Diastasis Recti Check

Diastasis recti abdoiminus is classified as a widening of the line alba which runs down the midline of the abdominal wall. 100% of pregnant women will experience some degree of widening of this collagen strip at least by 35 weeks gestation but not all women will spontaneously recover within the early 6-8 week postnatal phase.

Women who continue to experience laxity of this area may report symptoms such as:

• doming, coning or tenting of the linea alba

• gaping or invagination of the groove between the rectus abdominus (6 pack muscles)

• Pain along the strip or in certain areas such as around the umbilicus

• Pot belly or continuing to look pregnant

• Back pain or general feeling of core weakness

• Inability to do certain types of exercise

• Fear or anxiety of movement and making it worse

• Poor body image and self esteem

A Diastasis Check is led by you! The initial part of the assessment will involve a good discussion about your abdominal wall and what is it you inevitably want to achieve with my help and guidance.

The objective screen involves observing the tummy (tucking top up is required to best analyse) in standing and in various loaded positions to assess pressure management - ie what tasks evokes your symptoms? Does coughing or doing a leg raise cause doming of your tummy?

Measuring ‘the gap’ is also a key area within the assessment. Demonstration and education is also provided so you can continue to monitor improvements in tissue tension.

Establishing your baseline is key to begin an appropriate training programme that your linea alba can both cope with and be challenged enough to improve! This typically includes breath work, core connection exercises, loaded abdominal wall and body movements (such as pilates) using resistance bands and / or weights.

Follow up sessions will focus on revisiting key objective markers from the initial consult. Reassessment of the linea alba along with performance of key loaded tasks will take place to monitor both functional and aesthetic improvements of the abdominal wall.