“I Thought It Would Go Away After Birth”: Why Postpartum Pain Lingers

You’ve carried a baby for nine months, gone through labor and delivery, and expected that once your little one arrived, your pain would fade away.

But weeks—or even months—later, your back still aches, your hips don’t feel right, or you wince every time you roll over in bed.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

At Body Works Women’s Health & Wellness, we hear it all the time:
“I thought it would go away after birth.”

The truth? Postpartum pain is common, but it’s not normal—and it’s absolutely treatable.

Why Postpartum Pain Sticks Around

Pregnancy and delivery place extraordinary demands on your body. Muscles stretch, ligaments loosen, and your core has to make room for new life. Afterward, many women assume everything will “snap back.” But without intentional support, some changes don’t correct themselves.

Here are the top reasons pain lingers after childbirth:

1. Hormonal Shifts
   Relaxin and estrogen affect your ligaments and joints. Even months after delivery, your tissues may still feel unstable, causing discomfort in your hips, pelvis, and lower back.

2. Weakened Core and Pelvic Floor
   When your abdominal muscles separate (diastasis recti) or your pelvic floor weakens, the rest of your body works overtime to compensate—leading to pain in your back, hips, and even shoulders.

3. Scar Tissue from C-section or Tears
   Scar tissue can limit mobility and create tension, which often shows up as pelvic pain, tightness, or pulling sensations.

4. Postural Changes
   Caring for a newborn means nursing, rocking, bending, and carrying—all repetitive movements that stress already-vulnerable muscles.

The Emotional Toll of Lingering Pain

Beyond the physical aches, postpartum pain can leave you frustrated, discouraged, and even disconnected from your body. Many women blame themselves or accept it as “the new normal.”

But let’s be clear: Motherhood shouldn’t mean living with daily pain.

How Physical Therapy Helps You Heal

This is where a pelvic health physical therapist in Greer, South Carolina can make all the difference. At Body Works, our team specializes in postpartum recovery that goes far beyond Kegels.

Here’s how we help:

• Core and Pelvic Floor Rehab
  We retrain your deep core muscles and pelvic floor to restore stability and strength.

• Manual Therapy
  Hands-on techniques release scar tissue, improve joint mobility, and ease tension.

• Personalized Exercise Plans
  We design safe, progressive movements that help you return to the activities you love—whether that’s running, lifting, or just keeping up with your kids.

• Education and Support
  We’ll show you what’s really happening in your body (and why it’s not your fault), so you feel empowered instead of defeated.

You Don’t Have to Just “Wait It Out”

If you’ve been told “it’s normal” or to simply give it time, hear this: you don’t have to settle.

At Body Works Women’s Health & Wellness, our mission is to help women reclaim their strength, confidence, and comfort after birth. Pain doesn’t have to be part of your story.

👉 If postpartum pain is still holding you back, we’d love to help.
Reach out today or visit our Greer SC physical therapy clinic to start feeling like yourself again.