Do I have Diastasis Recti (DR)? & How we can help!

One of the many changes that occurring during pregnancy is that your belly expands throughout & your abdominal muscles also stretch to accomodate your growing baby.

Your abdominal muscles will lengthen and move away from the middle of your belly button. This is known as a diastasis, or separation.Research has shown that 2/3 women will have diastasis in their 3rd trimester, and more surprisingly, 100% will have some degree of separation by 35 weeks.

Approximately 1/3 women still have a diastasis 1 year after giving birth.

🤰Why do we care so much about finding and treating diastasis recti?
As we are always looking for the cause of your issue and looking at it in a holisitic model, we will always check for DR (post baby) as if left untreated, it can result in poor core stabilisation, pelvic floor dysfunction back and pelvic pain and leave you feeling sore, weak and unsupported in your body.

🤰How do I know if I have Diastasis Recti?
Do you see a gap between the 2 bands of your abdominal muscles? Do you have a visible bulge in the midline of your stomach, especially when your abdominal muscles are engaged?It can be difficult to self diagnose DR however you can do so by checking to see if there is a gap that becomes more visible when you lay down on your back and lift into a mini sit up, try and measure with your fingers the gap. If it feels wider than 2 fingers or you are having issues with instability or pain in your lower back, it may be time to check in with your health practitioner

It is possible to correct & heal the diastasis with physical therapy and at home exercises which our chiropractors are trained to assess and treat. These generally entail deep breathing and slow, controlled movements and re-treating your muscles to come back together.

*If you have ever been pregnant and suspect you may have diastasis rect, make sure to ask our chiros to check your belly & we will guide you along how to resolve it accordingly.

If you found this helpful, share it with some who you think may benefit too!*(each case is individual & treatment may vary, please see your healthcare provider)

Yours in health, 
Blossom Family Chiropractic in Northcote