Diastasis Recti: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Diastasis recti is a common condition that affects many individuals, particularly women during and after pregnancy. In this blog post, we'll delve into what diastasis recti is, its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.

What is Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti, also known as abdominal separation, occurs when the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis muscle separate along the linea alba, the connective tissue that runs down the midline of the abdomen. This separation creates a gap, which can lead to a protruding belly or bulge.

Causes of Diastasis Recti: The most common cause of diastasis recti is pregnancy. As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, it can put pressure on the abdominal muscles, causing them to stretch and separate. However, diastasis recti can also occur in men, women who have never been pregnant, and newborn babies.

Diastasis recti occurs in 100% of pregnant people however the degree of separation and how long this may linger for varies greatly between each individual.

Other factors that can contribute to diastasis recti include:

·      Multiple pregnancies

·      Carrying a large baby

·      Poor posture

·      Heavy lifting

·      Excessive abdominal exercises during pregnancy

·      Genetics

·      Obesity

Symptoms of Diastasis Recti: The most obvious symptom of diastasis recti is a noticeable bulge or protrusion in the abdomen, particularly when engaging in activities such as sitting up, coughing, or straining. Other symptoms may include:

1.        Lower back pain

2.        Weakness in the abdominal muscles

3.        Digestive issues

4.        Pelvic floor dysfunction

5.        Urinary incontinence

Treatment Options: While diastasis recti may improve on its own, particularly in the months following childbirth, some individuals may require treatment to help close the gap and strengthen the abdominal muscles. Treatment options may include:

Physical therapy: Taiolered exercises and techniques to help strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve posture.

Osteopathic manual therapy: Osteopathic manipulation techniques can help realign the pelvis and spine, relieving pressure on the abdominal muscles. Osteopathy can help decrease fascial tension, improve breathing mechanics, help to improve core activation and coordination of the core, pelvic floor and diaphragm to assist in diastasis recovery.

Core strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises, such as pelvic tilts, abdominal compressions, and transverse abdominal exercises, can help strengthen the core muscles and close the gap.

Support garments: Wearing a support garment, such as a postpartum belly wrap, can provide temporary relief and support for the abdominal muscles.

Surgical intervention: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the abdominal muscles and close the gap.

Diastasis recti is a common condition that can occur during pregnancy or due to other factors such as obesity or heavy lifting. While it may improve on its own, some individuals may require treatment to help strengthen the abdominal muscles and close the gap. If you're experiencing symptoms of diastasis recti, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an Osteopath, to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. Osteopaths can provide a tailored rehab program to help strengthen and activate your core muscles, improve spinal mobility and thoracic cage mobility to assist in you recovery and ensure your pelvic floor, abdominals and whole body is functioning well as a unit.

With the right approach, you can effectively manage diastasis recti and improve your quality of life.