Pregnancy and the postnatal period bring enormous physical changes to a woman’s body — changes that frequently cause pain, discomfort, and functional limitations that go unaddressed simply because many women in Nepal do not know that physiotherapy can safely and effectively help during and after pregnancy.
At Manual Therapy Hospital — with our Dhobighat clinic in Lalitpur and Baneshwor clinic in Kathmandu — our qualified physiotherapists provide safe, evidence-based prenatal and postnatal physiotherapy designed specifically for the unique needs of pregnant and new mothers in Nepal.
Physiotherapy during and after pregnancy is not a luxury — it is an essential component of maternal health. Back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and postnatal recovery issues respond extremely well to targeted physiotherapy.
Prenatal Physiotherapy: During Pregnancy
As the body changes to accommodate a growing baby, many women experience significant musculoskeletal discomfort. Prenatal physiotherapy — specifically designed to be safe throughout pregnancy — addresses the most common pregnancy-related conditions.
Lower Back Pain in Pregnancy
Lower back pain affects up to 70% of pregnant women. The combination of hormonal changes (relaxin causes ligament laxity), weight gain, and altered posture places enormous strain on the lumbar spine. Our physiotherapists use safe, gentle manual techniques and exercise programming to significantly reduce pregnancy-related back pain.
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) and Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
PGP is pain in the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis — often causing a waddling gait, difficulty climbing stairs, and pain during rolling in bed. It affects up to 20% of pregnant women. Manual therapy and targeted exercises provide significant relief and functional improvement.
Round Ligament Pain
Sharp, stabbing pain in the lower abdomen and groin — particularly during sudden movement — from stretching of the round ligaments. Gentle manual techniques and postural advice provide relief.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy
Fluid retention during pregnancy often causes compression of the median nerve in the wrist, resulting in numbness and tingling in the hand. Physiotherapy, splinting, and nerve gliding exercises provide safe, medication-free relief.
Prenatal Exercise Programming
- Safe aerobic exercise guidelines for each trimester
- Pelvic floor muscle training throughout pregnancy
- Core stability exercises adapted for pregnancy
- Posture and body mechanics guidance for everyday activities
Postnatal Physiotherapy: After Birth
Postnatal Recovery After Normal Delivery
After a vaginal delivery, many women experience perineal discomfort, pelvic floor weakness, and lower back pain. Postnatal physiotherapy addresses these issues systematically and safely, beginning a progressive return to normal activity and eventually fitness.
Post-Caesarean Section Rehabilitation
C-section is a major abdominal surgery. Physiotherapy is important for managing the scar, restoring core muscle function, preventing scar adhesions that can cause chronic lower abdominal pain, and guiding a safe return to activity.
Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)
During pregnancy, the rectus abdominis muscles can separate at the midline — a condition called diastasis recti. If unaddressed, this causes ongoing lower back pain and abdominal weakness. Physiotherapy with specific rehabilitation exercises closes the gap and restores core function.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
- Stress urinary incontinence — leaking urine with coughing, sneezing, or exercise
- Pelvic organ prolapse — heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
- Pelvic floor strengthening and coordination rehabilitation
Safety and Precautions: Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
All physiotherapy provided at Manual Therapy Hospital during pregnancy is specifically adapted for maternal safety. We do not use techniques or modalities that are contraindicated in pregnancy. Our therapists are trained in prenatal physiotherapy protocols that prioritise the safety of both mother and baby.
Frequently Asked Questions — Prenatal and Postnatal Physiotherapy Nepal
| Question |
Answer |
| Is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy? |
Yes — when provided by a trained physiotherapist, physiotherapy is safe and beneficial throughout pregnancy. We use only techniques and exercises proven to be safe for pregnant women. We avoid any modalities or techniques that are contraindicated during pregnancy. |
| When can I start postnatal physiotherapy after delivery? |
After a vaginal delivery, gentle pelvic floor exercises can begin within days. A full postnatal physiotherapy assessment is typically recommended at 6 weeks post-delivery, or earlier if you have specific concerns. After C-section, scar management and core rehabilitation typically begin at 6-8 weeks. |
| Can physiotherapy help with post-C-section scar pain? |
Yes. Scar tissue massage and mobilisation, once the wound has fully healed (typically 8 weeks), is very effective at preventing and treating C-section scar adhesions and the chronic lower abdominal pain they can cause. |
| Do you offer home visits for postnatal physiotherapy in Lalitpur? |
Yes. We offer home physiotherapy visits for new mothers in Lalitpur and Kathmandu who find it difficult to travel to our clinic in the early postnatal period. Contact our Dhobighat clinic to arrange a home visit. |
| Is prenatal physiotherapy covered by health insurance in Nepal? |
Coverage varies by insurer. We provide official documentation for insurance claims. Please check with your health insurer regarding physiotherapy coverage during pregnancy. |
Book Your Prenatal or Postnatal Physiotherapy in Kathmandu
Dhobighat Clinic (Lalitpur): 9841200805 | 01-5188067
Baneshwor Clinic (Kathmandu): 9863336363 | 01-4622033
Home Visits Available for New Mothers
Open: Sunday-Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
