Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti

If you're struggling to recover your abdomen after giving birth, and you still feel bloated and have low back pain even though you exercise, you may have diastasis recti. Abdominal muscle separation is not just a cosmetic issue. It also affects your posture and your core muscles. Movements that aren't supported by the right technique can make it worse. Get professional support to make your muscles functional again and regain healthy posture with safe, effective methods.
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Separated Abdominal Muscles: Understanding Diastasis Recti

Notice the Changes in Your Abdomen

Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti), which develops during or after pregnancy, can cause a bulge around the belly button and weakness in the abdominal muscles. This can affect your daily life and your exercise performance.

Get Stronger With the Right Methods

With exercises designed specifically for diastasis recti, you can support your abdominal muscles in a safe, controlled way. By reactivating your abdominal muscles with the guidance of your physiotherapist, you can reduce the separation and regain the functional strength of your core.

Trust Your Body

Abdominal muscle separation doesn't have to be permanent. With professional support and regular exercise, you can regain your body's strength and your self-confidence. Invest in your abdominal health for a stronger, healthier and more comfortable life!

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Common and Treatable

Diastasis recti occurs in about 60% of women after childbirth, and in some women the separation can persist for months or even years. With appropriate exercises and the right rehabilitation process, abdominal muscle function can be restored.

"No matter how much I work out, my belly doesn't get better. It always looks bloated."
"It feels like there's a gap in the middle of my belly. When I press on it, it sinks in."
"It feels like my belly has split in two, with a gap down the middle."
Skoura A, Billis E, Papanikolaou DT, Xergia S, Tsarbou C, Tsekoura M, Kortianou E, Maroulis I. Diastasis Recti Abdominis Rehabilitation in the Postpartum Period: A Scoping Review of Current Clinical Practice. Int Urogynecol J. 2024 Mar;35(3):491-520. doi: 10.1007/s00192-024-05727-1. Epub 2024 Feb 10. PMID: 38340172; PMCID: PMC11023973.

Diastasis Recti FAQ

Diastasis recti is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles of the front abdominal wall along the midline. It usually develops when pressure inside the abdomen increases, such as during pregnancy or with significant weight gain.

No. Although it usually appears after pregnancy, factors such as significant weight gain, heavy exercise or a chronic cough can also lead to diastasis recti.

It occurs in about 60% of women after childbirth. In some women the separation resolves on its own, while in others it persists for a long time and needs professional support.

If you notice a distinct bulge in your abdomen, especially around your belly button, and a gap or ridge forms along the midline when you lie on your back and do a crunch-like movement, you may have diastasis recti. A physiotherapist can assess it and give you a definite answer.

No, it's not only cosmetic. Abdominal muscle separation causes low back pain, postural problems, pelvic floor dysfunction and weakness of the core muscles.

In some women, mild separations can recover within the first few months after birth. However, larger separations usually do not heal completely without appropriate exercise and physiotherapy.

A corset can give temporary support, but it is not a solution on its own. The muscles need to be strengthened with appropriate exercises.

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Author: , Specialist Physiotherapist

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The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor and physiotherapist about your symptoms.

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