Diastasis Recti is the separation of the abdominal muscles. Diastasis Recti can present as a belly “bulge” or your stomach area tents upwards instead of flattening out when contracting or straining your abdominal muscles. These muscles are important because they support our organs and musculoskeletal structures. Some people with Diastasis Recti also report urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and myofascial pelvic pain.
If these problems are left untreated it could lead to back pain, poor posture, pelvic floor dysfunction and/or GI issues.
When you first think about Diastasis Recti you may think that it only could happen to women during or after pregnancy, but that is untrue. It could also happen with athletes, babies, patients who have undergone laparoscopic surgery and/or people who suffer with chronic constipation, straining or abdominal bloating.
Exercise can be used to treat Diastasis Recti and should be the first approach to healing. It is recommended that you see a physical therapist, so they can identify both functional and structural impairments that may be contributing to ongoing symptoms and provide the appropriate exercises for you.
Everybody heals at different rates and with different approaches, so having an individualized plan is always best.
For more information on chronic pain please contact us at 619.260.0750 today.