Understanding diastasis rectus, why it happens, and how our physical therapists can help
Diastasis rectus occurs when the left and right sides of the outermost abdominal muscle separate. This process is caused by forces that stretch the connective tissue known as the linea alba. Diastasis rectus is most common in pregnancy but can appear in other cases in both women and men.
Our physical therapists at Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Bedford help individuals with DRA to reduce their symptoms, gain strength and endurance, and safely return to their daily activities. The post-partum stage is when DRA is most prevalent.
If you’re experiencing diastasis rectus, contact us to get started today!
How Does Diastasis Rectus Happen?
Most women experience DRA after pregnancy. This is because as the fetus grows, the uterus is forced to expand and puts pressure against the stomach wall. Connective tissue stretches from the excess pressure which increases the space between the right and left sides of the muscle.
You may start to notice DRA during pregnancy, but the most significant effects will be seen post-partum. Usually, DRA occurs during the second or third trimester when the fetus starts rapidly growing.
Other potential causes include:
- Significant changes in weight
- Stomach obesity
- Genetics
Some people are more prone to developing DRA based on a few factors, including, age, multiple pregnancies, or being pregnant with more than one child at once.
What does diastasis recti look like?
Diastais recti look different on every patient depending on a number of factors such as their body tone and percentage of body fat. It can be challenging to make a diagnosis based solely on appearance since the linea alba is hidden beneath the fatty layer of the abdomen.
Typically with diastasis recti, patients notice a bulge that protrudes in the middle of the stomach, while the outer layers remain at a more normal position.
What are the symptoms of diastasis recti?
Most women won’t notice signs of diastasis recti until after pregnancy. In some cases, DRA can be seen during pregnancy, but it’s harder to detect because your abdomen is stretched.
Common signs of diastasis recti during the postpartum period are:
- A visible bulge that protrudes above or below the belly button.
- Tenderness your belly button.
- Trouble performing everyday tasks.
- Painful sex.
- Pelvic or hip pain.
- Pain in the lower back.
- Poor posture.
- Urinary leaking when you sneeze or cough.
- Constipation.
- Weak feeling abdominal muscles.
Physical therapy may be the answer
DRA won’t improve from exercises and core strengthening alone. Regular visits with a physical therapist will help improve your symptoms and reduce pressure on your stomach muscles. Our physical therapists at Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Bedford will teach you ways to achieve daily tasks and strengthen your abdominal muscles to relieve symptoms. These include:
- Specialized exercise training: Your PT will introduce you to exercises that address muscle imbalances, as well as stretches and diaphragm releases that will help restore normal breathing patterns. These exercises focus on the internal and external obliques, rectus abdominal muscles, and transverse abdominis.
- Bracing: Bracing is a common method used to return the abdominal region to its proper position. In addition to core strengthening exercises, specialized braces can offer support for the abdomen and decrease the amount of separation that has developed.
- Electrical stimulation: This effective treatment is typically used by a physical therapist to reduce DRA after pregnancy. Electrical stimulation works by gently activating the rectus abdominis muscle. Studies have shown that the combination of electrical stimulation along with prescribed exercise results in a decrease in abdominal separation width and improved stomach strength.
Initially, your physical therapist will conduct an analysis of your symptoms and the current state of your diastasis rectus. Then, they will create a treatment plan including the exercises and treatments listed above.
Request an appointment at Beyond Therapy and Wellness today!
Are you still struggling with diastasis rectus because of pregnancy? Maybe you’re still noticing symptoms from a previous pregnancy. No matter what your DRA looks like or the severity of your condition, our experienced therapists can help you repair diastasis rectus in no time.
To schedule an appointment, be sure to call us today!
