Pregnancy and postpartum recovery bring incredible changes to the body, especially to the back, hips, and core. As your body adapts to carry and care for your baby, muscles and joints that once worked in harmony can become strained or imbalanced, leading to back discomfort and instability.
At Control Physical Therapy, we help expecting and new mothers in Gilbert, Chandler, and the East Valley find relief from pain, improve posture, and strengthen the muscles that support pelvic and spinal stability. Our pregnancy and postpartum back care programs are designed to restore strength and balance safely and effectively.
Why Back Pain Is Common During and After Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your center of gravity shifts as your belly grows, placing more strain on the lower back and pelvis. At the same time, hormonal changes loosen ligaments to prepare for delivery, which can make joints less stable.
After childbirth, many women experience lingering weakness or tightness, especially if the pelvic floor and deep core muscles don’t fully recover their pre-pregnancy strength. This can lead to lower back or hip pain, pelvic or SI joint instability, core weakness, and difficulty standing, walking, or lifting comfortably.
At Control Physical Therapy, we assess your posture, core engagement, and pelvic alignment to identify what’s contributing to your discomfort. Then we create a customized plan that safely strengthens and stabilizes your body.
The Importance of Pelvic Stability
The pelvis acts as the foundation for your spine, hips, and core — so when it becomes imbalanced or unstable, back pain often follows. Pelvic floor muscles and hip stabilizers must work together to keep your body aligned, especially when lifting, walking, or carrying your baby.
Our physical therapists focus on restoring pelvic control and alignment through gentle, targeted exercises such as glute and hip stability drills, pelvic tilts, controlled breathing, and postural retraining for daily tasks.
We also provide hands-on manual therapy to reduce tension in the hips and lower back, improving comfort and mobility.
Rebuilding Core Strength Safely
Many new mothers want to rebuild their core, but traditional ab exercises like crunches can actually make postpartum issues worse if done too soon. Instead, we start with safe, evidence-based exercises that target the deep core and pelvic floor — the muscles responsible for true stability.
At Control Physical Therapy, we guide you through a step-by-step approach that includes diaphragmatic breathing, transverse abdominis activation, and functional movements that prepare your body for lifting, carrying, and childcare.
This approach not only supports postpartum recovery but also helps prevent long-term issues like back pain, prolapse, or diastasis recti.
Supporting Moms at Every Stage
Whether you’re in your second trimester or several months postpartum, our therapists adjust your care plan to your stage of recovery. We understand the physical demands of motherhood and create realistic, effective programs that fit your lifestyle.
Our sessions also include education on posture, sleep positioning, and ergonomic tips for baby care, helping you protect your back and body during daily activities like nursing, changing, and carrying.
Why Choose Control Physical Therapy in Gilbert
At Control Physical Therapy, we believe every mom deserves one-on-one care that supports her strength, comfort, and confidence. Our skilled team combines clinical expertise with compassion to help you move and feel your best through every phase of motherhood.
What sets us apart:
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Expert care led by Dr. Gregory McLarty, DPT
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One-on-one physical therapy sessions — no double-booking
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Advanced testing tools for posture and movement
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Gentle, evidence-based prenatal and postpartum exercise progressions
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Locally owned and trusted across Gilbert, Chandler, and the East Valley
We’re here to support your journey to recovery and lasting wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I do physical therapy while pregnant?
Yes. Prenatal physical therapy is safe and effective when supervised by trained clinicians. We adapt exercises for every stage of pregnancy.
Q: When can I start postpartum physical therapy?
Most women can begin gentle pelvic and core rehabilitation around four to six weeks postpartum, or as cleared by their healthcare provider.
Q: What if I had a C-section?
We provide safe post-surgical rehab, including scar management, core activation, and movement retraining tailored to your recovery timeline.
Move Comfortably Through Motherhood
You deserve to feel strong, stable, and confident — both during pregnancy and after delivery. Let Control Physical Therapy in Gilbert help you relieve back pain, restore pelvic stability, and rebuild your core safely.
Call today at (480) 474-4921 to schedule your free estimate!