Postpartum Hip Pain: Why It Happens and How to Find Relief with Osteopathic Treatment
Hip pain is a common complaint among new mums in the postpartum period. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, the body undergoes significant physical changes during pregnancy and delivery. After birth, many women are surprised to find that their hips still feel sore, stiff, or unstable—and often this pain can linger if not properly addressed.
In this blog, we’ll explore why hip pain happens after birth, simple ways to ease the discomfort at home, and how Sarah’s gentle and personalised osteopathic treatment can support your recovery. We’ll also highlight why it’s perfectly okay—and encouraged—to bring your baby, older children, or support partner along to your appointments.
Why Do Mums Get Hip Pain in the Postpartum Period?
During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin, which softens the ligaments and prepares your pelvis for childbirth. While essential for labour, these hormonal changes can result in joint instability and muscle imbalances—particularly around the hips, pelvis, and lower back.
After birth, those same joints and muscles don’t simply return to normal overnight. If you've been holding or feeding your baby in awkward positions, spending long hours sitting, or recovering from a difficult delivery, your hips may still be under strain. Some of the most common causes of postpartum hip pain include:
Pelvic misalignment following delivery
Weakened or imbalanced gluteal and core muscles
Overcompensation and poor posture when lifting, feeding, or babywearing
Lingering effects of pelvic girdle pain from pregnancy
SIJ (sacroiliac joint) dysfunction or instability
Tension in surrounding muscles, including the hip flexors, piriformis, and lower back
How to Relieve Postpartum Hip Pain at Home
While professional support can make a big difference, there are also several things you can do at home to ease mild hip discomfort:
Gentle movement: Regular short walks and light stretching can help reduce stiffness and improve circulation.
Pelvic tilts and bridges: Once cleared by your health provider, these exercises can begin to re-engage your core and glutes.
Heat therapy: A warm compress over tight hip muscles may relieve tension.
Postural awareness: Make sure you're seated in supportive positions when feeding or holding your baby, and try to switch sides regularly.
Use pillows: Sleeping with a pillow between your knees and supporting your hips during rest can help keep your pelvis aligned.
Avoid standing on one leg or leaning on one hip: These habits often worsen postpartum hip pain.
How Osteopathic Treatment with Sarah Can Help
Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on restoring movement, alignment, and balance throughout the body. Sarah is highly experienced in treating postpartum women and understands the physical demands placed on your body after birth.
Osteopathic treatment can help:
Realign the pelvis and hips after pregnancy and birth
Release muscular tension in the hips, glutes, and lower back
Support joint mobility and address any lingering pelvic girdle dysfunction
Promote core and pelvic floor function to stabilise the hips
Provide postural advice and safe movement strategies to prevent further strain
Each session is tailored to your needs, with the understanding that new mums often come with babies in tow. Sarah welcomes babies, children, and support partners at appointments and can pause treatments for feeding, settling, or cuddling whenever needed. Your comfort and flexibility as a mum are always prioritised.
Don’t Let Hip Pain Hold You Back from Enjoying Motherhood
Postpartum recovery isn’t just about your baby—it’s about you, too. Hip pain can interfere with daily activities, disrupt sleep, and affect your overall wellbeing. You deserve support, comfort, and the chance to feel strong in your body again.
If you’re struggling with hip pain after birth, book an appointment with Sarah today and take the first step toward feeling better. With a compassionate approach and extensive experience in postpartum care, she’ll help you move more freely and confidently through motherhood.