Diastasis Recti and How it Occurs in Women

Diastasis Recti is the partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis, or “six-pack” muscles, which meet at the midline of your stomach. This separation is often seen during and following pregnancy due to the uterus stretching the abdomen muscles to accommodate the growing fetus. Additional causes can be attributed to excessive abdominal exercises after the first trimester of pregnancy.

Do I have have Diastasis Recti? Diagnosis and Differentiators

If you’re pregnant or recently gave birth and you notice a ridge or bulge in your abdominal area, especially when straining or contracting your abdomen muscles, you could have Diastasis Recti. Other symptoms can include lower back pain, poor posture and bloating. This can also present itself as the belly “pooch” that can still make you look pregnant even months after delivery. No matter the symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a doctor or physical therapist to discuss these changes. Diastasis Recti can typically be diagnosed by a physical examination, but can also be seen via ultrasound or CT scan if necessary.

Diastasis Recti can oftentimes be confused with hernias, however the two are very different and require individual methods of treatment. With a diastasis, there is a widening of the muscles but the fascia of the abdominal wall stays intact. The fascia is the collagen sheet that covers the muscles and gives patients the shape and form of their abdominal wall. If there is an actual hole or defect in the fascia, this would be considered a hernia. Additionally, the Linea Alba (collagen connective tissue) can be weakened and also stretched out during pregnancy.

Diastasis Prevention and Treatment

It may seem as though the biggest factors affecting Diastasis Recti are out of your control. However, stronger abs are more likely to resist separation. If you’re trying to get pregnant or are already expecting and don’t yet have Diastasis Recti, you can try pregnancy-safe ab exercises led by a physical therapist (hint: we can help!). Later on in pregnancy, around the third trimester, you could consider wearing a belly band for a bit of extra support as well, in addition to continuing to see a specialist.

If you already have Diastasis Recti, time will be the biggest healer, but there are postural and strength training exercises that help (as directed by your physical therapist). Both transverse ab exercises and pelvic tilts can be very effective in building strength again. To ensure you’re accomplishing the correct techniques for your individual body, it is a good idea to reach out to a specialist in your area (our own Katie Peters, DT helps new mothers and women with Diastasis Recti).

At your appointment, you can expect pinpointed exercises, recommendations on support garments and suggestions on how to modify your day-to-day movements to prohibit further Diastasis Recti. This is all great, but I would talk about the fact that it’s not JUST the strength in the muscles as much as it is HOW we contract our abdominal wall. We are teaching this efficiency of our abdominal wall as well as managing intra-abdominal pressure-this is a biggie!!

Diastasis Recti can be healed! Ready to start? For a Discovery Session or to schedule a follow-up session, click here.

About Klein Physical Therapy in Denver

Klein Physical Therapy is a haven for new and expecting mothers experiencing physical pain and seeking relief from Diastasis Recti, and many other common perinatal conditions. Located in Wellshire Flats in Denver’s University Hills neighborhood (also near Cherry Creek), Klein Physical Therapy is a practice that gentle nurtures moms back to a place of peace with our bodies. Learn more about Klein Physical Therapy here.