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C-Section Recovery and Pelvic Floor Health: What You Need to Know
- Dr. Ben Moore
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
C-sections are major abdominal surgeries, but postpartum care rarely reflects that reality. Many new moms are left without guidance on how to rebuild strength, restore mobility, or address pelvic floor dysfunction after delivery. At Evo Performance Therapy in Nashville, we take a whole-body approach to c section recovery, with a special focus on restoring pelvic floor health. Whether you're weeks or years postpartum, there’s more to recovery than waiting it out.
Why C-Sections Affect Pelvic Floor Function
It might seem like the pelvic floor is spared during a C-section since the baby isn’t delivered vaginally—but that’s a myth. Pregnancy itself places significant strain on the pelvic floor due to:
Increased intra-abdominal pressure
Hormonal changes that affect tissue elasticity
Postural shifts that impact core and pelvic alignment Even without a vaginal birth, the pelvic floor can become weak, overactive, or poorly coordinated—contributing to symptoms like leakage, pelvic pressure, and lower back pain.
What Happens to Your Core and Pelvis During a C-Section
A C-section involves incisions through multiple layers of muscle, fascia, and connective tissue. These structures play a key role in stabilizing your pelvis, supporting your spine, and coordinating with your pelvic floor. After surgery, you may experience:
Core weakness and instability
Scar tissue that restricts movement
Difficulty connecting with deep core and pelvic floor muscles
Pain or tightness in the lower abdomen or hips These issues can affect everything from posture and walking to lifting, returning to exercise, or simply feeling like yourself again.
Why Pelvic Floor Rehab Is Essential After Surgery
Pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t just for vaginal births. It’s a crucial part of post–C-section healing because it helps:
Restore neuromuscular connection between your brain, core, and pelvic floor
Improve blood flow and scar mobility, supporting tissue healing
Reduce compensations like glute gripping or breath-holding
Address urinary incontinence, pelvic heaviness, or pain At Evo Performance Therapy, we evaluate how your pelvic floor is functioning in context—meaning we look at your movement, breathing, posture, and strength patterns, not just isolated muscles.
How We Approach C-Section Recovery at Evo Performance Therapy
Our rehab model goes beyond typical "rest and wait" advice. Your care is personalized and progressive, typically involving:
Gentle manual therapy for scar tissue and abdominal wall mobility
Pelvic floor retraining using breathwork, positional strategies, and movement
Core reactivation through functional strength training
Education around load management, posture, and daily movement strategies Whether you're newly postpartum or years removed from birth but still dealing with symptoms, our team is here to help you rebuild with confidence.
Common Symptoms That Signal Pelvic Floor Dysfunction After a C-Section
Many women normalize their discomfort after birth, but lingering symptoms may indicate a need for therapy. These include:
Leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise
Feeling “disconnected” from your core
Pain with intimacy
Pressure or heaviness in the pelvis
Low back, hip, or tailbone pain These symptoms aren’t “just part of motherhood”—they’re signs your body needs support and targeted rehab.
You Deserve a Full Recovery
C-section recovery is a journey—and your pelvic floor plays a central role in how strong, capable, and supported you feel postpartum. Whether you're looking to return to lifting, running, or simply want to feel more at home in your body, Evo Performance Therapy in Nashville provides expert, personalized care to guide you through it. Let’s rebuild together, starting from the core.