Diastasis Recti: From the Pelvic Floor Therapy Perspective

So my abs are stretched out, NOW WHAT??!!

Many women experience a condition called diastasis recti following pregnancy. This is a stretching or a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles on our belly. These muscles are the abs that run from the rib cage down to the pelvis in a vertical direction (often referred to as the “six pack” muscles). Many women may have a visible increase in the distance between the right and left rectus muscles, with the diastasis recti referring to the increased width of the distance between those muscles.

Jackie gives a brief demonstration of how to perform a self-test for diastasis recti here.

Even without ever being pregnant or going through childbirth, others may also experience this condition. Having abdominal scar tissue from a previous surgery such as gallbladder removal, or other internal organ surgery can create tension on one side of the abdominals which can also lead to separation in the middle of the abdominals. It would be important to work with a physical therapist to reduce the adhesions of that scar tissue before addressing abdominal weakness.

What are some symptoms that people may feel when they have diastasis recti?

• Abdominal pain

• Pelvic pain

• Low back pain

• Stress urinary incontinence

• Fecal incontinence

• Pelvic organ prolapse

Not all of those symptoms listed above will affect every person with diastasis recti, but are symptoms that are more common among those with the condition.

The purpose of our rectus abdominis muscles are to provide stability in the front of the body during movement. It is most common to notice your symptoms while:

• Standing

• Squatting

• Walking

• Carrying

• Lifting

Our abdominals in the front of our body need to work in collaboration with our back muscles and pelvic floor to help transfer our weight and distribute the loads placed on our bodies during movement. Having a gap in our muscles in the front of our body often creates undue stress on other areas of the body such as the back or pelvic floor, leading to the symptoms noted above. Seeking help from a pelvic floor physical therapist can help guide you in the best ways to regain the strength in your abdominals. Rather than focusing on the things you “can’t do” or “shouldn’t do” we will guide you through all of the things you CAN do to restore your strength and return to daily activities without increased pain or other symptoms.

While it is common to experience diastasis recti after pregnancy, it is not normal to experience the symptoms that we talked about earlier. If you are experiencing symptoms, reach out to us today to help you restore your strength and confidence in your health and wellness journey.

Written by: Renee Hancock, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist