Recovering After Birth: Postpartum Chiropractic & Getting Back Strong

Bringing a new baby into the world is one of the most incredible things your body will ever do — and one of the hardest. Even if you had a smooth pregnancy and delivery, the postpartum phase can feel like your body isn’t quite your own. Add in sleepless nights, hours of feeding, and carrying a growing baby around Salem, Monmouth, or anywhere life takes you in the Willamette Valley, and it’s no wonder so many new moms deal with aches, pains, and feeling “off.”

That’s where postpartum chiropractic comes in.

At Performx in Independence, Oregon, Dr. Emily Kreifels specializes in perinatal chiropractic — care designed to support women through both pregnancy and postpartum. As a mom herself and a triathlete training for nationals, she knows firsthand how much the body changes after birth and what it takes to get back to moving and feeling strong again.

The Postpartum Body: What’s Really Going On

Pregnancy and delivery leave a lasting imprint on the body, even long after that six-week checkup. Common postpartum changes include:

• Lingering ligament laxity (thanks to the hormone relaxin, which can stick around months after birth).

• Pelvic and spinal misalignments from pregnancy, labor, or delivery.

• Core and pelvic floor weakness, sometimes including diastasis recti (ab separation).

• Neck and shoulder tension from feeding and carrying your baby.

• Low back and hip pain, especially when lifting, bending, or walking.

These aren’t just annoyances — left unchecked, they can limit activity, slow recovery, and even set you up for injury when you return to training.

How Chiropractic Supports Recovery

Postpartum chiropractic is about helping your body recalibrate. At Performx, Dr. Kreifels uses gentle adjustments and soft-tissue techniques to:

• Realign the pelvis and spine, reducing strain and restoring balance.

• Relieve tension in overworked muscles (think neck, shoulders, low back).

• Support pelvic floor and core integration, giving you a stronger foundation for movement.

• Improve movement patterns, which helps you return to exercise without compensations that lead to injury.

Research supports this approach — chiropractic care has been shown to be a safe and effective option for women with postpartum low back and pelvic girdle pain, helping restore function and quality of life.

From Surviving to Thriving

Here’s the key: postpartum chiropractic isn’t about a quick fix. It’s about outcomes. For one mom, that might mean lifting her baby without back pain. For another, it’s running her first 5K post-birth. For athletes, it might mean rebuilding for competition. Whatever your goals, chiropractic care helps clear the roadblocks so you can move forward.

Dr. Kreifels often works with women in Salem and throughout the Willamette Valley who say they feel “stuck” — either in pain or unsure how to get back to exercise safely. With the right plan, recovery doesn’t have to mean starting over; it means moving forward, stronger than before.

Tips for Early Postpartum Movement

While every mom’s journey is different, here are some practical ways to support your recovery:

• Prioritize posture: Feeding and carrying positions can make or break your back and shoulders.

• Rebuild from the inside out: Focus on core and pelvic floor activation before heavy lifting.

• Lift smart: Use your legs, not just your back, when picking up your baby or car seat.

• Get checked: Even if you’re not in pain, an alignment check can help prevent future issues.

The Performx Difference

At Performx, we believe treatment isn’t about the treatment — it’s about the outcome. Postpartum chiropractic is no exception. It’s not just an adjustment; it’s the ability to squat pain-free, go for a jog, or simply pick up your little one without wincing.

📍 Based in Independence, Oregon, we proudly serve moms across Monmouth, Salem, and the greater Willamette Valley.

👉 Ready to get back to feeling strong after birth? Schedule a discovery call today to see if Performx is the right fit.