If you’ve had a c-section or you’re in the postpartum phase, you already know—recovery can be tough. Maybe you’re dealing with lingering pain, discomfort, or other issues that everyone keeps telling you are just “normal.” But here’s the thing: just because something’s common doesn’t mean you have to live with it forever.
Before and After 1 session
I take a different approach to postpartum and c-section recovery, and there’s a reason for that. I’ve had 5 abdominal surgeries, so I personally understand what someone is going through at least postsurgically. I’ve gone through the struggle of relearning how the abdomen, pelvis and diaphragm are supposed to behave optimally, but just don’t. I’ve had to rehab a diastasis, relearn how to breathe, and retrain the pelvic floor through constipation. So I get it.
I use several different types of manual therapy and gentle movement to get the body on the right track to recovery. Most are osteopathic oriented techniques, some are neuromuscular–but all pay attention to the patient’s nervous system.
Why This Kind of Rehab Really Matters
When you’re recovering from a c-section, there are actually two big things your body’s dealing with:
Recovering from Pregnancy
The postpartum period hits hard—physically and emotionally. You might be experiencing that heavy feeling in your abdomen, diastasis recti (when your ab muscles separate), pain that’s stuck around from pregnancy, issues related to nursing, and so much more. Sure, people might say “that’s just how it is,” but chronic pain and discomfort? That’s not something you should just accept.
Recovering from Surgery
A c-section is major abdominal surgery, and it can leave you with some serious lasting effects: pain around the incision, numbness, swelling above the scar, pelvic pain, bloating, constipation, even shortness of breath. The good news? Gentle manual therapy can actually address these issues.
How My Approach Is Different
I bring over 10 years of experience to postpartum and c-section rehab. I use osteopathic techniques like lymphatic drainage therapy, visceral manipulation, and gentle musculoskeletal work that focuses on calming your nervous system.
What Can Treatment Do for You?
Manual therapy for c-section and postpartum recovery can help with:
- Reducing that incisional pain
- Bringing back feeling to numb areas, even if your surgery was years ago
- Getting rid of swelling above your incision
- Re-establishing lymphatic flow to reduce “the shelf”
- Relieving bloating, constipation, and urinary issues
- Recovering from pelvic pain
- Healing diastasis recti
Red Light Therapy: An Optional Add-On
I offer red light therapy as an addition to your sessions. I’ve been using it for over a decade to support wound healing and mood. And no, this isn’t like an infrared sauna or tanning bed—it uses specific light frequencies that promote deep relaxation and healing. If you’re being fed red light devices on your feed somewhere, just know that most aren’t powerful enough to do anything. The device I use has medical grade power and works really well on getting incisions to heal effectively and efficiently.
Red light therapy can help with nervous system regulation, skin texture, healthy circulation (both blood and lymph), better sleep, natural cellular energy, and reducing inflammation.
Ready to Book?
Sessions at Full Body Function are $125 per hour and typically run 60 to 120 minutes, tailored to what you need.
If you’re ready to take that first step toward healing and feeling like yourself again, book your session at fullbodyfunction.com. You can also check out Tom’s before-and-after photos and follow along on Instagram: @bodyworkerTom.
You don’t have to just “deal with” postpartum pain and discomfort. With Tom’s expertise and gentle approach, you can find real relief and get your body back.