Diastasis Recti is a medical condition characterized by the separation of the recti muscles from their joining connective tissue, the linea alba. In layperson’s terms, the outermost ab muscles separate from the intestinal wall. Sometimes, this results in a visible bulge in the stomach area, which can bother individuals aesthetically.
The most common causes of this condition are pregnancy, weight gain, improper exercise, and abdominal surgery. For instance, during pregnancy, the uterus stretches the stomach muscles and their connective tissues, sometimes leading them to separate. Rapid weight gain can cause a similar issue. While pregnancy is a leading cause, Diastasis Recti can affect both women and men.
Our approach to treating Diastasis Recti is built upon two pillars: physical rehabilitation and nutrition.
For physical rehabilitation, we use the Tupler Technique® to treat Diastasis Recti. The comprehensive program is focused on healing the connective tissue and consists of four essential steps:
Step 1: Doing the Tupler Technique® Exercises.
Step 2: Wearing a Diastasis Rehab Splint®.
Step 3: Developing transverse muscle awareness during day-to-day living.
Step 4: Getting up and down correctly.
It also uses the evidence-based Diastasis Rehab Splint® to bring the muscles and connective tissue back together. Over time, this provides visible results, helping to heal the damaged connection between the two.
The exercises in the Tupler Technique® program are also designed to develop better awareness of one’s abdominal muscles. As this awareness is better established over time, clients can strengthen and maintain the muscles better themselves in their day-to-day activities and workouts.
A good nutrition plan is the second pillar in our treatment plan for Diastasis Recti. Since the body rebuilds connective tissue over time, we can support the natural healing of an injury like Diastasis Recti through increased nutrient intake. Foods rich in Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin E are particularly beneficial, as they aid in collagen production, combat free radicals, and maintain healthy cell membranes, respectively.
Iron and protein intake are also quite helpful, as they can help repair damaged tissue. Iron does this by helping to ensure enough oxygen is delivered to cells, while protein is used as the building block of muscles. In addition, we recommend you try to avoid inflammatory foods that stress the body, such as processed and refined foods.
The Tupler Technique® Program is a non-surgical, evidence-based solution for treating Diastasis Recti. You can expect the following results:
Note: Untreated Diastasis Recti can lead to back pain, abdominal hernias, poor posture, pelvic floor problems, and gastrointestinal disturbances like constipation and bloating. In pregnant women, severe diastasis can even increase the risk of a C-section.
Therefore, treating Diastasis Recti is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also for your overall health. In addition, all our continuing wellness programs are worth considering for long-term maintenance and improvement, such as our yoga and fitness classes.