Diastasis recti, or diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) occurs when the rectus abdominis (also referred to as 6-pack muscles) partially or completely splits up. The prevalence of the condition is quite common among women of childbearing age and usually affects expectant mothers.
During gestation, the uterus normally stretches the muscles surrounding it to accommodate the growing fetus and as a result, this leads to DRA.
From that illustration, it’s clear that no one can prevent diastasis recti given that it is a natural result of prenatal development. But that doesn’t mean the condition cannot be reversed.
Diastasis Recti Symptoms
For women dealing with diastasis recti, they might experience the following symptoms:
- Lower back pain (LBP)
- Pain during sex
- Poor posture
- Weak midsection
- A visibly split up rectus abdominis
- Feeling flabbiness around the abdomen
How is DRA Diagnosed?
Our diagnosis process starts by evaluating your medical history as we try to get to the root cause of your condition. We might ask you questions regarding your pregnancy history, labor, delivery method, etc.
To conclude the consultation appointment, our specialists will perform a diagnostic test involving an abdominal examination, a process that examines your diastasis recti to help us tailor a treatment plan for you.
Physical Therapy Interventions
Physical therapy helps improve or gradually eliminate DRA through a series of handpicked exercises like:
- Belly breathing
- Abdominal drawing in
- Quadruped abdominal
- Heel slides with alternate arms
- Etc.
At Oklahoma Physical Therapy, our specialists are here to help. They will handle your body with care as they direct you on how to perform the above-said exercises.
Besides, we also give advice to our patients and help them avoid doing seemingly helpful gymnastics (like sit-ups or crunches) that could make their condition worse.For more on how you can manage your diastasis recti, contact us here and talk to our qualified therapists.