The diaphragm changes significantly during pregnancy. The ribcage expands, the lower ribs flare outwards, the diaphragm is pushed upwards which stretches the muscle fibers to adapt them to their new position. The flexibility of the ribcage is reduced and as the pregnancy progresses, tension continues to build making proper breath more challenging.

After delivery it's important to help the body reverse these structural adaptations. I do this by releasing any tension in the ribcage and diaphragm. This offers significant benefits for both body and mind. Improving breath maximizes oxygen delivery for increased energy and mental clarity. Because of its connection with the phrenic and vagus nerve, it helps to regulate the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) response and calming the sympathetic (stress) response, which reduces anxiety and cortisol, and promotes relaxation. Working on the diaphragm often releases tension in the hips and lower back due to the diaphragms intimate relationship with the hip flexors- namely the psoas. 

It's not uncommon for women experience microscopic tearing of the diaphragm during childbirth, and this can lead to persistent issues commonly mirrored as pain or dysfunction in the pelvic floor. Diaphragmatic postpartum massage can help alleviate pelvic pain, improve core and pelvic floor function, and promote more efficient, comfortable breathing—all critical for recovery and a return to functional, active living.

During pregnancy, the growing uterus dramatically expands from the size of a lemon to about the size of a watermelon by the third trimester, reaching up to the rib cage. To accommodate this growth, many abdominal organs shift, compress, and change position, which affects their function. Returning these organs to their anatomical locations is essential for restoring proper digestion and detoxification.

Among traditional healing modalities, the shrinking (involution) of the uterus is prioritized as the most important postpartum process. In these cultures, it is recognized that slow uterine involution is directly linked to a more challenging menopause. Encouraging the uterus to return to its normal size via specialized massage techniques, not only promotes a healthy recovery, but also prevents future issues in menopause. The health of the uterus is directly related to breast health. By healing the uterus, we also support the hormonal balance in the breasts, which can positively influence lactation. 

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There is much to be said about the importance of releasing abdominal scar tissue. Whether it be from a cesarian section, or pre / post pregnancy abdominal surgery, it is essential to release that tissue. Scar tissue that was creating during the birthing process (whether it be a c-section, hysterectomy, tubal ligation, etc) tends to adhere the internal environment in the position of pregnancy. Meaning, the adhesions from that surgery can inhibit the body from fully returning to its original make up. This can manifest as anything from joint pain to organ complications. If you are someone who has abdominal scarring, I highly suggest you book a Scar Tissue Remodeling appointment, in which we can also integrate Postpartum Structural Integration techniques. 

The pelvis is made up of two separate hip bones which connect to the sacrum at the SI (sacroiliac) joint. This joint gives each hip bone the ability to individually move. They can tilt (forward or backward), shift (side to side) or torque (rotational twist), which allows the pelvis to move freely and adapt dynamically in movement. Pregnancy typically cause the pelvis to widen, tilt forward, and become more flexible. However, each individual body changes differently and every birth experience is so unique that the impact on the pelvis is never the same. Any combination of tilt, shift, and torque is possible as a result of pregnancy and birth. Hormones released during and after birth, particularly relaxin, increase the elasticity of pelvic ligaments and joints, making the pelvis more loose and therefore more susceptible to misalignments at the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joints. Pelvic adaptations support fetal growth and birth, but pose risks for pelvic pain and dysfunction with recovery post-birth often incomplete unless specifically managed.

Episiotomy scars cause the pelvic floor to be unbalanced, and can throw off the entire orientation of the pelvis. The same is true with c-section scars. ​The orientation of the pelvis dictates the way the femur will move within the hip joint, which impacts everything downstream of the hip. So, it's not uncommon to see pain at the knee or ankle or anywhere in the legs when we have misalignments in the pelvis. ​By freeing the pelvis, we can restore natural movement in gait and posture, relieve joint pain, and bring back mobility and the feeling of lightness. Treatments include work on your back, spine, hips and sacrum, and sometimes downstream on the legs.