Diastasis Recti & the Pelvic Floor

As a pelvic floor therapist, I get asked about whether we can help with diastasis recti.

What is diastasis recti (DR)?

It is a thinning of the linea alba (connective tissue) and separation of the abdominal muscles, specifically your six-pack (rectus abdominals). In one study, 60% of moms at 6 weeks postpartum had DR and 32% of moms at 12 months postpartum had DR. This stretching is very common in pregnancy as your body makes room for your baby to grow.

However, the wrong exercises or body mechanics can make the stretching worse.

Many times, DR can be a sign that someone’s deep core muscles aren’t functioning well. This may lead to awkward body mechanics, like when we’re loading the dishwasher or changing baby’s diaper on the floor. In turn, poor body mechanics and poor awareness about our breathing (like holding our breath) can contribute to pelvic floor problems, like incontinence and prolapse.

Pelvic floor therapy for diastasis recti involves corrective exercises, strengthening and coordinating the core to the pelvic floor muscles and techniques to improve pressure and breathing. Many women see improvement in their diastasis and related symptoms with a tailor treatment plan and guidance from a pelvic floor therapist. If you're dealing with diastasis recti, don't hesitate to reach out to me for support.

You deserve to feel strong and empowered in your body!

TLDR: To help with diastasis rect, we recommend specialized exercises and breathing techniques to strengthen and support the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. By addressing the underlying weakness and imbalance, we can not only improve the appearance of diastasis but also help our core activate and coordinate with our pelvic floor. If you're struggling with diastasis, know that there is help available. Let's work together to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.