Pregnancy and postnatal physio in Manchester
Stay comfortable and strong through pregnancy, then rebuild your body after birth, with a physio who plans around you and your baby.
Physio for pregnancy and after birth in Manchester city centre
Reviewed by Nick Chatziviltsos, PgDip, HCPC-registered physiotherapist (PH114351), November 2026
At a glance
Who it's for: anyone pregnant, at any stage, and new mums from about 6 weeks after birth, or after your 6 to 8 week GP check.
What we help with: pelvic and back pain, a tummy gap, C-section recovery, wrist pain from lifting your baby, and getting back to exercise.
How we treat: gentle hands-on care in safe positions, plus exercise you can do at home and in the gym.
Pelvic floor: we teach and coach pelvic floor exercises. For an internal assessment, we refer you to a women's health physio, your GP or your midwife.
Where: in clinic inside F45 NQ, Piccadilly, at home or online.
First step: a 60-minute assessment and treatment (£95), or a free 15-minute call.
Your body does an incredible amount in pregnancy and after birth. Aches, a weak tummy or a pelvis that won't settle are common, but you don't have to just put up with them.
At Athos Physio, we help you stay active and comfortable while you're pregnant. After birth, we help your body recover its full strength, so you can lift, carry and get back to the exercise you love. We specialise in MSK physiotherapy, rehabilitation, injury prevention and biomechanics, so your plan fits how your body is changing.
Our clinic is inside F45 NQ on Piccadilly. Every plan is built around you, your stage of pregnancy or recovery, and what you want to get back to.
🛠️ How pregnancy and postnatal physio works
Step 1. Assess and explain
We listen to your story and test how you move, using tests that are safe in pregnancy. A 3D anatomy model helps us show you what's going on.
Step 2. Ease pain and adapt
Gentle joint mobilisation and soft tissue work, with you lying on your side or sitting supported. IASTM is used on your back, hips and legs, never over your bump. We also adapt how you sit, lift and sleep.
Step 3. Strengthen and get back to what you love
Exercise in a custom rehab and strengthening plan made for you. When you're ready, we use the F45 NQ gym floor to rebuild lifting, carrying and training. You'll leave with a self-management plan for flare-ups.
We don't use dry needling or machines. Your treatment is hands-on care and exercise.
Pregnant and sore, or ready to rebuild after birth? Your first 60-minute session sets your plan and starts treatment the same day. Book your assessment →
👥 Who is pregnancy and postnatal physio for?
During pregnancy
We see you at any stage of pregnancy, including if you:
Have pelvic, hip or back pain that's making walking, work or sleep harder
Want to keep exercising safely and need a plan you can trust
Want to prepare for labour with guided exercise and comfortable positions
Want to learn your pelvic floor exercises properly
Physio works alongside your midwife care, not instead of it. Keep your midwife updated, and call them first about anything to do with your baby.
After birth
We usually see you from about 6 weeks after birth, or after your 6 to 8 week GP check. That's whether you had a vaginal birth or a caesarean. We can see you sooner for back, neck or wrist pain, if your GP or midwife is happy.
It's never too late. Many women come to us months or years after having a baby.
🧘 Pelvic floor exercises in pregnancy and after birth
Your pelvic floor supports your bladder, bowel and womb. Pregnancy and birth put it under a lot of strain. Strong pelvic floor muscles help with leaking and support your return to exercise.
What we do
We teach and coach pelvic floor exercises, in pregnancy and after birth. The NHS suggests long squeezes held for up to 10 seconds, and short quick squeezes. Build up to 10 of each, at least 3 times a day. We check your breathing and help you fit them into real life, from lifting your baby to lifting weights.
What we don't do
We don't do internal pelvic floor assessments. If you need one, we'll refer you to a women's health (pelvic health) physio, your GP or your midwife. We'll keep working on the rest of your recovery alongside them.
When to ask for an internal assessment
Leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump or run
A heavy, dragging or bulging feeling in your vagina
Trouble controlling wind or poo
Pain during sex, or pain around your scar or stitches
These are common, but they aren't something you have to live with. Tell your GP at your postnatal check, or at any time.
🧪 What happens at your first appointment
Your first session lasts 60 minutes. You'll sit, stand or lie on your side, never flat on your back for long in later pregnancy.
Your story. Your pregnancy or birth, what hurts, and what you want to get back to.
Safety screen. We check for warning signs that need your midwife or GP first.
Movement and strength tests. Safe in pregnancy, such as the active straight leg raise, and a tummy gap check after birth.
Your plan. In plain English, with treatment started and exercises made for you.
After birth, we also look at your tummy muscles, your posture, and the strain on your back, neck and wrists from feeding and lifting. We ask about leaking, heaviness or pain, and coach your pelvic floor exercises.
Babies are welcome. We'll work around feeds and naps. Can't get into town? We offer home physio visits and online physiotherapy.
💷 Pregnancy and postnatal physio prices
First appointment. 60-minute assessment and treatment: £95.
Follow-up, 30 minutes. £55.
Follow-up, 60 minutes. £95.
Free consultation, 15 minutes. Free.
We work with Bupa, WPA, Vitality and Aviva. Check your policy covers pregnancy-related physio before you book. Home visit prices depend on where you live. See our price list for all fees.
⏱️ When can you start physio?
In pregnancy: at any stage. Physio works alongside your midwife care.
After a vaginal birth or a caesarean: usually from about 6 weeks, or after your 6 to 8 week GP check.
Sooner, for back, neck or wrist pain: if your GP or midwife agrees.
Back to running: usually not before 12 weeks, and only once your strength and pelvic floor are ready.
Months or years later: it's never too late to get help.
We'll build you up step by step. See our return to exercise after birth page for the gym, classes and running.
✅ Pregnancy and postnatal conditions we treat
We also help with neck and shoulder pain from feeding, hip pain, and rib pain in late pregnancy. If it's not listed, ask us. You can also read our blog post on the power of prenatal physiotherapy.
Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy: pain at the front or back of the pelvis, once called SPD
Back pain in pregnancy: an ache across the lower or upper back as your bump grows
Diastasis recti: a gap between your tummy muscles after birth
Return to exercise after birth: a safe route back to the gym, classes and running
C-section recovery: rebuild your strength and confidence after a caesarean
SI joint pain: pain low at the back of the pelvis, in or after pregnancy
De Quervain's tenosynovitis: thumb and wrist pain from lifting and feeding your baby
❓ Pregnancy and postnatal physio FAQs
🚨 Physio, midwife, GP or A&E?
Most aches and pains in pregnancy and after birth are safe to bring to a physio, alongside your usual maternity care. Some symptoms need your midwife or a doctor instead, and a few need help straight away. This list follows NHS guidance.
Book a physio (no GP referral needed): pelvic, hip or back pain that changes with walking, stairs or turning in bed; stiffness or weakness after birth; thumb or wrist pain from lifting your baby.
Tell your midwife or GP: pain that makes it hard to walk or sleep, or is affecting your mood or work; leaking, a heavy or dragging feeling, or trouble controlling wind or poo (they can arrange an internal pelvic floor assessment); low mood or anxiety that hasn't lifted after 2 weeks.
Call your midwife or maternity unit now, or your GP urgently or 111: in pregnancy, back pain that comes and goes or regular tightenings, any bleeding, your waters breaking, your baby moving less, or a severe headache, problems with your vision or sudden swelling; a temperature of 38C or above; a scar or stitches that are hot, red, swollen or oozing; a painful, swollen, warm calf.
Call 999 or go to A&E: chest pain or difficulty breathing; sudden or heavy bleeding, especially if you feel faint; numbness around your genitals or bottom, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowel.
If you're unsure, ring us on 07475 433300 and we'll tell you honestly whether to see us or someone else first. For anything about your baby, always call your midwife or maternity unit first.
Not sure what kind of help you need? Book a free 15-minute call and we'll tell you honestly. Book a free call →
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Yes. We use gentle hands-on treatment and exercise, with you lying on your side or sitting. We don't use dry needling or machines, and nothing goes over your bump.
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Usually from about 6 weeks, or after your 6 to 8 week GP check. We can see you sooner for back, neck or wrist pain if your GP or midwife agrees.
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No. We teach and coach pelvic floor exercises. If you need an internal assessment, we'll refer you to a women's health physio, your GP or your midwife.
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We check your tummy muscles, posture, strength and any pain, ask about your pelvic floor, and build a plan to get you back to exercise.
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Yes. Bring your baby along and we'll work around feeds and naps.
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Yes. We guide you through exercises and positions that keep you strong and comfortable, and help with your birth plan if you have pelvic pain.
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Usually not before 12 weeks, and only once your strength and pelvic floor are ready. We'll build you up step by step.
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No. You can book directly. If you're claiming on insurance, check with your insurer first.
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Your first 60-minute assessment and treatment is £95. Follow-ups are £55 for 30 minutes or £95 for 60 minutes.
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Yes. We offer home physio visits, which can be easier in late pregnancy or the early weeks with a baby.
📍 Book pregnancy and postnatal physio in Manchester city centre
Athos Physio, our Manchester sports physio clinic, is inside F45 NQ, 77 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2BU, a two-minute walk from Piccadilly station and Piccadilly Gardens. We're open 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.
Your first appointment is a 60-minute assessment and treatment (£95). We work with Bupa, WPA, Vitality and Aviva. We also offer home physio visits and online physiotherapy.
Not sure where to start? Book a free 15-minute call and we'll talk it through.
Call or WhatsApp 07475 433300, or book online.
Other services: Physiotherapy and active rehab · Sports massage · Home visits · Online physio
Written by Nick Chatziviltsos, physiotherapist and founder of Athos Physio, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, HCPC registered. Last reviewed: November 2026.
Insurance providers we are affiliated with
Athos Physio is a full-service physiotherapy clinic
We offer injury rehabilitation, post-surgery functional strengthening, deep tissue massage and pain relief, and strength training expertise. We support you in becoming pain-free so that you can achieve a limitless life experience. If you want to speak with us before booking a session you reach out via WhatsApp, call us or email us.
We are based in Manchester city centre a couple of minutes walk from Piccadilly train station and Piccadilly Gardens Square