Postnatal physiotherapy can help with lower back, back and pelvic pain, separated stomach muscles and a weak pelvic floor, but it is best started after your postnatal check and with your doctor’s go-ahead. MozgásKlinika Újlipótváros (Váci út 28, opposite WestEnd) offers postnatal rehabilitation, and you can book online.

This article covers the problems people come to us with after giving birth, when you can start exercising, and when you should see a doctor instead.

When can you start?

Many people want to get back to their old shape as soon as possible after the birth, but the body needs time. According to the NHS, the postnatal check at around 6 to 8 weeks after the birth is a good time to talk to your doctor about any physical problems you have had since. When you can return to regular exercise depends on how you gave birth, how you are healing and that check, and it is your doctor who tells you, not a calendar.

What do people come to us with after giving birth?

  • Separated stomach muscles (diastasis recti). The NHS says this is common in pregnancy and usually goes back to normal by the time the baby is about 8 weeks old. If the gap is still obvious after 8 weeks, see your doctor, who can refer you to a physiotherapist.
  • A weak pelvic floor and the leaking that can come with it. The NHS recommends pelvic floor exercises for this; what suits you, and how much, we agree after the assessment.
  • Lower back and pelvic pain, which can also be linked to all the lifting and bending.
  • Neck and back tension from breastfeeding, pushing the pram and carrying the baby.

For when it is generally worth seeing a physiotherapist, see our article on physiotherapists in the 13th district; for lower back pain, see this one.

When to see a doctor instead

With these symptoms, do not wait for a physiotherapist

  • severe or worsening tummy or pelvic pain
  • fever, unusual or bad-smelling discharge, or heavy bleeding
  • pain, swelling or redness in your calf
  • chest pain or sudden shortness of breath
  • feeling low or anxious most of the time, or feeling you cannot cope

Contact your family doctor, your obstetrician or your health visitor (védőnő). In an emergency, call 112.

How we work, in three steps

We map out your problem: we ask about your symptoms, look at your results and your doctor’s advice, and check your posture and movement.

We tailor a treatment plan to the assessment and your stage of recovery. We deliberately do not hand out general video workouts: your physiotherapist chooses and checks your home exercises.

And we start treatment at the first visit. We don’t promise a total number of sessions in advance, because it depends on the assessment and on how you respond.

Book a consultation

Close to home in Újlipótváros

Újlipótváros is home to a lot of young families, and with a newborn every extra journey counts. We’re at Váci út 28, opposite Westend, between Lehel tér and Nyugati. Take the M3 metro to Lehel tér or Nyugati pályaudvar, or trams 4 or 6 to Nyugati tér. If you drive, you can park in the Westend underground car park and cross Váci út. It’s a 3–5 minute walk from the Lehel tér metro exit and 6–8 minutes from Nyugati pályaudvar.

Inside, there is about half a flight of stairs and then a lift up to the mezzanine floor. If you’re bringing a pushchair, call ahead and we’ll help. Full directions are in our guide to finding our clinic by Westend on Váci út.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed for a private clinic like ours. After the birth, though, wait for your postnatal check and your doctor’s approval.

Can I bring my baby?

Please check with us by phone beforehand.

How can I pay, and will my insurance cover it?

You can pay by cash, bank card or SZÉP card, and ask for an invoice for a Hungarian health fund (egészségpénztár). Our article on paying with a health fund or SZÉP card has the details. If you have foreign insurance: we issue Hungarian invoices only, can’t fill in forms for foreign insurers, and claiming reimbursement is your responsibility.

How many sessions will I need?

We can’t say in advance, and we won’t promise a number. It depends on your assessment, your complaint and your stage of recovery.

Can I come while pregnant?

Yes. If there’s no medical reason against it, we treat pregnant patients the same way as anyone else, for musculoskeletal problems such as back or low back pain. We don’t provide pregnancy (antenatal) care; that stays with your doctor and midwife. If you’re unsure, call us before booking on +36 30 790 6270.