What is Diastasis Recti, and How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Understanding diastasis recti, why it happens, and how our physical therapists can help
Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) occurs when the linea alba, which is the connective tissue between the rectus abdominis, (or what some people refer to as a “6-pack abs) becomes more lax. This process is caused by forces that stretch the connective tissue. Diastasis recti is most common in pregnancy but can appear in other cases in both women, men, and children.
Our physical therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy in IL help individuals with DRA to reduce their symptoms, gain strength and endurance, and safely return to their daily activities. The third trimester of pregnancy and the post-partum stage is when DRA can be most prevalent.
If you’re experiencing diastasis recti, contact us to get started today!
How Does Diastasis Recti Happen?
Most women experience DRA during pregnancy, especially in the later trimesters. This is because as the fetus grows, the uterus is forced to expand and puts pressure against the stomach wall. Connective tissue stretches from the excess pressure which increases the distance between the right and left sides of the muscle.
Other potential causes include:
- Rapid changes in weight
- Genetics
- Connective Tissue Disorders
- Improper technique weight-lifting or abdominal straining
- Chronic coughing
- Abdominal surgeries
Some people are more prone to developing DRA based on a few factors, including, age, hormones, multiple pregnancies, high infant birth weight, or being pregnant with more than one child at once.
What does diastasis recti look like?
Diastais recti look different on every patient depending on a number of factors such as their body tone, skin laxity, and percentage of body fat. Typically with diastasis recti, patients notice a bulge that protrudes or a deep valley in the middle of the stomach, while the outer layers remain at a more normal position.
What are the symptoms of diastasis recti?
Common signs of diastasis recti during the postpartum period are:
- A visible bulge that protrudes above or below the belly button.
- A visible deep valley or gap that sinks inward above or below the belly button.
- Tenderness to your belly button.
- Trouble performing everyday tasks.
- Poor posture.
- Weak feeling abdominal muscles.
- Pain in your abdomen
Physical therapy may be the answer
Regular visits with a physical therapist will help improve your symptoms, better coordinate abdominal muscles, and reduce pressure on your stomach muscles. Our physical therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy in IL will teach you ways to achieve daily tasks and strengthen your abdominal muscles to relieve symptoms. These include:
- Specialized exercise training: Your PT will introduce you to exercises that address muscle imbalances, as well as stretches and diaphragmatic breathing that will help restore normal breathing patterns and pressure control in your abdomen. These exercises focus on the internal and external obliques, rectus abdominal muscles, and transverse abdominis.
- Core Coordination: Your PT will instruct you on how to turn your core muscles on to help manage the pressure in your abdomen and stabilize your trunk.
- Bracing: In addition to core strengthening exercises, specialized braces or abdominal binders can offer support for the abdomen and decrease the distance between the muscles that has developed. Bracing: Bracing is a common method used to return the abdominal region to its proper position. In addition to core strengthening exercises, specialized braces can offer support for the abdomen and decrease the amount of separation that has developed.
- Taping: Similar to braces or binders, taping with athletic tape can help to provide feedback to abdominal muscles to help them activate and support your trunk.
Initially, your physical therapist will conduct an analysis of your symptoms and the current state of your diastasis recti. Then, they will create a treatment plan including the exercises and treatments listed above.
Request an appointment at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy today!
Are you still struggling with diastasis recti because of pregnancy? Maybe you’re still noticing symptoms from a previous pregnancy. No matter what your DRA looks like or the severity of your condition, our experienced therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy in IL can help you strengthen your core and get back to the activities you love in no time.
To schedule an appointment, be sure to call us today!