In the third trimester the ‘sixpack’ abdominal muscles separate to allow room for the baby to grow. Within the first three months postpartum, in about half of women these muscles come back together properly. In the other half a separation remains, known as a diastasis recti.
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We hear about this often as an aesthetic issue.
It can create a ‘mommy pooch’ or it still might look like you’re pregnant. And while that’s a totally fine reason to seek care, the issue goes much deeper (quite literally).
A diastasis means something in your core system is compromised and is linked to low back pain, incontinence, prolapse and painful intercourse. It can be an underlying driver of pelvic health issues.
In this episode we go through a simple self-evaluation to determine if you might have a diastasis, but the gold standard is a thorough evaluation from a pelvic floor physical therapist.
Most people go directly to trying exercises they find off the internet. But there’s no one size fits all approach for treating a diastasis. A pelvic floor therapist will identify why the muscles haven’t closed up, manually work to address the issue, and only then will exercises be effective.
No matter how long it’s been you can absolutely still resolve a diastasis (without surgery). Whether your goals are aesthetic or functional, treating a diastasis can improve both.hat.
As Nicole said in the full 'sode of the podcast on this topic...
"With a diastasis, most people go directly to trying exercises they find off the internet. But there’s no one size fits all approach that is effective. Specialized care from a pelvic PT is the gold standard of treatment, whether your goals are aesthetic or functional." -Nicole Cozean, Pelvic Sanity
If you’re dealing with pelvic health issues, make sure you join our free FB support group (Finding Pelvic Sanity), follow us for more information on Instagram (@pelvicsanity) and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify for wherever you get your podcasts!
Who are we at PelvicSanity?
At PelvicSanity, it's our mission to support patients with pelvic pain and pelvic floor symptoms, regardless of where you live. We can help with:
- In-person treatment for those in Southern California at the PelvicSanity clinic
- Immersive Out-of-Town program for those able to travel
- Remote Consultations to get you expert 1:1 help, advice and an action plan
- Online patient courses on Interstitial Cystitis and Movement for Pelvic Health
- A Facebook support group for patients called Finding Pelvic Sanity.
