneezing (stress incontinence)

Sudden, urgent need to urinate (urge incontinence)

Difficulty fully emptying the bladder

Dribbling or frequent urination

These symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even years if left unaddressed.

The root causes often include:

Weak or stretched pelvic floor muscles

Poor coordination between the bladder and pelvic floor

Core instability due to diastasis recti or abdominal trauma

Nerve irritation or trauma from delivery

Improper posture or breath mechanics during daily tasks or lifting

While common, incontinence is not a normal or permanent part of postpartum recovery—and that’s where pelvic floor physiotherapy becomes essential.

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps

Pelvic floor physiotherapy provides a safe, non-invasive, and highly personalized way to restore pelvic function and eliminate leakage. At YourFormSux, our therapists use advanced assessments and tailored interventions to help you:

1. Rebuild Pelvic Floor Strength and Coordination

After childbirth—especially vaginal birth—the pelvic floor muscles may be overstretched, weakened, or under-responsive. Our first goal is to help you reconnect with these muscles, teaching you how to:

Isolate and activate the correct muscles

Perform contractions (Kegels) with proper form

Coordinate pelvic floor movement with your breath and core

Progress from gentle contractions to functional, load-bearing strength

It’s not about doing more reps—it’s about doing them right, with guidance that ensures every contraction supports your recovery.

2. Restore Core Function and Pressure Control

The pelvic floor is part of a dynamic system that includes your diaphragm, deep abdominals, and spinal stabilizers. If your abdominal wall (especially with diastasis recti) isn’t functioning properly, pressure from daily movements can overwhelm the pelvic floor, leading to leakage.

YourFormSux physiotherapists help retrain:

Breathing patterns that support pelvic control

Core activation strategies that don’t over-strain the pelvic floor

Movement techniques for lifting, walking, and carrying your baby

Postural adjustments that reduce downward pressure on your pelvis

This integrated approach ensures your pelvic floor doesn’t work alone—it works with the rest of your body.

3. Improve Bladder Habits and Urge Control

Physiotherapy also helps you build better bladder awareness. We guide you through strategies to:

Extend the time between bathroom visits

Reduce “just in case” habits that train the bladder to hold less

Use breath and muscle control to manage urgency

Relax the pelvic floor when voiding to avoid straining

With these strategies, you’ll reduce both stress and urge incontinence—without needing pads, avoidance tactics, or fear of leaking.

4. Address Scar Tissue and Muscle Tension

Some postpartum individuals develop scar tissue or tightness in the perineum, especially after tearing, stitches, or episiotomy. Others may carry muscle tension in the pelvic floor that prevents full relaxation, which is just as problematic as weakness.

Through gentle internal and external manual therapy, our physiotherapists help:

Release tight or painful areas

Improve blood flow and tissue healing

Reduce discomfort that limits pelvic floor function

Rebalance the system for both strength and flexibility

This can significantly improve bladder control, comfort, and confidence during activity and intimacy.

When to Start Physiotherapy After Birth

It’s never too early—or too late—to seek help.

You can begin pelvic floor physiotherapy as early as 6 weeks postpartum, once you’ve been cleared by your care provider. However, even if you’re months or years post-birth, you can still benefit greatly from treatment.

Common signs that pelvic physiotherapy may help include:

Ongoing urinary leakage

Feeling of heaviness or bulging in the pelvis

Difficulty holding back urine when sneezing or lifting

Incomplete bladder emptying

Fear of returning to exercise or high-impact activities

Pain during intimacy or pelvic discomfort

If you’re experiencing any of these, your body is asking for support—and we’re here to help.

Why Choose YourFormSux?

At YourFormSux, we offer Toronto’s most thoughtful, informed, and functional pelvic floor care for postpartum recovery. What sets us apart:

Private, respectful care tailored to your pace and comfort

Evidence-based techniques to treat the whole body, not just the symptoms

Real-life strategies for lifting, moving, and parenting with pelvic awareness

Specialized expertise in postpartum health, pelvic dysfunction, and core rehabilitation

We don’t just treat symptoms—we rebuild function so you can move forward with strength, confidence, and freedom.