Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsTreatmentExercises to TryExercises to AvoidFinding a Physical Therapist
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Exercises to Try
Exercises to Avoid
Finding a Physical Therapist
Diastasis rectiis a separation of therectus abdominismuscle—commonly referred to as the “six-pack”—and thinning of the connective tissue that runs along the middle of this muscle called thelinea alba.
While this abdominal muscle separation most commonly occurs as a result of pregnancy, it can affect men or women at any age. The primary treatment for this condition is physical therapy. Less typically, the condition resolves on its own or requires surgical repair.
This article discusses diastasis recti—why it happens, symptoms, and treatment options.
MesquitaFMS / Getty Images
Why Does Diastasis Recti Happen?
The rectus abdominis is the sizable abdominal muscle often alluded to as “six-pack abs.” This muscle is fused in the middle, with a 1- to 2-centimeter (cm) division between the sides.Separation wider than 2 cm is diagnosed as diastasis recti.
Diastasis recti most commonly occurs during pregnancy or as a result of significant weight gain. It can also develop after abdominal surgery.
During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Diastasis recti can occur during pregnancy and after childbirth. As the belly expands, abdominal muscles have to stretch to accommodate this growth, including the connective tissue that holds the two sides of this muscle together. Excess stretching can cause a separation to occur during pregnancy and postpartum.
The exact reason why some pregnant or postpartum people experience diastasis recti while others don’t isn’t clear. However, there are possible risk factors for developing this condition, such as:
Diastasis recti often resolves on its own after childbirth, but approximately 1 in 3 women will still have this condition 12 months after delivery.
Outside of Pregnancy
Diastasis recti can affect both men and women outside of pregnancy—typically as a result of excess weight gain (obesity). It can also occur in people who have had abdominal surgery.
Symptoms of Abdominal Muscle Separation
Diastasis recti often causes a protrusion in the belly around the area of the belly button. This can be visible all the time or might only protrude after a person has eaten or drunk.This condition does not typically cause pain.
While this condition often develops during pregnancy, it might not be visible until after delivery.
You can perform a simple test at home, as follows, to determine whether you have a diastasis recti:
Diagnosing Diastasis Recti
Effects on the Body
Diastasis recti isn’t just a cosmetic issue. This condition can have other adverse effects on the body, contributing to:
Treatment Options for Diastasis Recti
Treatment for diastasis recti varies depending on the severity of the condition. The condition can resolve independently in some cases—such asafter childbirth.
Physical therapyis the primary conservative treatment for diastasis recti. Interventions typically include:
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises target the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and pelvic floor muscles. You can do some strengthening exercises at home, but proceed cautiously; progressing too quickly can do more harm than good. To reduce your risk of making your condition worse, consult a physical therapist for an individualized exercise program.
Abdominal Supports
A physical therapist might recommend that a person with this condition wear an abdominal brace or support garment early-on in the recovery process to help hold the abdominal muscles in the correct position during daily activities.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
Surgery
People with severe cases—usually a gap at least 5 cm wide—may need surgery to treat diastasis recti.In less severe cases, you might choose to have surgery for cosmetic reasons.
Diastasis recti surgery can be performedlaparoscopically(inserting instruments through small incisions) or with an open procedure, utilizing larger incisions.
Insurance coverage will depend on your insurance plan and whether the surgery is medically necessary.
How to Heal Diastasis Recti With Physical Therapy
Exercises to Try With Diastasis Recti
If you have diastasis recti, talk to a healthcare provider, such as a physical therapist, before beginning a new exercise regimen. Using a poor form or overexerting yourself can worsen this condition. Below are some exercises that a physical therapist may prescribe to strengthen your core.
Abdominal Bracing
Knee Fallouts
Supine Marches
Bridging
Exercises to Avoid With Diastasis Recti
Performing the correct exercises with diastasis recti is essential to avoid worsening the condition. Activities that are safe later in the healing process—such as crunches—can put too much pressure on the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles earlier.
The safest way to progress through exercises for diastasis recti is under the supervision of a physical therapist. If you have diastasis recti, avoid any exercises that cause doming. Doming is protrusion of your belly through your abdominal muscles.Examples include:
How to Find a Physical Therapist for Abdominal Separation
You may also ask a trusted healthcare provider for a referral. Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns), medical doctors specializing in treating pregnant people, or a primary care provider (PCP) may be able to refer you to physical therapists in your area who regularly work with people with diastasis recti.
Summary
Diastasis recti is a condition that occurs when the “six-pack” abdominal muscles and the connective tissue holding them together get overstretched. Most commonly, it results from pregnancy. However, it can also develop from obesity or after abdominal surgery in both men and women.
Diastasis recti can resolve independently, but the primary treatment for this condition is physical therapy that focuses on safely strengthening the affected muscles. Less commonly, surgery is required.
13 Sources
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