Diastasis Recti CAUSES And Symptoms - Can Pelvic Therapy Help? - Oklahoma Physical Therapy

Diastasis recti (diastasis of rectus abdominis) is the separation of the rectus abdominal muscles during and after pregnancy. Rectus abdominis muscles run vertically along the front of the stomach. In a routine, these muscles are connected by a band, which is called “Linea Alba”. As the uterus expands during pregnancy and the abdomen gets stretched, linea alba thins and pulls apart. The band of tissues gets expanded as they push outwards. During pregnancy, the growing uterus puts tension on the linea alba. This is very common in pregnant women and postpartum women. But it also occurs in women who did not get pregnant. After childbirth, the linea alba healed and came back together. It is highly elastic, like a rubber band.nnIf tissue loses its elasticity due to overstretching, the gap in the abdomen will not close as much as it should. This condition is called diastasis recti. Due to diastasis recti, the belly may appear to stick out just above or below the belly button, making you appear pregnant for months or years after giving birth. n

MAJOR CAUSES OF DIASTASIS RECTI

nnnThe reason for diastasis is the separation of the rectus abdominis with the midline of the abdomen. Some factors contribute to the development of diastasis recti, and these factors increase changes in the connective tissue and intra-abdominal pressure. The most common causes are discussed below :n

MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES :

nWomen who have multiple pregnancies (such as twins or triplets) have higher chances of diastasis recti development. The collective effect of pressure, and stretching on the abdominal muscles can increase the chances of separation.n

RAPID WEIGHT GAIN AND OBESITY:

nExcessive fat in the abdominal area can put more pressure on the abdominal wall and cause separation. Obesity and rapid weight gain during pregnancy are also a risk factor for diastasis recti. This rapid weight gain can contribute to the separation and stretching of the abdominal muscles. It is very typical after childbirth and resolves on its own.n

PREGNANCY :

nThe most common risk factor for developing diastasis recti is pregnancy. Because during pregnancy, there’s a lot of pressure on the abdomen wall. Hormone changes during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can contribute to creating a gap.n

WEAK ABDOMINAL MUSCLE TONE:

nThere are rare chances of separation when abdominal muscle tone is weak. This can occur in men and women who may not be doing regular core stretching exercises. This is the reason that the linea alba separates and creates a gap between the left and the right side of the rectus abdominis. n

GENETIC PREDISPOSITION:

nSome individuals have diastasis recti in their genetics. They have more chances of diastasis recti. Genetic factors may play an essential role in the susceptibility to this condition. Genetic factors can influence the inherent elasticity of connective tissues in the body. n

LIFTING HEAVY OBJECTS: 

nLifting heavy objects after childbirth is also the reason for developing diastasis recti in women. Because the body is getting weak after childbirth, lifting heavy objects with improper techniques during exercise can also develop diastasis recti.n

CHRONIC INTRA-ABDOMINAL PRESSURE : 

nChronic intra-abdominal pressure is the condition in which abdominal pressure increases due to constipation and coughing; laughing or jumping can cause the development of diastasis recti.n

SYMPTOMS OF DIASTASIS RECTI : 

nnnDiastasis recti is defined as the gap between the right and the left abdominal muscles. Especially the rectus abdominis muscles. It is widespread during and after pregnancy in women. But it also occurs in men and women who are not pregnant. Some symptoms of diastasis recti are discussed below.n

DISCOMFORT AND ABDOMINAL PAIN :

nThe most noticeable sign of diastasis recti is when the person gets discomfort and has a gap between the left and right abdominal muscles. When there is discomfort in sitting, standing, and getting up from a lying position, you may feel pain.n

WEAKNESS IN ABDOMINAL:  

nEvery individual with diastasis recti experiences a sense of difficulty stabilizing when the person feels a visible gap below the belly button and has difficulty in every activity connected with abdominal muscles, like lifting objects and getting out of bed.n

LOWER BACK PAIN: 

nDiastasis recti can contribute to lower back pain due to weakness of abdominal muscles; the muscles get stretched, and less support for the spine and pelvis may cause lower back pain. It is widespread during and after pregnancy.n

POOR POSTURE:

nThe separation of abdominal muscles can affect the posture. That may cause lower back pain due to stretching of abdominal muscles. You may feel weakness in your core when you cannot do anything like lifting weights or doing any easy task—your belly cones or domes when you learn back on chet up out of bed.n

PELVIC FLOOR ISSUE:

nWeak abdominal muscles can also affect the pelvic floor. Pelvic organ prolapse due to diastasis recti, which contributes to issues like urinary incontinence.nnEveryone with diastasis recti will not experience all of these symptoms; the situation is different for every individual according to their specific issue. If someone suspects they have diastasis recti, they must consult healthcare professionals such as physical therapists or healthcare providers. These professionals can assess the situation of diastasis recti and provide the best solution.n

DIASTASIS RECTI FEELS LIKE: 

nYou may not feel pain if you have diastasis recti; you may feel pain associated with some of the side effects of diastasis recti. You may feel weakness during any task. Some people feel a jelly-like texture in the gap between the right and the left abdominal when contracting the muscles.n

SOLUTIONS OF DIASTASIS RECTI: 

nDiastasis recti may resolve on its own, but some typical solutions for diastasis recti are given below, like a combination of exercises, surgery, physical therapy, and medical interventions. Some of them are discussed below.n

PHYSICAL THERAPY: 

nTo fix diastasis recti, you have to consult with a physical therapist who specializes in women’s health. The therapist teaches the patient exercises to improve abdominal function and strengthen the core muscles. Physical therapists engage the patient in different exercises to improve the abdominal muscles and resolve diastasis recti. There are no specific exercises for diastasis recti, but exercises like planks, belly breathing, glutes bridges, and leg raises can strengthen abdominal muscles.n

GOOD POSTURE:

nMaintaining good posture is mandatory for managing diastasis recti. Proper body mechanics during activities like lifting can reduce pressure on the abdominal muscles.n

USES OF ABDOMINAL SPLINTS: 

nSome especially suggest the use of abdominal splints to reduce pain and pressure on abdominal muscles. Abdominal splints are a wide compression belt that encircles the abdomen. An abdomen splint may be used for speedy recovery after surgery. These devices provide help and support to bring the separated muscles close together.n

MANAGE WEIGHT:

nMaintaining weight through your diet can also reduce pain in abdominal muscles in diastasis recti. You have to gain or lose weight according to your BMI. Excessive weight can cause diastasis recti. So, managing weight can reduce pain.n

SURGERY:

nIn some rare cases, diastasis recti is severe, and conservative measures are ineffective. Surgery may be considered in these cases. Surgery offers high success rates and speedy recovery. According to the research, there is no reappearance of abdominal separation after six months of surgery. Different types of surgery, like laparoscopy, abdominoplasty, and open surgery, help to recover diastasis recti.nnEvery individual with diastasis recti has to consult with a therapist, or health care professional for personalized guidance.n

SOLUTION OF DIASTASIS RECTI THROUGH PHYSICAL THERAPY:  

nnnPhysical therapy is the main component in the treatment of diastasis recti. The therapist specializes in women’s health or pelvic floor rehabilitation. Physical therapists use different strategies to show symptoms of this issue. They include :n

ASSESSMENT TREATMENT PLAN:

nPhysical therapists conduct assessments to determine the seriousness of diastasis recti and its impact on overall muscles and the pelvic floor. Based on this assessment, the physical therapist creates a treatment plan.n

CORE STRENGTHENING: 

nPhysical therapists design specific exercises for patients to target the deep abdominal muscles. Physical therapists can help to reduce the separation that occurs in the rectus abdominis by strengthening stomach muscles, which can give support to the affected area of the stomach.n

BRACING:

nThe physical therapist adds exercises that target the core muscles. Some braces can help to support the abdomen and decrease the gap between the left and right sides of the abdomen muscles. The physical therapist suggests garments that allow patients to carry out their daily routine activities while providing stability in the affected area.n

ELECTRICAL STIMULATION:

nThe physical therapist suggests electric devices to stimulate abdominal muscles, too. The therapist uses this device to treat diastasis recti with strengthening exercises. According to the research, the use of this device can reduce the separation and increase stomach strength.nnIn conclusion, physical therapists play an essential role in helping individuals to improve and manage diastasis recti. It’s crucial to contact healthcare professionals and therapists for guidance and a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation.