Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti refers to a separation of the abdominal muscles that can occur during pregnancy or with repeated strain on the core. It may show up as a visible gap or doming along the midline of the abdomen, along with feelings of weakness, instability, or lack of core control. Many people are told this is purely cosmetic or something they must live with after pregnancy.
At Viva Pelvic Health, diastasis recti is treated with pelvic floor physical therapy that focuses on restoring functional core strength, coordination, and confidence. Treatment looks beyond appearance and addresses how the core, pelvic floor, breathing, and movement patterns work together.
How This Often Shows Up
Visible Abdominal Separation or Doming
You may notice a gap, bulge, or doming along the center of your abdomen, especially during movement or exercise.
Core Weakness or Instability
The abdomen may feel weak, unsupported, or disconnected during daily activities, lifting, or workouts.
Low Back, Hip, or Pelvic Discomfort
Changes in core support can contribute to discomfort in the low back, hips, or pelvis.
Difficulty Returning to Exercise
Many people feel unsure how to safely resume workouts without making symptoms worse.
Why This Happens
Diastasis recti develops when the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles is placed under prolonged or repeated strain. Pregnancy is a common contributor, but it can also occur with heavy lifting, repetitive abdominal pressure, or certain exercise patterns.
The issue is not simply a weak core. It is often related to how pressure is managed within the abdomen and how the deep core muscles, pelvic floor, and breathing system coordinate during movement. Without proper coordination, the abdominal wall may struggle to support load effectively.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps
Visible Abdominal Separation or Doming
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on retraining how the deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor work together to provide support and stability.
Core Weakness or Instability
Treatment addresses breathing patterns and movement strategies that reduce excessive strain on the abdominal wall.
Low Back, Hip, or Pelvic Discomfort
Treatment addresses breathing patterns and movement strategies that reduce excessive strain on the abdominal wall.
What to Expect From Treatment
Treatment for diastasis recti begins with a comprehensive evaluation of core function, breathing patterns, posture, and movement habits. Care may include education, breathing strategies, progressive core retraining, and guidance on modifying daily activities and exercise.
Treatment is individualized and paced to your goals. The focus is on improving function, confidence, and long term core support, not quick fixes or appearance alone.
Get Started TodayDiastasis recti often overlaps with other pelvic health concerns. Depending on your symptoms, treatment may also address issues such as pelvic pain, urinary leakage, or pelvic organ prolapse.
You may find it helpful to explore other treatments like Urinary Leakage or Pelvic Organ Prolapse, which can share contributing factors related to pressure management and core support.
Care for diastasis recti is available through both In-Person Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Virtual Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, depending on your preferences, schedule, and comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Treating Diastasis Recti
Many people see meaningful improvement with pelvic floor physical therapy. Treatment focuses on restoring functional core strength and coordination, which can improve support, symptoms, and confidence without surgery.
While appearance can be a concern, diastasis recti is primarily a functional issue. It can affect core strength, stability, posture, and movement, which is why treatment focuses on how the body works as a whole.
Some exercises can increase strain if pressure is not managed well. Pelvic floor physical therapy helps identify appropriate exercises and progressions that support healing rather than worsen symptoms.
Improvement is possible even years postpartum. The body can respond to targeted, skilled treatment at many stages of life.
Many aspects of diastasis recti treatment, including breathing, movement retraining, and progressive strengthening, work very well with skilled virtual pelvic floor physical therapy.
You Can Rebuild Strength and Confidence
Diastasis recti does not mean your body is broken. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a supportive, effective approach to restoring functional core strength and helping you move with confidence again.