Understanding Diastasis Recti and the Role of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Recovery
Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (D.R.A) occurs when the fibrous band in the midline of the abdominal wall called Linea Alba, is stretched and results in widening between the two sides of the Rectus Abdominus muscles. This often occurs during pregnancy but can affect individuals of any gender. Navigating through the sea of information on Diastasis Recti (D.R.A) can be overwhelming. Amidst the abundance of advice, from dos and don'ts to courses and exercise programs, it's crucial to understand that not all guidance on Diastasis Recti is created equal or backed by solid research!
Understanding Diastasis Recti
Diastasis Recti is characterized by the stretch and reduction of tension of the fibrous tissue in the midline of the abdomen.
Women’s bodies are designed to grow, expand and adapt to the growing baby during pregnancy. These changes are natural and necessary to support the growing fetus in the womb. The reduction in tension, thinning and widening of the Linea Alba can sometimes extend to the postpartum phase.
It is crucial to understand that while widening between the two sides of the rectus muscles can result in reduced support of the abdominal wall for other structures, improving the function of the abdominal wall and creating tension in the Linea Alba can help with return to activity and overall improved function of the abdominal muscles. For many individuals, especially postpartum women, addressing Diastasis Recti is crucial for restoring abdominal strength and function.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy as a Primary Treatment
One effective and often overlooked treatment for Diastasis Recti is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. There is no specific exercise program that can help you “cure” your D.R.A. and there are no definite restrictions around what you should or should not do. You might have heard of one of the common recommendations about Diastasis Recti; “Women with D.R.A should avoid crunches”. This is a Myth!
It all comes down to function, the Quality of your movements, and your control while performing an exercise or technique. In the process of gaining your abs back, you should be careful not to sacrifice your pelvic floor and to gradually increase the function of your abdominal wall with a very strong core. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can devise a program tailored to you as there is no one size fits all!
These are the key components of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Diastasis Recti:
Core Strengthening Exercises:
Pelvic floor physiotherapy involves targeted exercises to strengthen the deep core muscles, including the Transverse Abdominus and Pelvic Floor muscles. These exercises focus on promoting stability and improving the integrity of the entire deep-core canister.
Breathing Techniques:
Proper breathing is integral to pelvic floor physiotherapy for Diastasis Recti. Your therapist teaches you how to engage the diaphragm and coordinate breath with movement, facilitating better control of intra-abdominal pressure.
Postural Awareness:
Addressing posture is a crucial aspect of pelvic floor physiotherapy. Your therapist guides you in adopting proper postural alignment to reduce strain on the abdominal muscles and promote optimal healing.
Manual Therapy:
Hands-on techniques, such as tender-point-release and myofascial release, may be employed by your pelvic floor physiotherapist to address any muscle imbalances, contributing factors and tension, and promote blood flow.
Progressive Exercise Programs:
A tailored exercise program should be designed for you based on a thorough physical examination and your goals and needs. These programs gradually increase in intensity as strength improves, ensuring a safe and effective recovery and return to the desired activity.
Taping Techniques:
Kinesio-tape can be applied to provide external support to the abdominal muscles, promoting better alignment and reducing stress on the weakened connective tissue. This technique is often used in conjunction with other therapies for enhanced effectiveness.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Diastasis Recti
Improved Core Strength: By targeting the deep core muscles, pelvic floor physiotherapy helps you regain strength in the pelvic and abdominal regions, preparing you to return to activities with a strong foundation!
Enhanced Functionality: Through targeted exercises and therapeutic interventions, pelvic floor physiotherapy promotes improved functionality of the abdominal muscles, leading to better support for the spine and overall body movement.
Pain Reduction: Some individuals with Diastasis Recti experience discomfort and pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to alleviate these symptoms by addressing the root cause and promoting proper muscle function.
Why Choose Ova in Burnaby, BC?
At Ova, we specialize in pelvic floor physiotherapy for women's health, offering compassionate, expert care to support your journey. Conveniently located in Burnaby, British Columbia, we proudly serve residents of Burnaby, the Lower Mainland, and throughout British Columbia.
Our services cover a wide range of women's health needs, including pregnancy-related care, postpartum recovery, pelvic health, sexual health, and conditions such as incontinence and pelvic pain. We provide the highest quality care with specialized treatments like Biofeedback therapy, Ultrasound Treatment for Clogged Milk Ducts, and virtual pelvic floor physiotherapy.
At Ova, we understand the urgency of some conditions like Severe Pelvic Pain or Clogged Milk Ducts, which is why we offer Emergency Appointments specifically for these issues. These sessions are designed to provide immediate relief, with focused attention outside regular hours to address your pain and discomfort promptly.
We believe in a holistic approach to pelvic health, emphasizing pain management, recovery, and overall wellness. Our goal is to ensure that you receive care tailored to your specific needs in a warm and supportive environment.
