What is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis means separation
Recti refers to the Rectus Abdominus muscle. This is a pair of muscles running vertically along the midline of the body. It extends up from the area of the pubic crest in the pelvis to the base of the sternum and ribs 5-7. The muscles are joined by a band of connective tissue called Linea Alba.
Diastasis Recti refers to the separation (partial or complete) of the right and left sides of the Rectus Abdominus muscles (think six-pack muscles) which meet along the Linea Alba, located at the midline of front of your lower torso, under your ribs.
What is the job of the Rectus Abdominus?
The Rectus Adbominus has three meaningful jobs.
1) Important postural muscle responsible for lumbar flexion
example
** bringing the ribs toward the pelvis = moving from lying on your back to sitting up
** bringing the pelvis toward the ribs =pelvic lift
2) Assists with breathing, particularly during a forced exhale
example
** heavier breathing after exercise
3) Assist in keeping organs in tact through intra-abdominal pressure
examples
** during exercise
** when lifting heavy objects
** forceful pooping
** childbirth
50% of pregnant women
develop Diastasis Recti
and 50% of those women,
do not recovery spontaneously.
Diastasis causes
muscle weakness and imbalance
throughout the core with
increased risk for injuries
in the back and pelvis (1) (2)
(The image shows the Rectus Abdominus without Diastasis Recti, where the muscle is connected to the Linea Alba)
To learn more about our Diastasis Recti Recovery Program with a supportive Home Program, check out our Post-Birth Moms page and reach out with your questions.
~ Helping you recover while you mother ~
Related Posts
Please note, I am not a doctor. All Post-Birth Moms who have given birth recently need provider permission before starting a Pilates program. This article is for purposes of information, not intended to be medical advice. It is my personal recommendation Post-Birth Moms complete a Recovery Program while also in relationship with their primary provider and (ideally) a Chiropractor who is trained to work with the needs of Post-Birth Moms.