Prenatal & Postpartum Physical Therapy in Bakersfield

Pre / Post Partum Rehab at ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield

Yes, physical therapy can help during pregnancy and after birth. Back and pelvic pain in pregnancy, and leaking, heaviness, a separated belly or pain with sex after birth, are all common, and they are treatable, often without medication or surgery. At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, prenatal and postpartum care is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist, and we coordinate with your OB when needed. Related: pelvic floor therapy.

What we help with

✓Prenatal back & pelvic pain

✓Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)

✓C-section & birth recovery

✓Postpartum return-to-exercise guidance

✓Pelvic floor weakness

✓Core rebuilding

During pregnancy

Your body changes quickly in pregnancy: your posture shifts, hormones loosen the pelvic joints, and your muscles work harder and differently. We help with:

Low back and pelvic girdle pain: pain at the back of the pelvis, the pubic bone or low back, often worse turning in bed, on stairs or standing on one leg. See back and pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Pain that runs into the buttock or leg
Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh
Wrist and hand tingling, since pregnancy swelling can bring on carpal tunnel symptoms
Staying active safely, with exercise adjusted to each trimester
Preparing your pelvic floor for birth: learning to relax and coordinate it, not only strengthen it

After your baby arrives

Recovery doesn't end at the six-week check. We help with:

Bladder leaks and urgency. See bladder leaks.
Heaviness or pressure in the vagina, which can be a sign of prolapse
A gap or bulge down the middle of your belly (diastasis recti)
C-section recovery: scar mobility, gentle core rebuilding and lifting your baby comfortably. See C-section recovery.
Pain with sex after childbirth. See is sex supposed to hurt after childbirth?
Neck, back and wrist pain from feeding, lifting and carrying, including pain at the base of the thumb
A safe return to exercise and running. See when can I start exercising after having a baby?

When to start

During pregnancy: anytime. Treatment is adjusted to how far along you are.
After birth: gentle breathing, walking and pelvic floor exercises can usually start in the first weeks, as you feel ready. Many women begin physical therapy after their postpartum check, or sooner if something is bothering them.
Months or years later: it's not too late. Leaking, heaviness and a weak core can improve long after the baby years.

What to expect

A thorough evaluation

Your first visit (about 45–60 minutes) includes a discussion of your pregnancy or birth, your symptoms and goals, and a hands-on assessment. If a pelvic floor exam would help, we explain exactly what it involves first; it's always your choice, and there are other ways to assess if you prefer. We then explain what is most likely causing your symptoms, in plain language.

A personalized plan

Hands-on care plus targeted, progressive exercise, aimed at the most likely cause we find at your evaluation and built around your recovery, your routine with your baby and your goals. Never a one-size-fits-all program.

Real, lasting progress

We track your improvement and guide you back to the activities that matter, with strategies to keep the gains. From day one we set clear expectations together, because we see your care as a partnership with you and your other care providers.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly (for up to 12 visits or 45 days), so you can begin right away. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

When to call your OB first

During pregnancy, call your OB or get emergency care for:

Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
Regular tightening or cramping before 37 weeks
A severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling of the face or hands
Pain, swelling or warmth in one calf, chest pain or shortness of breath

After birth, call your OB for heavy bleeding, fever, or a wound that is red, hot or draining, and get emergency care for calf, chest or breathing symptoms.

If you feel hopeless, very anxious, or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call your doctor right away or the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262 (call or text, 24/7). In an emergency, call 911.

Why patients choose ARI

Care is always one-on-one and in person at our Bakersfield clinic, 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B2, in the Town & Country Village center next to Trader Joe's. Our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, has postgraduate pelvic rehabilitation training from the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Frequently asked questions

No. In California you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, so you can start without a doctor's referral. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage, so we recommend checking with your plan.

Both. We help during pregnancy with back and pelvic pain and body-mechanics, and after delivery with core recovery, diastasis recti, and a safe return to exercise. Postpartum, many women start once cleared by their provider.

Yes. Those are core parts of our women's health care, provided one-on-one. See our pelvic floor therapy page as well.

Your initial evaluation takes about 45 to 60 minutes, one-on-one. We start with a thorough evaluation of your pregnancy or birth history, symptoms and goals, then a comfortable assessment. We explain what is most likely causing your symptoms, build a plan around that cause and around your lifestyle and goals, and set clear expectations together. We see your care as a partnership with you and your other care providers, including your OB.

No. Leaking, heaviness, a weak core and pain with sex can all improve with physical therapy long after birth.

Not always. It can give the most useful information, but it's your choice, and your therapist can assess and treat in other ways too.

Many plans cover physical therapy when it's medically necessary. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we'll help you check your benefits: (661) 282-8584.

Feel strong again

Request a consultation and our team will help you take the first step in your recovery.