Physiotherapy : Emerging Horizons in Postpartum Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review of Evolving Interventions and Integrative Strategies

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period marks a critical phase in women’s life, characterized by significant physical, emotional and social transition. Despite its profound impact on maternal health and wellbeing. Postpartum rehabilitation remains inconsistently implemented and poorly integrated into routine healthcare across many settings.

Objective: This narrative review explores the evaluation of postpartum, rehabilitation, highlighting both traditional physiotherapeutic approaches and emerging integrative strategies. It also identifies critical gaps in clinical practice and research while proposing future directions for enhancing maternal recovering.

Methods: A comprehensive narrative synthesis was conducted using recent peer-reviewed literature on postpartum rehabilitation, including randomized trails, cohort studies and scoping reviews. Key thematic areas include pelvic floor muscles training, core stabilization, tele-rehabilitation, AI-assisted imaging and multidisciplinary care framework.

Findings: Traditional interventions such as pelvic floor muscles training and trunk stabilization remains foundational in postpartum care, however recent innovations-such as bio feedbacks, digital health platforms, kinesis tapping and smart pelvic floor device have expanded the scope of rehabilitation. Multimodal and holistic strategies that integrate physical, psychological and cultural dimensions of recovery are gaining prominence. Nonetheless, significant gaps persist, including the under representations of marginalized populations, lack of standardized assessment tools, limited personalization of care and insufficient long-term follow-up.

Conclusion: Postpartum rehabilitation must transition from a narrow, exercise –based model to comprehensive inter disciplinary framework. Personalization, inclusivity and technological integration are essential for optimizing recovery and promoting maternal wellbeing. There is an urgent need for scalable, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies that address the full spectrum of postpartum challenges and support women in resuming the role with confidence, functionality and dignity.