Also referred to as Diastasis, Diastasis Recti, Divarication Rectus Abdominis, abdominal separation and 'mummy tummy', it is a condition that is often poorly understood within our current healthcare model. It refers to a sideways stretching of the connective tissue joining the outermost abdominal muscle, the Rectus Abdominis, in the midline. The Rectus Abdominis is the muscle defined in a "six pack" and runs from your xiphoid process to your pubic symphasis.
The connective tissue joining the muscle bellies in the centre is called the linea alba. The linea alba is actually a fusion of the aponeuroses of ALL layers of the abdominal muscles (the rectus abdominis, internal and external oblique muscles and the transverse abdominis). The more the connective tissue stretches sideways, the thinner and weaker it becomes. Both men and women can have Diastasis Rectus Abdominis.
Signs of Diastasis Rectus Abdominis include:
- doming at the abdomen when getting up from lying or during a cough/sneeze or visual sinking in or hallowing at the midline during abdominal effort
- decreased function and strength at the abdominal
- a 'mummy tummy' that won't go away despite returning to prenatal weight and shape everywhere else.
You can check for Diastasis yourself in crook lying by feeling for a gap with your fingers along your abdominal midline while you lift your chin to your chest. The best way to know for sure is to get assessed by someone experienced with Diastasis such as a Physiotherapist.
We can assess, educate and guide you through appropriate posture, breathing, exercise and lifestyle changes to help you rehabilitate your Diastasis. We aim to restore balance in your core muscles and re-educate the stretched connective tissue to facilitate tension across the abdominal wall. It is essential that you address several factors in the rehabilitation of Diastasis and assess beyond 'the gap'.
Our Advanced Physiotherapist will utilise ultrasound imaging to further the evaluation and to help you visualise the connective tissue and muscle recruitment in order to facilitate your rehabilitation. Our approach addresses the WHOLE body, not just the separated muscles. We aim to progress you to returning to the sports/exercise/activities that you enjoy. We can also evaluate when conservative rehabilitation is not a suitable option for you and a surgical opinion is recommended.
For more information about our services or if you have a question email info@diastasis.physio.
Resources
- Diastasis Rectus Abdominis - Therapist & Patient Handbook:
- Diastasis Rectus Abdominis - physiotherapy management (author Gráinne Donnelly):
- Grainne speaks with the Womens Health Podcast about Diastasis Recti:
- #meettheexperts Gráinne Donnelly interview:
- Pelvic Roar Campaign:
- Pelvic Roar campaign raises awareness of diastasis rectus abdominis:
