Peripartum Musculoskeletal Disorders: Mechanisms, Clinical Assessment, and Evidence-Based Rehabilitation

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are among the most common yet underrecognized complications occurring during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Conditions such as lumbopelvic pain, diastasis recti abdominis, pelvic girdle pain, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome affect a significant proportion of peripartum individuals. These issues often persist beyond childbirth, leading to considerable impacts on functional capacity, quality of life, and the ability to return to physical activity or occupational roles. Despite their high prevalence, the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently characterized, clinical assessment strategies lack standardization, and rehabilitation guidelines are predominantly extrapolated from general MSK populations rather than tailored to the unique needs of peripartum individuals.This Research Topic aims to advance the field by bringing together original research, systematic reviews, clinical trials, and perspectives addressing peripartum MSK disorders across three key themes. First, we welcome studies exploring the mechanisms and pathophysiology underlying MSK dysfunction in the peripartum period, including research on biomechanical, hormonal, neuromuscular, and connective tissue adaptations as well as risk factors for chronicity and recovery. Second, we encourage contributions focused on clinical assessment and diagnosis, particularly those aiming to improve or standardize examination methods, patient-reported outcomes, imaging protocols, or diagnostic frameworks specific to peripartum MSK conditions. Third, we seek submissions evaluating evidence-based rehabilitation and intervention strategies—ranging from therapeutic exercise and manual therapy to emerging modalities and load management—with special interest in clinical trials and implementation studies relevant to return-to-sport and activity after pregnancy.The scope of this Research Topic is intentionally broad, while its focus remains specifically on MSK health in peripartum populations. We particularly welcome submissions exploring health equity, telehealth, interdisciplinary approaches, and the intersection of MSK and pelvic health rehabilitation. Example themes include, but are not limited to:o Biomechanical, hormonal, and neuromuscular mechanisms of MSK dysfunction in pregnancy and postpartumo Standardization and validation of assessment tools for peripartum MSK disorderso Diagnostic imaging and clinical examination approaches unique to peripartum populationso Effectiveness of conservative rehabilitation, exercise, and manual therapy interventionso Implementation science, health services, and models of interdisciplinary or remote careo Return-to-activity and return-to-sport paradigms for postpartum individualso Health equity, cultural considerations, and individualized care pathwaysWe invite the full spectrum of interdisciplinary research from physical therapy, obstetrics, sports medicine, biomechanics, and rehabilitation science. Article types accepted for this Research Topic include: Brief Research Report, Case Report, Classification, Clinical Trial, Data Report, Editorial, FAIR² Data, FAIR² Data Direct Submission, General Commentary, Hypothesis and Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Review, Study Protocol, Systematic Review, and Technology and Code.Articles accepted for publication following external peer review are subject to a publishing fee, payable by authors, their institutions, or funders. Topic editors: Jie Hao, Zixuan Yao, Yuxuan Wang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80217/peripartum-musculoskeletal-disorders-mechanisms-clinical-assessment-and-evidence-based-rehabilitation