Diastasis Recti: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Diastasis Recti is a common condition experienced by many women during and after pregnancy. Diastasis Recti refers to the separation of the abdominal muscles, causing a noticeable bulge in the midsection.
Symptoms of Diastasis Recti
Symptoms of Diastasis Recti often include a visible bulge or pooch in the abdomen, especially noticeable when performing certain movements like sit-ups or planks. Other symptoms may include lower back pain, poor posture, and difficulty engaging the core muscles.
Cause of Diastasis Recti
The primary cause of Diastasis Recti is the excessive stretching and weakening of the abdominal muscles due to the growing uterus during pregnancy. Factors like multiple pregnancies, carrying a large baby, or improper exercise techniques during and after pregnancy can increase the risk of developing this condition.
Treatment of Diastasis Recti
Fortunately, physiotherapy offers effective treatment options for Diastasis Recti. Our skilled physiotherapists specialize in guiding postpartum moms through a personalized treatment plan. The focus is on retraining and strengthening the deep core muscles, including the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles, to provide stability and support to the abdominal area.
Our physiotherapy treatment includes targeted exercises, gentle manual therapy techniques, and education on proper body mechanics and posture. We aim to help you regain core strength, improve abdominal muscle tone, alleviate pain, and restore functionality.
Treatment at A7 Health for Diastasis recti:
Get Physiotherapy – Book an appointment with a Physiotherapist at A7 Health who will assess you in a 45 minute consultation and provide treatment alongside a treatment plan to correct the muscle separation and strengthen your core. Some of the treatments include:
- Massage for pain relief.
- Mobilisations on any stiff joints such as your hips, lumbar spine joints or the sacroiliac joint (SIJ).
- Pelvic floor strengthening exercises.
- Strengthening exercises for your abdominal muscles.
Join an exercise class (with a Biokineticist) – Moderate exercise, such as walking, has been shown to help relieve back pain during pregnancy. Stretching can help relieve sore muscles. Join an exercise class led by an A7 Health Biokineticist who will teach you exercises that will strengthen and relax muscles and help you to reduce the likelihood of pain during your pregnancy. These exercises will also help you with delivery and recovery after you give birth.