WHAT IS A
RECTUS DIASTASISI?
Diastasis recti occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles (Musculus rectus abdominis) separate.
WHAT IS A
RECTUS DIASTASISI?
Diastasis recti occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles (Musculus rectus abdominis) separate.
A rectus diastasis occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles (the straight abdominal muscles) separate. Normally, these muscles are connected in the middle of the abdomen by a narrow tendon (the linea alba). When the pressure in the abdominal cavity increases – for example, due to pregnancy or an increase in body fat from being overweight – this tendon can stretch. As a result, the muscles separate, and a rectus diastasis is present.
Many women experience a rectus diastasis after pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body produces hormones like progesterone, which soften the connective tissue. This allows the abdomen to expand to make room for the baby. The abdominal muscles and tendons become more elastic, especially the tendon in the middle of the abdomen (the linea alba), which holds the rectus abdominis muscles together. This is why a rectus diastasis is completely normal before birth. About two out of three women have such a gap in their abdominal muscles after birth, which is also called “Mummy Tummy” or “pregnancy belly.” After birth, the body gradually breaks down the pregnancy hormones. Especially after breastfeeding, the connective tissue becomes firmer again, and the rectus diastasis reduces. However, about one in three women still have a rectus diastasis, even after postnatal exercises and physiotherapy.
What symptoms can a rectus diastasis cause?
The muscles of the abdomen, back, and pelvic floor work together to provide stability to the body. When the rectus abdominal muscles separate in a rectus diastasis, the torso loses strength and support at that point. This has consequences for other areas of the body, such as the back and pelvic floor. The back muscles and other core muscles have to work harder and can become overloaded. At the same time, the pelvic floor becomes weaker. Typical symptoms include:
In addition to physical symptoms, many women also experience emotional issues. This is often because their body feels and looks different. Women with a significant rectus diastasis often report being mistakenly congratulated on being “pregnant” again. Additionally, the long and targeted training, such as physiotherapy or the “Tupler method”, can be frustrating. When no improvement is seen despite all the efforts, many women feel disappointed, desperate, or even depressed.
In men, rectus diastasis usually occurs due to an increase intra-abdominal fat around the intestines, especially at older age. This process develops over years. Since the muscles can slowly adapt to the situation, men rarely experience symptoms.
Typical complaints include:
An unstable core
Back pain
Pain in the lateral abdominal muscles
In some cases, involuntary urine leakage (stress incontinence)
Occurrence and regression of rectus diastasis
The formation of rectus diastasis during pregnancy is a normal, hormonally regulated process necessary to make room for the growing baby. This cannot be prevented or avoided. However, in men, a healthy lifestyle and avoiding abdominal fat can help slow down the development of rectus diastasis. The regression of rectus diastasis after childbirth is also mainly hormonally controlled. When pregnancy hormones decrease after birth and especially after breastfeeding, the connective tissue becomes firmer again, and the rectus diastasis regresses in many women. However, it is a common misconception that rectus diastasis can be cured through physiotherapy or specific exercises such as the “Tupler method”. The central tendon (Linea alba), which is stretched in rectus diastasis, is made of collagen, like other tendons. Unlike muscles, tendons cannot shorten through exercise.
The benefit of physiotherapy and exercises lies in supporting the regression of rectus diastasis by strengthening the core muscles.
