Women's Health Physiotherapy in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is women's health physiotherapy?
Women's health physiotherapy is the branch of physiotherapy that looks after a woman's body through pregnancy and the postnatal period. Pregnancy changes posture, loosens ligaments, stretches the abdominal wall and loads the back and pelvis in new ways. Birth, whether vaginal or by caesarean section, then asks the body to recover while caring for a newborn. Women's health physiotherapy treats the aches these changes bring and rebuilds strength safely afterwards.
Pain in pregnancy is common, and much of it responds well to treatment. Pelvic girdle pain, felt at the front of the pubic bone or at the back of the pelvis, is a good example: with the right advice on movement, support and exercise, most women can stay active through the pregnancy.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, women's health physiotherapy is provided by the hospital's physical therapists within the physiotherapy department, working alongside antenatal care and postnatal care. Bladder leakage and pelvic floor training have a dedicated page, pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Who needs it
During pregnancy, women's health physiotherapy helps with:
- Pelvic girdle pain, including pain turning in bed, climbing stairs or standing on one leg to dress
- Low back pain and pain in the upper back or ribs
- Tingling and numbness in the hands from pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome
- Advice on safe exercise and staying active
After birth, it helps with:
- A gap between the two sides of the abdominal muscles, called diastasis recti, often seen as a ridge or dome when sitting up
- Recovery after a caesarean section, including getting in and out of bed comfortably
- Neck, back and wrist pain from feeding, lifting and carrying a baby
- A planned return to running, gym work or sport
What happens
The physical therapist asks about your pregnancy or birth, your pain and what brings it on, your work and daily routine, and your exercise goals. The examination covers posture, how you move, the joints of the back and pelvis, and, after birth, the abdominal muscles. Diastasis recti is checked by feeling the gap between the muscles as you lift your head gently while lying on your back.
Treatment is practical and tailored:
- Pelvic girdle pain: keeping the knees together when turning in bed or getting out of a car, sitting down to dress, taking stairs one at a time, gentle hands-on treatment and exercises for the hip and deep abdominal muscles. A pelvic support belt may be advised.
- Back pain in pregnancy: posture advice, positions for sleep with pillows between the knees, and exercises suited to each trimester.
- Hand tingling: wrist splints worn at night, positioning and hand exercises.
- Diastasis recti: a graded programme that starts with deep abdominal muscle activation and breathing, then builds load as the muscles regain control, with advice on lifting and rising from lying.
- After caesarean section: rolling to the side before sitting up, supporting the wound with a pillow when coughing, and gentle walking.
- Feeding and baby-care posture: support pillows, bringing the baby to the breast rather than leaning down, and lifting a car seat close to the body.
Return to exercise is planned in stages, starting with walking and pelvic floor and core work, then low-impact exercise, then higher-impact activity such as running once strength and control are ready.
Preparing for it
- Bring your antenatal or discharge notes, including details of the birth.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows movement.
- Bring your baby if needed; sessions can pause for feeding.
- Note which movements bring on pain, and any leakage or heaviness.
- Tell the therapist about pregnancy warning signs or complications your doctor has mentioned.
Afterwards
Short, regular home exercise suits busy days with a baby, and many exercises fit into feeding or nap times. Progress through the stages at the pace your therapist sets.
In the Sharjah heat, exercise in cool rooms and drink extra water, especially while breastfeeding. During Ramadan, pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss fasting with their doctor, and exercise can shift to after iftar. The physical therapist at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah reviews your progress at follow-up.
During pregnancy, contact the maternity team or go to the emergency department straight away with vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, reduced baby movements, severe headache, or pain with contractions. After birth, contact the hospital urgently if a caesarean wound becomes red, hot or oozes, or a calf becomes swollen and painful.
Cost and insurance
Many UAE insurance plans with maternity cover include some physiotherapy when a doctor documents a condition such as pelvic girdle pain, often with pre-approval. Postnatal exercise programmes without a documented condition may be self-pay. Session caps are common. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm cover on 06 599 7777.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of women's health physiotherapy?
Women's health physiotherapy is safe in pregnancy and after birth when exercises are chosen for your stage, and the main effect is mild muscle ache. Some exercises are unsuitable in pregnancy, for example lying flat on the back for long periods later on, so the therapist adapts the plan. Physiotherapy eases pain but cannot always remove pregnancy-related pain before birth.
Is it safe to have physiotherapy while pregnant?
Physiotherapy is safe during pregnancy when techniques and exercises are adapted to the stage of pregnancy. Tell the physical therapist about any complications, such as bleeding or a low-lying placenta, so the plan fits your doctor's advice.
What is diastasis recti?
Diastasis recti is a widening of the gap between the two sides of the front abdominal muscles, caused by stretching in pregnancy. It is common after birth, and a graded exercise programme helps the muscles regain control.
When can I exercise after giving birth?
Gentle walking and pelvic floor exercises can usually start soon after birth, while higher-impact exercise such as running is built up in stages later. Your doctor and physical therapist confirm timing based on your birth and recovery.
Can physiotherapy help after a caesarean section?
Physiotherapy after a caesarean section helps with comfortable ways to get out of bed, supported coughing, posture for feeding and a staged return to exercise. Abdominal exercises begin once the wound has healed and your doctor agrees.
Will pelvic girdle pain go away after birth?
Pelvic girdle pain usually eases in the months after birth, although some women need continued physiotherapy. Staying active within comfort and following the exercise plan help recovery.
Can I bring my baby to women's health physiotherapy?
You can usually bring your baby to women's health physiotherapy sessions at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, and sessions can pause for feeding or settling. Mention it when booking so the time can be planned.
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