Diastasis Recti is when the topmost layer of your abdominal muscles, called the rectus abdominus, stretch and are pulled apart from the midline, where a thick band of fascia called the linea alba is located. This separation commonly happens during pregnancy as the belly grows or sometimes when a person gains a significant amount of weight around their midsection. For women who develop Diastasis Recti during pregnancy, the muscle separation may resolve by itself in the first few months after giving birth, but it doesn’t always fully close.

While most pregnant woman can develop Diastasis Recti due to the abdominal expansion in pregnancy, additional factors increase the likelihood. You are more likely to experience a diastasis recti if you had more than one pregnancy, especially if they are spaced close together, or if you are carrying multiples (like twins or triplets) as this stretches and weakens the abdominal wall. Carrying a larger baby can also increase the risk. Your age can play a role, with some studies suggesting a higher risk for women over 35. Lastly, if you had developed a Diastasis Recti in a previous pregnancy, you are more prone to developing it again or are at risk of a worsening abdominal separation. 

Pelvic floor physical therapy  can be a significant help for women with Diastasis Recti, focusing on strengthening and the coordination of the entire core system, which is made up of a group of muscles that work together to stabilize the trunk and pelvis and control intra-abdominal pressure. 

Here’s how pelvic floor physical therapy helps anyone coping with Diastasis Recti.  Your core stability comes from a team of muscles working together: your abdominal muscles in the front, the muscles supporting the spine in the back, your diaphragm (for breathing) above, and your pelvic floor below. In order for the core system to be working efficiently, each group of muscles must each do their part. With Diastasis Recti, the tension and support of the deep abdominal muscles are compromised, and therefore leads to a disruption of this system.  

Pelvic floor physical therapy acts like a coach for this muscle team. It helps you train key team members, teaching you how to properly activate and strengthen players like your deep core muscles (which act like your body’s natural corset) and help them work with your pelvic floor muscles. By getting these parts of the team to work in sync,  Pelvic floor physical therapy improves the overall stability of your trunk and increases tension of the deep abdominal muscles, reducing the diastasis over time.

Additionally, women with Diastasis Recti often also experience issues like back pain or pelvic floor problems such as urine leakage or prolapse, because the weakened abdominal wall will cause the pelvic floor to work harder. Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses these related issues as well by assessing tone and strength of the pelvic floor muscles internally. The physical therapist will guide you through safe exercises to properly engage your deep abdominal muscles and teach you good body mechanics and strategies for daily activities, such as with lifting and wearing your baby and pushing a stroller. Not only will this help you feel stronger overall and prevent future injuries, but it will help better prepare your body for future pregnancies and heal more quickly postpartum.