At the Duke University Health System, an innovative program has been developed through a collaborative effort between physical therapists and obstetricians/gynecologists who identified a gap in care for new mothers. For years, postpartum patients have voiced concerns about the lack of access to physical therapy services immediately after childbirth. In response, a team of dedicated specialists worked together to create a comprehensive strategy to offer targeted care during the critical postpartum recovery period.
The Multidisciplinary Team Behind the Initiative
Physical therapists Jennifer Thornton-Jones, PT, WCS; Amanda Heath, PT, DPT, WCS; Valerie Adams, PT, DPT, WCS; Lisa Massa, PT, WCS; Erick Fink PT, DPT; and Jennifer Bartlett, PT, DPT, worked in partnership with obstetricians Clayton Alfonso, MD, and Angel Nieves, MD, PhD, to design and implement this unique program. The team's shared vision was to offer tailored physical therapy interventions to help new mothers recover and strengthen their bodies after childbirth. This collaborative effort brings together physical therapy and obstetrics experts, ensuring a holistic approach to postpartum care.
The program addresses a range of concerns common among postpartum patients, including pelvic floor health, musculoskeletal recovery, and the rehabilitation of abdominal and pelvic muscles that are often impacted during pregnancy and childbirth. Learn more.
National Recognition
The success of this program was showcased at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) National Combined Sections Meeting in February 2025, where the program members presented its work on "Implementation of an Obstetric Physical Therapy Care Pathway: Inpatient and Telehealth Postpartum Rehabilitation." The presentation garnered attention for its innovative approach and potential to serve as a model for other health systems nationwide.
The team emphasized the value of integrating both inpatient and telehealth services to continue supporting postpartum patients after they leave the hospital. Telehealth options allow patients to continue their physical therapy sessions from the comfort of their homes, ensuring continued care and support as they recover.
Duke Health’s leadership in integrating physical therapy into the postpartum care pathway represents a significant step forward in the overall care of new mothers and sets a precedent for future improvements in maternal health services.