What is diastesis recti?

It is separataion of the rectus abdominis muscle which involve widening of the linea alba with gap greater than 2cm or 2 finger distance palpated above, below or at the level of the umblicus. The reason for variation in the Diastasis is attachment of the rectus muscles to the bony prominences above (xiphoid process) and below (like pubic symphysis )and muscle attachments from internal and external oblique (lower), the middle portion of the rectus muscle does not have any bony attachments and in a radiographic assessment the widest diastasis was felt above at the level of the umbilicus in most of the patients.

Incidence :

Diastasis recti occurs primarily in newborns ,pregnant women,postpartum women but it can also be seen in obese men , COPD  and umblical or abdominal hernia cases.

Newborn with diastesis recti and umblical hernia

How to assess Diastesis Recti?

This can be done by the patient herself/himself or by a physiotherapist. Patient will be in crock lying position.

Procedure: The patient is asked to raise her head and shoulder off the bed with arm extending towards the knees while the therapist measures for diastesis by turning fingers horizintally across the linea alba (abdomen ) to determine how many fingers fit into the space between the borders of the two rectal bellies.

Here is a video where i ahve tried to demonstarate self check procedure:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x131p9tVDxI

If you found this video usefull do share with your friends and family to spread awareness about diastesis recti.

Different types of Diastesis Recti

SYMPTOMS:

The most common symptom of diastasis recti is a pooch or bulge in your stomach, especially when you strain or contract your abdominal muscles. Even if it doesnt bulge cometically it may not look appealing 

Additional symptoms include:

lower back pain

poor posture

constipation

bloating

hernia

pelvic floor dysfunction

GIT disturbances

How to treat Diastesis Recti?

Medax Arogya physiotherapy offers a treatment that will heal diastasis more quickly than any other therapy alone. We try our best to heal patient within one week to maximum 8 to 10 weeks.

1. During pregnancy and labour specially designed cotton corset (maternity belt) at 26 weeks onwards can be used. Here is link of one such belt : https://amzn.to/3Ho0Piw.

2. During postnatal period wait for approximately 6 to 8 weeks after delivery for the muscle to repair by itself and if it doesn't get better meet your physiotherapist to start diastesis recti treatment .Exercise heals you from the inside out. It helps rebuild the muscles that have become  unstable during pregnancy. These exercises will include:

  • Tupler technique exercises
  • Activation of core muscles
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Isometric abdominal exercises
  • Lateral trunk flexion exercises
  • Core bracing
  • Pelvic tilt exrcises
  • Heel slide
  • Heel drop
  • Dead bug exercise
  • Half side plank
  • Bridge etc

In the video given below i have tried to demonstrate some of these exercises :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBFfJrIdmII

Though you should do these exercises under supervision.

3. Electrotherapy : Few sessions of faradic current followed by few sessions of high voltage pulsed current.

4. Kinesology Taping: Kinesiology Tape helps support the abdominal muscles  to activate correctly. Results in posture and pain are often immediate. K-tape may be a longer term solution for pain associated with severe DRA.

5. Binder: If  DRA is severe then its good to use post partum belt for support. It provides steady support for your belly after birth, and your back, too. If you are recovering from Diastasis Recti, using two belts also helps close the gaps between your abdominal muscles. Here is the link of one of such belt : https://amzn.to/3HqhIce

6. Manual muscle stimulation: At Arogya Physiotherapy what really mkes healing faster for patients is manually stimulating the muscle with  the help of KIASTM. It helps to heal the muscle much faster and also help in loosing few inches and cosmetically making abdomen look much better.

7. Surgical management: It is often done with a hernia repair or abdominoplasty. Even after surgery abdmonial exercises need to be initiated at the end of first month after surgery.

Also, take care to do the following:

Avoid any heavy lifting or further straining of your abdominal muscles until after you deliver or recover

.Practice good posture.

.Support your lower back when sitting with a towel or pillow placed behind you.

.Bend your knees, roll, and support yourself with your arm when getting in or out of bed, or standing up off the floor.

.Avoid traditional crunches, situps, and planks postpartum until your abdomen is healed from diastasis recti. These exercises can make the condition worse.

.You should also avoid any strenuous exercises where your ab muscles are bulging out.

.Holding your baby on one hip,especially if it’s painful.

.Coughing without supporting your ab muscles.

.Avoid sequence pregnancy.

So please avoid doing these things and come to our centre to get your DRA heel completely. Let's rebuild your core together and spread awareness about this so that we can avoid  medical complications and look better and confident at any stage of life .