Diastasis recti is defined by the separation of your abdominal muscles, which happens after pregnancy. It’s a common condition that affects 2/3 of pregnant women, and easily preventable or treatable with pelvic physiotherapy.
How do I know if I have a diastasis recti?
During pregnancy, the muscles of your tummy have to move aside and stretch in order to make room for your baby to grow. These muscles sometimes don’t come back to their original place after birth, or not enough which results in your tummy sticking out. Seeing that belly bulge staying around even after you’ve lost your baby weight can be the sign of diastasis recti. A pelvic specialised physiotherapist will be able to diagnose abdominal separation via a physical examination.
Is diastasis recti serious?
Having your abdominal muscles not back to their place and your tummy sticking out can seem worrying, but it’s actually a common condition in pregnant women and can be resolved in a few sessions with a physio. The fact that the muscles of the abdominal haven’t entirely come back together isn’t necessarily the real problem. What is more important is the connective tissue underneath this gap. With the movement of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy and the appearance of a gap in the tummy, the pelvic organs, bowel and uterus end up with only a thin band of connective tissue holding them in place.
Connective tissues are really important in supporting the back, the pelvis, rib cage and abdominal organs. Restoring and keeping this integrity is what matters the most before working on getting your tummy muscles back in together and your belly flat.
How can I treat diastasis recti?
A women’s health physiotherapist will be your best ally to check your abdominal separation and provide you with advices and exercises to regain that integrity in your connective tissue. A few sessions of postnatal physiotherapy will help reinforce the support of your abdominal muscles, pelvic muscles and organs, assuring a quick recovery and preventing from further consequences that can happen with the lack of pelvic support (incontinence, back pain, constipation, prolapse…).
More information:
Mummy’s Physio is a team of physiotherapists and osteopaths with years of experiences and qualifications. Passionate and highly trained, they will be able to provide you the best treatments and rehabilitation in London, at the practices or at home.
For further information, visit our website on www.mummysphysio.com or contact us on 0207 125 0262 or at info@babyphysio.com.
