WHAT IS DIASTASIS RECTI?
Diastasis recti is the medical term for abdominal separation and is defined as a gap of more than 2 cm between the rectus abdominis muscles in your core. It means your belly sticks out because the space between your right and left abdominal muscles have widened, letting the uterus, bowels, and other internal organs hang more forward than they would otherwise be.
There are many variables which can make someone more prone to have abdominal separation, such as Pre and post pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, baby’s birth weight, general hypermobility.
Diastasis Recti is a condition that can worsen and become more severe depending on the width of the gap between the muscles. The wider the gap gets the more severe the condition becomes and you will experience more discomfort.
DO I HAVE TO LIVE WITH DIASTASIS RECTI?
Most women assume that they will have to ‘Live with it’ and that ‘It is normal to have these symptoms’. While it is common, it is not normal to live with Diastasis Recti or Ab Separation!
Often times due to low tone in rectus abdominal muscles mothers feel they are not able to lose their “Mommy Tummy”. In that case doing non-supervised exercises like abdominal crunches can put extra pressure on the separated muscles and make the condition worse.
HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP
Specialized and guided approach from a skilled Physical Therapist can help recovery. After a detailed evaluation of the abdominal wall, breathing mechanics, Pelvic floor, lower back, hips, posture, our Physical Therapist will design a personalized program for your needs.
Treatment includes but not limited to releasing tight tissues, aligning the pelvis, connecting/controlling with core muscles and using optimized movement strategies. Typically, it takes 12-16 Physical Therapy sessions, depending on how patient responds to treatment. Complete closure can take as long as one year postpartum. However, guided exercises and proper education can help prevent further injuries, enhance the process of healing and safe return to daily activities.
DIASTASIS RECTI TREATMENT NEAR ME
Liberty Physical Therapy is the largest and state-of-the-art physical therapy center conveniently located in the heart of Jersey City, next to Grove St Path Station (10 minutes from Hoboken & Bayonne). We are a team of specialists who have years of experience treating women’s health conditions. We can offer you the safest and most effective diastasis recti treatment. And, we accept most insurance plans.
If you think you are suffering from diastasis recti and live in or near Jersey City, call us today. We will properly diagnose your condition and put an effective treatment plan together that will relieve your symptoms and strengthen your core.
Absolutely! We offer bouncers and rockers in each room for the comfort of your baby while you get treated. If possible, try to come without the baby for the first appointment since it involves more conversation and a thorough assessment before formulating the treatment plan. We also have a changing table in one of our spacious bathrooms.