The journey of motherhood is a remarkable experience, marked by joy, wonder, and the challenges that come with it. For most women, the aftermath of pregnancy may include diastasis recti, also known as abdominal muscle separation or the “mom pooch”. The information about Diastasis Recti is widespread these days but with an abundance of information you may find yourself sifting through conflicting advice and wondering if you’ll ever be able to do ab exercises again (spoiler alert: if you come see us you will be!)
Addressing diastasis recti effectively is crucial, and that's where pelvic floor therapy plays a transformative role. At Anchor Pelvic we are always up on the recent research concerning diastasis and here to guide you back to your goals. Here are some things to consider.
Understanding Diastasis Recti:
Diastasis recti occurs when the connective tissue between the rectus abdominis muscles weakens, leading to a gap between them. This separation can result in a protruding belly, weakened core muscles, and even affect pelvic floor function. Although diastasis recti is a common postpartum condition, it can also affect men and women who engage in improper exercises or have poor pressure management.
The Pelvic Floor Connection:
The pelvic floor muscles play a vital role in supporting the organs within the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles work in harmony with the abdominal muscles, and when diastasis recti is present, the pelvic floor can be impacted. Pelvic floor therapy focuses on strengthening and retraining these muscles, providing a whole person approach to diastasis recti recovery.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy for Diastasis Recti:
Muscle Rehabilitation:
Pelvic floor therapists are the most highly trained individuals to assess and treat a diastasis recti. Therapy often involves targeted exercises to rehabilitate and retrain tight or weakened core and pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening the core and pelvic floor in a functional manner is integral to rebuilding core stability.
Pressure management: Stability:
Managing your abdominal and pelvic pressure system is crucial in the postpartum period. We educate patients on proper breathing mechanics, proper positioning and lifting techniques to help prevent worsening of symptoms.
Posture Improvement and Body Mechanics training:
The truth is, just doing exercises won’t heal your diastasis recti. We work with our clients as a whole person to ensure they are optimizing posture and mechanics to engage their core well throughout the day and support the entire lumbopelvic system. We don’t just want you to be strong lying on your back, we want you to be strong when you’re lifting your kids, doing the dishes, doing your workout routine etc.
Holistic Well-being:
Pelvic floor therapy emphasizes a holistic approach to recovery, considering physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. This comprehensive strategy enhances overall well-being during the postpartum period.
Embarking on Your Pelvic Floor Journey:
If you're on the path to diastasis recti recovery and you’ve tried online programs, or home exercises that just haven’t worked, it may be time to get a personalized plan for your specific needs. We encourage you to consider integrating pelvic floor therapy into your routine. Click HERE to schedule your free consult today.
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