Postnatal Recovery: Physiotherapy and Massage After Birth in Hassocks
Becoming a parent is one of the most significant physical and emotional experiences your body will ever go through. Whether you have had a vaginal birth or a caesarean section, pregnancy and delivery place considerable demands on your muscles, joints, abdominal wall and pelvic floor.
Even when birth goes smoothly, postnatal recovery takes time. It is completely normal to need support, and we believe in validating every patient's concerns.
At The Heeler Centre in Hassocks, we serve our local community across Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint, Burgess Hill and the surrounding Sussex area with first class, empathic care. We help women rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence after birth using physiotherapy, massage therapy, and structured postnatal rehabilitation.
You do not have to "bounce back". You simply need the right support to heal properly.
Why postnatal recovery matters
Pregnancy changes posture, breathing patterns, and core stability. Labour adds further strain, and early motherhood often introduces repetitive lifting and feeding positions.
Common postnatal symptoms include:
- Back, hip, or pelvic girdle pain
- Pelvic floor weakness, heaviness, or pressure
- Core weakness or diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
- Scar sensitivity after a C-section or perineal tear
- Postural strain from feeding and carrying
- Shoulder, upper back, or neck tension
- Reduced confidence returning to exercise
- These symptoms are common, but they are not something you have to live with. At The Heeler Centre, Hassocks, we aim to understand the cause, not just manage the symptom
Postnatal physiotherapy in Hassocks
Our physiotherapy team provides personalised postnatal assessments and rehabilitation, working together as one team to achieve the best outcomes.
Physiotherapy at The Heeler Centre
A postnatal assessment may include:
- Abdominal wall function and breathing mechanics
- Pelvic floor strength and coordination
- Scar mobility and pelvic stability
- Posture and movement patterns
Your treatment plan is a collaborative process, something we do with you, not to you. It may include pelvic floor rehab, safe core strengthening, and C-section scar mobilisation. Whether you are six weeks or several years post-birth, physiotherapy can make a significant difference.
Postnatal massage and manual lymphatic drainage
Massage therapy plays a vital role in our integrated, whole-body approach to recovery. At The Heeler Centre, we have 3 female specialist massage therapists dedicated to supporting women through the physical transitions of new motherhood.
Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage with Alison Jones
Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage with Nilnate Rooney
Manual Lymphatic Drainage with Carrie Anderson
Both Alison and Nilnate are highly experienced in postnatal massage, while Carrie specialises in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Together, they provide a range of treatments designed to:
- Ease shoulder and neck tension often caused by repetitive lifting and feeding positions
- Reduce lower back discomfort and fluid retention to support physical comfort
- Improve scar tissue mobility and circulation, which is particularly important for C-section recovery
- Encourage relaxation and better sleep in our calm and inviting environment.
Recovering after a c-section
A caesarean section is major abdominal surgery involving several layers of tissue. Recovery deserves the same care as any other surgical procedure. We provide honest, transparent guidance on what will work for your specific recovery.
Recovering after a vaginal birth
Even without complications, a vaginal birth affects pelvic floor function and postural stability. If you experienced tearing or an assisted delivery, our goal is to replace uncertainty with clarity and reassurance.
Post-baby pain is common, but not inevitable
Many women accept ongoing discomfort as "part of the job." We are here to challenge that. We are ethically led, putting your wellbeing above profit. Supported recovery allows you to lift your baby comfortably and feel strong in your body again.
Visit us in Hassocks
At The Heeler Centre, we provide personalised postnatal care. Our convenient location next to Hassocks station with free parking makes attending appointments simple for busy parents.
If you are unsure where to start, we offer a complimentary 10-minute phone call to discuss your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment pathway.
📍 The Heeler Centre, Hassocks
📞 01273 843 780
📧 info@theheelercentre.co.uk
You do not need to rush your recovery. You simply need the right support