Physiotherapy for Diastasis Recti Treatment

In our previous articles, we discussed what diastasis recti, commonly known as mummy tummy is and the different types of treatment methods for diastasis recti. Out of the different available treatment methods that were mentioned, Physiotherapy for diastasis recti treatment was one of them. In this article, we zoom in further on physiotherapy as a option for diastasis recti treatment, what it is and how it works.

What is Physiotherapy for Diastasis Recti Treatment?

Physiotherapy is a concept that is relatively new to most Singaporeans. As such, most do not fully understand what physiotherapy is and what it does. Physiotherapy is the study of the musculoskeletal system, mainly muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons. The goal of physiotherapy is to relieve pain, improve mobility and restore full physical function. This means helping our clients get back to their level of physical activity. For some, their treatment goal could be above and beyond what they were able to achieve previously. Physiotherapy treatment is very individualistic and is specific to each individual’s condition and needs. Thus, it is essential for your therapist to fully understand the cause of your condition and what your treatment goals are.

For instance, a running enthusiast who was only able to run 5km before feeling pain in his knee may seek physiotherapy treatment to resolve the root cause of the knee pain. However, his treatment goal could be to successfully complete a 21km marathon without knee pain. Depending on our client’s objectives, our physiotherapists develop a treatment plan to help them get there. 

Depending on the severity of your diastasis recti, you may be experiencing some accompanying problems such as incontinence or back pain. Physiotherapy is able to help you with these symptoms as well.

How can Physiotherapy help with diastasis recti?

Diastasis Recti musculoskeletal condition that can often by resolved by physiotherapy. Physiotherapy treatment does not involve medicine such as painkillers – instead, treatment methods involve manual therapy and exercise therapy. This could be in the form of muscle releases and stretches or strengthening exercises. In the case of diastasis recti, your physiotherapist will likely prescribe core strengthening exercises which are diastasis recti friendly and suitable for postpartum women.

Depending on the diagnosis of your condition, your therapist will determine a treatment plan that is most suited to resolving your condition and helping you to get back to normal. The main objectives of physiotherapy treatment to resolve diastasis recti are as follows:

Determining the severity of your condition

An accurate diagnosis is the first step to a successful and effective recovery journey. It is essential to establish this accurately as this sets the course for all future treatment. Here at Core Concepts, we understand the importance of treating the root cause and not just the symptoms that appear. Thus, our physiotherapists take the time to fully grasp the situation based on the symptoms that occur before coming up with a diagnosis. 

Strengthening core

A separated rectus abdominus is the reason for diastasis recti. Thus, the main focus will be on strengthening your core muscles. As we mentioned in the previous article, weak core muscles can cause the separation due to your growing belly. Your risk is increased if you have had multiple births or if your baby is particularly heavy.

Physiotherapy treatment can help to strengthen your core muscles by assessing the severity of the separation and developing a suitable treatment plan to strengthen them.

Strengthening Pelvic Muscles

Diastasis Recti can lead to pelvic floor instability due to weakened abdominal muscles. Pelvic floor instability can cause incontinence and result in inconvenient instances such as urine leakage. Our team of physiotherapists are able to help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles so that these instances will not occur again.

Choose Physiotherapy for Diastasis Recti

Physiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment method for postpartum diastasis recti. Our team of physiotherapists are experienced in treating prenatal and postnatal women’s health related conditions. Consulting with a physiotherapist would also be beneficial to getting seeing more effective results to your diastasis recti treatment journey.

An accurate diagnosis would help set the treatment course on the right track, moving you closer to your goal of a flatter stomach.

What can I expect during a Physiotherapy Session?

During your first session, your therapist will ask you questions to get a better understanding of your condition and how it occurred. After which, an assessment will be conducted to narrow down the root cause of your diastasis recti. Once a diagnosis is concluded, your therapist will come up with a treatment plan that is best suited for your needs.

Depending on the severity of your condition as well as your treatment goals, your therapist will also advise you on the number of physiotherapy sessions required.

If you are currently experiencing diastasis recti and would like to seek physiotherapy treatment, do contact us via one of the methods below