Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (D.R.A) occurs when the fibrous band in the midline of the abdominal wall called Linea Alba, is stretched and results in widening between the two sides of the Rectus Abdominus muscles. This often occurs during pregnancy but can affect individuals of any gender. Navigating through the sea of information on Diastasis Recti (D.R.A) can be overwhelming. Amidst the abundance of advice, from dos and don'ts to courses and exercise programs, it's crucial to understand that not all guidance on Diastasis Recti is created equal or backed by solid research!

⭐ Key Takeaways

Diastasis Recti occurs when the Linea Alba stretches and loses tension, leading to separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, most commonly after pregnancy, but possible for anyone.
The true goal of rehabilitation is restoring function and tension of the Linea Alba, not “closing the gap.”
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a primary, evidence-informed approach to D.R.A. recovery, focusing on breathing, core activation, posture, and whole-body mechanics.
There is no single exercise or strict list of movements you must avoid; safe rehabilitation depends on your technique, control, and pelvic floor coordination.
A personalized, progressive program designed by a pelvic floor physiotherapist helps improve core strength, reduce pain, and support a safe return to activity.

Understanding Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti is characterized by the stretch and reduction of tension of the fibrous tissue in the midline of the abdomen.

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Women’s bodies are designed to grow, expand and adapt to the growing baby during pregnancy. These changes are natural and necessary to support the growing fetus in the womb. The reduction in tension, thinning and widening of the Linea Alba can sometimes extend to the postpartum phase.

It is crucial to understand that while widening between the two sides of the rectus muscles can result in reduced support of the abdominal wall for other structures, improving the function of the abdominal wall and creating tension in the Linea Alba can help with return to activity and overall improved function of the abdominal muscles. For many individuals, especially postpartum women, addressing Diastasis Recti is crucial for restoring abdominal strength and function.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy as a Primary Treatment

One effective and often overlooked treatment for Diastasis Recti is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. There is no specific exercise program that can help you “cure” your D.R.A., and there are no definite restrictions on what you should or should not do. You might have heard of one of the common recommendations about Diastasis Recti: “Women with D.R.A should avoid crunches”. This is a Myth!

It all comes down to function, the Quality of your movements, and your control while performing an exercise or technique. In the process of gaining your abs back, you should be careful not to sacrifice your pelvic floor and to gradually increase the function of your abdominal wall with a very strong core. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can devise a program tailored to you, as there is no one size fits all!

These are the key components of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Diastasis Recti:

Core Strengthening Exercises:

Pelvic floor physiotherapy involves targeted exercises to strengthen the deep core muscles, including the Transverse Abdominus and Pelvic Floor muscles. These exercises focus on promoting stability and improving the integrity of the entire deep-core canister.

Breathing Techniques:

Proper breathing is integral to pelvic floor physiotherapy for Diastasis Recti. Your therapist teaches you how to engage the diaphragm and coordinate breath with movement, facilitating better control of intra-abdominal pressure.

Postural Awareness:

Addressing posture is a crucial aspect of pelvic floor physiotherapy. Your therapist guides you in adopting proper postural alignment to reduce strain on the abdominal muscles and promote optimal healing.

Manual Therapy:

Hands-on techniques, such as tender-point-release and myofascial release, may be employed by your pelvic floor physiotherapist to address any muscle imbalances, contributing factors and tension, and promote blood flow.

Progressive Exercise Programs:

A tailored exercise program should be designed for you based on a thorough physical examination and your goals and needs. These programs gradually increase in intensity as strength improves, ensuring a safe and effective recovery and return to the desired activity.

Taping Techniques:
Kinesio-tape can be applied to provide external support to the abdominal muscles, promoting better alignment and reducing stress on the weakened connective tissue. This technique is often used in conjunction with other therapies for enhanced effectiveness.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Diastasis Recti

Improved Core Strength: By targeting the deep core muscles, pelvic floor physiotherapy helps you regain strength in the pelvic and abdominal regions, preparing you to return to activities with a strong foundation!

Enhanced Functionality: Through targeted exercises and therapeutic interventions, pelvic floor physiotherapy promotes improved functionality of the abdominal muscles, leading to better support for the spine and overall body movement.

Pain Reduction: Some individuals with Diastasis Recti experience discomfort and pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to alleviate these symptoms by addressing the root cause and promoting proper muscle function.

❓FAQs About Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti is the stretching and thinning of the Linea Alba, causing a separation between the rectus abdominis muscles. It is common during and after pregnancy but can occur in anyone.
Mild cases may improve naturally in the postpartum period, but persistent D.R.A. benefits significantly from pelvic floor physiotherapy and guided core retraining.
No. Research shows that improving function and tension, not closing the gap, is what restores strength and minimizes symptoms.
No. This is a myth. Crunches can be safe when performed with proper technique and abdominal control under professional guidance.
Signs include abdominal doming or coning, core weakness, back pain, and feeling reduced tension along the midline. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can provide an accurate assessment.
Yes. Because the core and pelvic floor function as a unit, D.R.A may contribute to pelvic floor weakness, leaking, heaviness, or pain.
Surgery is rare and typically considered only for severe cases with functional impairment after conservative therapy.
Because D.R.A recovery requires coordinated breathing, core activation, pressure management, and pelvic floor function all areas that pelvic floor physiotherapists specialize in.
No. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is considered primary care, and you do not need a referral to book an appointment.

Why Choose Ova in Burnaby, BC?

At Ova Women’s Health Physiotherapy, we provide trusted, expert care for diastasis recti treatment in Burnaby, BC. Our clinic specializes in pelvic floor physiotherapy, supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum recovery with compassionate, evidence-based care. Conveniently located in Production Way in Burnaby, we proudly serve clients from across the Lower Mainland.

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Our team has helped countless women recover from diastasis recti, as well as related concerns like core weakness, lower back pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Every treatment plan is individualized; tailored to your body, goals, and recovery timeline.

We go beyond generalized care by offering:
Personalized, one-on-one physiotherapy sessions
Expertise in postpartum healing and abdominal rehabilitation
Advanced therapies that support both physical and emotional recovery

We also recognize that some concerns, such as Severe Pelvic Pain or Clogged Milk Ducts, can’t wait. That’s why we offer Emergency Appointments to make sure you get the timely care you need.

If you’re looking for a specialized pelvic floor physiotherapist in Burnaby to guide you through healing diastasis recti, Ova is here for you. We’re proud to support women in regaining strength, confidence, and function—so you can move forward feeling more like yourself again.

Ready to Begin?

Don’t wait. The sooner we start, the sooner you can feel relief. Space is limited due to high demand, but if you are ready to take the first step toward recovery, we are here to support you every step of the way.

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