Returning to Sport Post-Partum

At Beaumaris Physio & Health we want to assist all Women to Return to Sport Post-Partum. The latest research suggest a 6 Rs Framework be implemented.  That is Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return & Refine.

This approach, backed by science, incorporates all of the body’s systems and is tailor designed to each individual.

Our Women’s Health Physiotherapists follow this approach to ensure optimal outcomes for Mum (& Baby)!

Ready

Ready the athlete for anticipated whole-systems, biopsychosocial changes by proactively educating them about perinatal health considerations during the transition into pregnancy and motherhood (e.g., weight-gain, pelvic floor function, perinatal mental health). Aim to maintain exercise throughout pregnancy (where it is safe to do so for the mother and baby), limit deconditioning and optimise postpartum recovery with forward planning.

Review

Review and evaluate the postpartum athlete and address acute musculoskeletal and pelvic health rehabilitation needs. Screen for
whole-systems, biopsychosocial considerations.*

Restore

Restore physical and psychological wellbeing depending on individual needs and prepare the perinatal athlete for returning to
structured training environments. Include pelvic floor rehabilitation and other relevant whole-systems considerations.

Recondition

Recondition the perinatal athlete for their required physical and psychological sporting demands. Commence graded exposure
towards individual-specific training load requirements. Revisit whole-systems, biopsychosocial considerations and monitor symptoms as training increases.

Return

Return-to-sport through an individualised, evidence-informed and guided exposure to the competitive environment and re-evaluate
regularly.

Refine

Refine whole-systems, biopsychosocial strategies (e.g., optimise sleep quality, monitor for signs of relative energy deficiency
syndrome) to enhance athlete training and competition availability, retaining the athlete in their sport and optimising performance.

 

Return to sport postpartum PDF