Diastasis Recti Rehab

Diastasis Rectus Abdominus is a normal part of the pregnancy process.

As you progress through your pregnancy the connective tissue (the linea alba) in between your rectus muscles (six pack muscles) of your stomach stretches to make room for the baby.  100% of women will experience this separation by the end of pregnancy - this is normal.

It is often noticeable as a bulging along the midline of the stomach or by feeling a gap at the centre of the stomach muscles, either towards the end of your pregnancy or postnatally. 

For most women this connective tissue recoils naturally postnatally, but for approximately a third of women it does not naturally resolve and may make it harder for you to regain your tummy tone and return to your normal exercise.

There are no ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’ exercises to do. Every diastasis recti is different and an individualised rehabilitation programme is the most effective management for diastasis recti.  Recent research has shown that rehabilitation is not just about improving the 'gap'  but changing how the linea alba (the connective tissue) and the abdominal muscles function and work together during everyday movements and activities.

For most women they will have some degree of separation of the muscles in the days/weeks straight after the birth so it is good to wait to see if it improves naturally.  If you are still feeling a gap or doming at 6-8 weeks then it may be good to have it checked by a Women's Health Physiotherapist.

A progressive exercise programme can promote good recovery postnatally and help to restore core strength.

Contact Rebecca on 0774 860 3145 if you have any concerns or would like to have an assessment.