what is diastasis recti or separation of the abdominal wall?
Image of actual patient, shared with written permission.
6 cm inter-recti distance at beginning of therapy
2 cm inter-recti distance after 6 weeks of therapy
Ever looked down at your belly and noticed a little bulge that seems to pop up when you sit up or laugh a little too hard? If so, you’re not alone—and you might be experiencing something called diastasis recti. But don’t worry! It sounds way more intense than it actually is, and the good news is: there’s a lot you can do about it!
So, What Exactly Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti (pronounced die-uh-STAY-sis REK-tye) is a super common condition where the two halves of your rectus abdominis muscles—those "six-pack" muscles—separate a bit. It happens when the connective tissue between them, called the linea alba, gets stretched out. Think of it like a zipper that’s come undone in the middle.
Who Gets It?
New moms, this one's especially for you! Pregnancy is the #1 reason for diastasis recti, as your growing baby creates pressure on your abdominal wall.
Men and non-pregnant women can get it too, especially if there’s been rapid weight gain, heavy lifting, or poor core engagement.
Even newborns can have it, but theirs usually heals up on its own.
Signs You Might Have It:
A ridge or bulge that shows up down the middle of your stomach when you sit up or strain.
That "mommy pooch" feeling that just won’t go away.
Lower back pain or poor posture.
Feeling like your core is just... not so strong.
But hey, knowledge is power—and now that you know what it is, you can take charge!
Can You Fix It? Absolutely!
Here’s the exciting part: yes, diastasis recti can be improved—and often fully healed—with the right approach.
🎯 Physical therapy is the gold standard. This isn’t about crunches (in fact, skip those at first!), but rather smart, gentle movements that strengthen your deep core muscles like the transverse abdominis and using your breathing muscle diaphragm correctly.
💡 Think breathwork, pelvic exercises, glute bridges, and exercises that work with your body—not against it.
🚫 Avoid heavy lifting or intense ab moves (like sit-ups or planks) until you're in th
If you suspect you have diastasis recti, don’t stress! It’s super common, especially post-baby, and totally manageable with the right support. The first step? Awareness. The next? Empowering movement that reconnects you with your core from the inside out.
Want to dive into exercises, self-check methods, or recovery tips? Stick around—your strongest, most confident core is calling! 💃🏽💪