The MUTU System program is endorsed by Women’s Health Physical Therapists and Physiotherapists worldwide. It is grounded in a whole-body approach to alignment and foundation core connection for natural activation. MUTU System has never advocated the use of a splint or binder to ‘pull’ a compromised core or diastasis recti back into place. New research confirms this hypothesis – that merely to aspire to ‘close the gap’ is neither helpful nor anatomically correct.
MUTU System has a philosophy of empowering and achieving deep connection, both physiological and psychological, along with whole body, natural movement rather than excessive or isolated ‘core work’, and I passionately encourage you to educate yourself with this new knowledge.
New diastasis research supports this approach
Highly respected Physiotherapist Diane Lee, with Paul Hodges, have presented new clinical findings on treating diastasis recti. Lee’s clinical findings and teaching have long been widely regarded as a leading authority on diastasis recti, as well as pelvic girdle pain, incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
The discussion had previously centred around solutions to ‘closing the gap’ as well as seeking a protocol or ‘maximum gap’ at which surgery would be deemed necessary (or when a diastasis was unable to be narrowed with exercise).
More recently Lee began a clinical study to investigate diastasis recti in detail with funding from the University of Queensland. Some of the findings were presented to the Associated Charter of Physiotherapists in Women’s Health Conference in Bristol, England, September 2013. The lecture “New Perspectives from The Integrated Systems Model for Treating Women with Pelvic Girdle Pain, Urinary Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, and Diastasis Rectus Abdominis” is now public and can be viewed in full on Diane Lee’s site here.
As part of their research, Lee and Hodges studied not only the distance between the 2 sides of the abdominals or ‘inter-recti distance’, both at rest and during exercise, but importantly, the quality of the deep transverse abdominis muscle activation during that exercise. Some women could narrow the gap by engaging their abdominals, but they achieved this by unconscious, non-optimal recruitment of the abdominals.
What does this mean?
This means that they could make the gap come together by contracting their obliques for example, but the deep core transverse muscle, the one necessary for true trunk stability, was not being recruited at all. The result = a temporarily narrower gap, but still, no tension (stability) restored in the midline.
Some other women were able to effectively recruit their transverse muscle for complete stability and tension in the linea alba… but in doing so the gap itself either stayed the same or even widened.
What does this suggest?
This suggests, that without core stability from recruitment of the deep core muscles – transverse abdominis and co-activation of the pelvic floor – the woman is no more able to control joint movement or load bearing than before – regardless of the gap.
THE ABILITY TO CONNECT WITH, RESTORE RECRUIT (USE) THE DEEP MUSCLES OF YOUR CORE CORRECTLY IS VITAL TO GAINING FUNCTION and STRENGTH. MERELY PULLING THE GAP CLOSED ISN’T. MUTU SYSTEM’S WHOLE-BODY APPROACH TO RESTORING CORE FUNCTION APPEARS TO BE THE ANATOMICALLY CORRECT APPROACH.
These findings cast still further doubt on the protocol of those diastasis programs in which the manual or forced drawing together of the 2 sides of muscle (‘closing the gap’) by binding or splinting, is proposed as the solution for restoring core function.
When is surgery necessary?
Lee goes on to ask ‘When is surgery necessary?’ and suggests that rather than a defined ‘how wide is too wide’ distance, it is when the fascial system remains unable to generate tension, despite optimal deep muscle activation, then this may be the case. Where the trunk cannot provide stability in joint movement or loading (for example when standing on one leg, or carrying out functional tasks such as lifting or squatting) – then a qualified physical therapist will be able to determine where surgery may be beneficial to restore midline tension. It’s important to note though, that surgery won’t teach the muscles to work right – total core training along with alignment work will very much be necessary post-surgery to achieve true core stability and strength.
Lee concludes that individual, professional assessment to locate the ‘primary driver’, or the original site of instability or non-optimal function in the body, is necessary for truly personalised diagnosis and the most effective treatment and prescription.
Diastasis recti is not the only reason for a mummy tummy
Contrary to popular belief, diastasis recti is not the only reason for a mummy tummy. We need to think bigger than one muscle.
Putting tummies back where you want them is what MUTU System does. MUTU System shows you how to re-train your core and pelvic floor do their job, how to get your tummy strong and toned, and how to eliminate pain with diastasis.
And I will never tire of telling you… that it’s NOT ALL ABOUT THE GAP. Diastasis has become this kind of scapegoat, the Stooge, the fall-guy for all ‘mummy tummy’ woes. “Fix that gap, your tummy will be flat”, we’re told. “Nothing works right or looks right… because you have diastasis recti“. No.
It’s important, as it contributes to instability and weakness of the core, which is why MUTU System tackles it. But it’s not IT. And if you tackle diastasis in isolation, you’ll never get the tummy you want.
You can narrow the gap and strengthen and flatten your abs with the right exercise. You can adjust your whole body alignment and stretch and work your muscles to get a strong functioning core and pelvic floor. You can lose fat. MUTU System‘s quite good for all of that incidentally. But you might not *fuse* the 2 parts of the rectus abdominis muscle tightly back together again. Which is actually, perfectly OK.
When is diastasis recti a problem?
Diastasis recti is a problem when: it causes a pooch tummy, and when it contributes to a weak, unstable core, when you have pain with diastasis recti, when your back hurts, your tummy sticks out and your pelvic floor doesn’t quite work.
66% of women with diastasis recti have some level of pelvic floor dysfunction (Spitznagle et al 2007).
It is a problem when: the connective tissue is stretched and the muscles of your core can no longer support your pelvic and abdominal region; when the gap is wide or the mid-line weak.
Pain with diastasis recti
Pain with diastasis recti comes from a lack of stability and can take the form of pelvic pain, abdominal pain, or back pain. Our Core is much more than our abs. It’s our lower back, pelvic floor, all our abdominal muscles, our glutes and our hips – it’s our entire trunk or center. If that central vital muscle system is compromised, and by that, I mean, not as functional or strong as we want it to be, then another body part has to take the strain. Usually our lower back.
If experiencing diastasis recti and weak connective tissue at the front of your abs, that’s one part of your trunk not able to stabilize as well, so your lower back takes the strain. That is when you can experience pain with diastasis recti.
Instability of the pelvis due to core weakness, lack of recruitment, and disconnection can also lead to SPD pain or hypermobility of the pelvis joints.
A problematic Diastasis Recti is a result of excessive intra-abdominal pressure. Pressure within the cavity that the muscles of your abdomen and pelvis can’t withstand – so they all push away and out and down :( …And nobody wants a tummy or a pelvic floor pushing that way.
It’s the same excessive, uncontainable pressure that causes hernia or prolapse. You have excessive intra abdominal pressure because your core (that’s your abdominal muscles, along with your pelvic floor and the muscles of your lower back) are not working optimally. Your pelvis is not aligned quite right, your core is not doing its job quite right – of containing that natural pressure. Address your alignment as a priority and your body can start to fix itself.
Lose the fat covering up your strong, toned tummy. (That part’s important BTW. A few pounds of flesh sitting on top of your muscles, parted or not, are going to make your tummy hang out. Just sayin’)
Nourish your body so it can heal and the collagen will rebuild so the midline of your abdomen can regenerate and gain strength.
Will a small gap remain? Possibly. Does it matter? Not really. And Measuring It All the Time is definitely not helping.
I developed the MUTU System program because I believe that to tell women that if they just ‘close the gap’ (with surgery, or by holding it together with a splint or binder of some sort) then their tummy will lie flat, is doing women a disservice.
If you want a flatter tummy after having a baby – you need to start with the big picture. The whole SYSTEM of muscles that work, support and shape the midsection of your body.
Hello! I’m am a 38 year old mother of four beautiful girls, last one born in 2011. Pre-pregnancy weight was 145lbs and after my first pregnancy I was 222lbs at delivery in 2005. Fast-forward to 2020, I unfortunately am 210lbs. I know that has something to do with my belly being fat, but I also know that there is something else going on. I have a tall frame standing at 5’ 8 3/4” so although I look heavyset, my belly should not protrude to what I looked like when I was 7 to 8 months pregnant. My tummy sticks out and I also have pain in my belly, my back (especially mid to lower back), my butt and my legs constantly. I try so hard to work out and exercise but it seems the more I try, the more pain I am in! I feel like my husband does not find me attractive any more, especially after he says things like, “Oh, well, your belly sticks out a little” after I ask him if her thinks I look nice. I am so tired of people assuming I’m pregnant and being in pain and not being able to even play with my children. I am very excited to know there is a natural solution to helping me get a flatter tummy and strengthening my core without injuring myself more! Where do I even begin? I am lost, what should I do?
Hey Crystal… we’re so sorry to hear you’re feeling like this and we want you to know that you’re beautiful. You’ve done an amazing and wonderful thing having your children and we’re sending you so much love. It can be frustrating when we feel like we’re working so hard and just not seeing results.. this is something lots of moms tell us they’ve experienced, so you’re not on your own and there is a way forward. The first thing to say is if something is not working, and moreover, causing you discomfort and pain, doing more of it is not going to serve you best. So, first of all, get checked over by your medical caregiver in regards to the concerns you have about the pain in your belly and back -( if you have any concerns of this kind you’d need to talk to them about that before starting this or any other exercise program). MUTU System takes everything back to basics starting with the foundations that you need to build first to help your core function as it should, help your tummy muscles to learn to lay flatter and help you eat to support your healing journey. We know that this only one element to your healing journey though – so when you become a MUTU Mama you will be joining a supportive community of thousands of other women so that you absolutely don’t have to do this on your own…
I am thankful that there is a name for this because I was thinking hernia! I want to learn more about the MUTU system to see if it will work for me.
Hi Vallerie, we so pleased that you have found us and that we have been able to help you find out about DR, if we can help further please get in touch at [email protected]
Hi there, I’m 33 years old and had my first son 16 months ago. He was a big baby (10 lbs)! I had/have pubis symphysis dysfunction in my pregnancy and am still dealing with it. I had diastasis recti as well, but through going to physical therapy the gap has closed. The problem is I still look like 5 months pregnant and it is frustrating. My tummy sticks out and I also have pelvic pain, usually when my weight is distributed unevenly on each leg. My physical therapist said things may not be getting better because I still breastfeed and have the hormones in my body. I want to start weening my son soon, but I don’t think he’s ready yet. I know it’s healthy for him, and I don’t want to ween him out of vanity. However, I don’t want people to keep assuming I’m pregnant and I don’t want to still feel the pelvic pain. I’m not sure what to do.
I also have bad lower back pain which I’d like to go away. I figured these ailments would have stopped by now, but 16 months postpartum they’re still here.
Shaina Yes, the exercises in MUTU will help to strengthen your core which normally helps to ease niggling back pain x
Hi Shaina, MUTU offers a holistic, whole body approach and the program teaches you how to assess your core strength (and degree of abdominal separation if relevant to you). The program is designed to address common post natal issues – weak core and pelvic floor, diastasis recti and improve fitness. The early stages are very gentle helping you to reconnect with and retrain and bring strength to your core, helping your tummy muscles lie flatter and the intensives are low or no impact – designed to get the heart rate up, burn fat and tone up (though you can skip the Intensive exercises should you feel they would not benefit you).
The program starts with the gentle restorative exercises, designed to help you strengthen and reconnect with your core muscles (your lower back is part of your core!), progressing to low impact, but high intensity, diastasis safe workouts to help you tone up. It’s important to understand that everyone is different and no exercise program can or ever should guarantee to completely heal a diastasis or heal a medical problem. We focus on getting a core and pelvic floor that works as it should and throughout the program you will learn how to use your core correctly, so that you feel strong, stable and pain free, not only when you work out, but in your day to day activities and life outside of MUTU.
Hello!
I believe my 5 year old daughter has abdominal muscle separation. Do you have any programs that I can use with her?
Hi Hannah, everyone has the same abdominal muscles and everyone has a pelvic floor so the basics covered in the core phases of MUTU, would be beneficial at any age, so provided it’s been approved by your Doctor, there’s no reason why your daughter can’t join in…..kids do love to do MUTU with their mamas – check out the #MUTUmini hashtag!
When I cup the bulge with my hand I sometimes feel things popping around. I also have gas that collects In there. Not pleasant. Can you please explain that.
Hi June, it’s not uncommon when we have a little gas for us to feel that moving around inside our abdomen. We’d not be able to say for certain what is happening here though so our best recommendation if you are at all concerned or something simply does not feel right, is to seek one to one advice from a qualified professional.
I read this as I am 59 years old Female, with Diastasis Recti possibly now the hernia. All I have read so far is about men or pregnant women with this condition. I would love be in a position to exercise but I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for over 40 years, have now also got several other medical conditions that stop me being as mobile and unable to exercise. I would love someone to “Fix the whole woman” but it’s not going to happen in my case. I can only see the operation as a solution.
Hi Linda, Firstly, we believe it’s never too late to get started! MUTU is for women who want their bodies to look, feel and function better after having a baby (regardless of how long ago) and who want a core and a pelvic floor that works as it should. By “works”, we mean that you never leak, or suffer any level of incontinence. That you never feel any kind of heaviness, bulging, discomfort, weakness or lack of function anywhere, in your core, your lower back, or pelvic floor. Our program is more than just core and pelvic floor exercises and we absolutely have a whole body approach because we understand that healing is more than just about exercises. There is a good blog on our site about the Mom of 12 who followed MUTU (an older Mom with a ton of kids) that may be useful for you https://mutusystem.com/mutu-system-blog/how-does-a-mom-of-12 . Surgery is something that you need to discuss with your doctor. Even if surgery is needed, following MUTU can still be beneficial.
Is this system useful for upper gastric diastasis and bulging? My doc thought I had an upper gastric hernia but it is the diastasis and muscles failing causing the large bulge in my upper abdomen. The lower doesn’t seem so bad.
Thanks
I am not a woman. Does it matter
Hi Dian Paul!
Thanks for this great website you guys are awesome! I wanted to know can a diastasis recti be too old to fix? I had my second child at 29 years old and he is now 19 and after losing weight constantly over the years I noticed my stomach begin to Pooch out more and more. Since I have fibroids I was told they were getting larger and therefore that’s the reason for my stomach protruding. I refused surgery. But something never seemed right, and I believed this fibroids only story for 17 years. The last 2 years I have been trying to resolve my fibroids without surgery. Because my fibroids were 13 cm, the only option they would give me was hysterectomy. I always notice when I tried to do sit-ups, a cone shape would appear by my navel & my navel began to stick out. Sit ups just weren’t effective. But fast forwarding I now know what it is, in addition to the fibroids. Hopefully it’s not too late to fix. I’ve had diastasis recti for a long time apparently, and didn’t even know. I would love for my abdomen to be flat and feel healthy once again. I’m wondering if this program will work for me. Thanks!!!
I am interested to start i have 11 cm diast recti i am not sure it can be improved. I hope so
I am a 62 yr old woman. I have had 4 children all natural vaginal births. One, the 3rd was a very hard strenuous birth. I have also had 2 lumbar fusions. At 17 it was found I had a form of spina bifida, that was my first fusion. At 41 I was thrown from a horse, had to have a cervical fusion and recovered from trauma through Pilates which I had practiced for years. I also had a fusion of the rest of my lumbar at 52 in hopes it would help with my low back, right hip / leg nerve pain that occurred after a total knee replacement. They also repaired my right hip. A layer of pain was relieved but the Rt aided nerve pain continues. I tried Pilates and it aggravates the pain. Have to do certain moves in a trial and error method. I received a spinal cord stim 5 years ago that has never worked properly. I had a paddle revision 2 years ago and struggle after that surgery. I had a bladder infection as well as a staff infection in my incision. Not only did I have to be careful with all movement while the paddle healed in, between medication and non movement I put on 20+ lbs in a short time. One day I saw it as I was moving, a fist size ball coming out of my mid abdomen! Like an alien!! Neither my PT or drs seem to be worried about it. But I my low back pain has been increasing. I’m in a bad cycle right now not knowing what I can do or how since I don’t want to make this DR worse. With my conditions do you feel this program will help? Thanks for reading it all.
Hi Noel, We really do understand your frustration and desire for information and answers. Not understanding the way your body is reacting or feeling is scary and upsetting. We want to help and provide all the resources we possibly can to help you. But we ask you to appreciate that we do not provide medical advice, opinion, diagnosis, treatment or medical services of any kind.
We are absolutely not medically trained nor qualified in any way to diagnose, assess or even give an opinion on your personal condition. We cannot comment on your individual medical circumstances by personal email. We encourage you to please do the following, in order of urgency:
If you are in ANY pain during or after exercise, please cease the activity immediately and do not return to it until you have consulted with a medical Doctor. Put simply, if something hurts, stop doing it and don’t do it again until you have discussed your program and agreed a course of action with your Doctor.
If you have unexplained discomfort or lack of function anywhere in your abdomen or pelvis, we strongly recommend you consult with a Women’s Health Physiotherapist or Pelvic Physical Therapist for individual assessment, diagnosis & movement prescription.
This page – gives you detailed information on how to know when you may need specialist help, and how to find it. If you are suffering with SPD, PGP, hernia or prolapse, or if your diastasis or connective tissue is not responding to the consistent practice of the MUTU restorative work, then an individual assessment by a medically trained, specialist Physical Therapist is recommended. We cannot advise beyond the scope of our programs. Please be assured that MUTU is recommended by Physical Therapists around the world and that we actively encourage you to share the program with your medical caregiver to have them help you with appropriate adaptations or omissions.
Hi, I am 56 years old and a thin build, my daughter was born 25 years ago. Now post menopause, I really am noticing my mummy tummy. I think I always had a weak core, but now my tummy protrudes more. I have a small diastatis recti below the belly button only, and it is about 1 1/2 finger widths. When I pull in my tummy as had as I can, everything above the belly button really pulls in, but below the belly button, not so much. there is virtually no fat on the outside of my lower abdomen, the bulging is all from under the muscles, and frankly, the muscles do not look very substantial at all. What do you suggest is my best option, will the foccus plan work for me? I could not commit to a large time allotment, and at any rate have done a lot of work with my nutrition and bowel health —getting my colon working well (I used to have some constipation problems and now have pretty much dealt with them) and I am incorporating bone broth and a lot more vegetables in each meal, and much less grain and no milk or wheat which clearly irritate my digestive track.
thanks looking forward to your response,
S.
Hi Sarah,
The MuTu System 12 Week Program is the ultimate coaching package of food guidance and safe fat burning workouts as well as total core and pelvic floor restoration and strengthening. It is the most holistic and beneficial program suitable for most Mamas. All of MuTu Focus is included within the 12 Week Program, you don’t need both.
MuTu Focus is an alternative program option designed especially for women who want to avoid all intensive exercise, whether out of personal preference or for medical or other reasons. Don’t assume that if you already do other workouts, you’ve ‘got that covered’ and you only need Focus. If you intend to do any intensive exercise at all, go for the full 12 Week Program as it teaches you how to look after your core while you’re exercising!
Within both programs you will need to get outside and walk each day for at least 20 minutes to work on your alignment, which is a hugely vital part of the recovery process. The focus exercises or core phases should take about 15 minutes a day.
:)
Hi Rachel and Kim,
My advice would always be to follow the advice of your child’s paediatrician or physical therapist.
Yes, the exercises in MuTu can help. Everyone has the same abdominal muscles, everyone has a pelvic floor… However, the program is designed for the needs of the postpartum woman so you will find much of the context irrelevant. MuTu offers a holistic, whole body approach and the program teaches you how to assess your core strength and degree of abdominal separation, which exercises to avoid and why. If you accept that there will be parts of the program that don’t apply then by all means join us! We recommend you seek your Doctor’s approval if you are considering MuTu for any medical reason or condition.
Hi Stephanie. Unfortunately I can’t comment on individual medical cases and would always advise that you go with advice from your physical therapist.
A small gap remaining is not significant provided the core has been strengthened and the mid-line is shallow and firm. Which it will be after MuTu! We focus on: Does your core work? Does your pelvic floor do its job? Is your stomach flatter and firmer and able to support your spine without pain or weakness? Do you look good, feel good and does it WORK? That’s more important than a finger measurement.
I hope that helps x
Thanks for the article Wendy! Surgery definitely isn’t something that I want to do at all. I went to see a pelvic floor physical therapist the other day. During my appointment, we discussed my diastasis. She measured it as 2 finger widths “with a little bit of wiggle” at my widest part (the umbilicus). She said that it was ambitious of me to think that I would be able to close it tighter than 1 finger width. I am pretty tall and thin, I was also quite lean with tight abdominals prior to pregnancy. She said that such a body type suffers the most when it gets stretched during pregnancy. Do you agree with that assessment or do you believe that it is possible to close it all the way if you continue working at it?
I have been doing MuTu for about 8-10 weeks. My gap is starting to close to about 2 finger widths, but the connective tissue is still very weak. It’s soft, squishy, and the gap is still fairly deep. Is there any way to repair the actual connective tissue? I know that diet is important and have read all about the essential vitamins and nutrients necessary to repair collagen, but after reading your article about the research done by the Canadian Physiotherapist, I’m wondering if the only way to fix this is through surgery?
Hi Stephanie. You’re doing great. This takes time and isn’t a quick fix. Keep doing what you’re doing because it will be helping you to rebuild that strength again. Really look at addressing the nutrition side of things to help rebuild collagen. Of course you will need to discuss with your doctor or physical therapist if surgery is your only option as it’s impossible for me to say. This article should be really helpful for you to take a look at: https://mutusystem.com/dias…
x
Hi Allison, thanks for your comment. If you don’t have any belly fat to lose you’ll want to just choose the Focus program which is purely to help strengthen your pelvic floor and core. Focus includes specific exercises to help target this area. :)
I do not have any belly fat left to lose. The bludg is at the top of my stomach. My lower half is flat and hard, very muscular. I didn’t know if there was exercises that target more of the top part of the abd
Hi Julia,
Thanks for your comment. Take a look at my 12 week online program as this can help: https://mutusystem.com/12-w…
:) XX
This completely makes sense to me. I feel like I’m having the exact problems you describe.
I have done the mutu system and continue to do now for almost a year. I still have a pooch and the area where my stomach is will bludgeon out after every meal. I do not want surgery. Is there anything I can do? Should I splint?
Hi Allison,
Have you tried making some swaps in your diet to reduce the bloating after meals?
Doing the exercises… as well as re-aligning your posture, being functionally fit, eating the right food, balancing your hormones and reducing stress help to flatten your tummy.
MuTu System corrective abdominal exercises will give you a strong core and toned abs by strengthening your transverse abdominis muscle and your abdominal midline connective tissue and reducing a diastasis – which will flatten your tummy. But however many abdominal exercises you do, if you do still have a few pounds of extra fat sitting on top, you won’t see the results of all your hard work. You need to lose belly fat to reveal those abs!
That’s why the MuTu System 12 Week Program is holistic – we’ve got your stomach covered from all angles! Read more on ‘The Foods That Really Make You Fat’ here: https://mutusystem.com/mutu… and ‘How Hormones and Stress Affect Belly Fat Storage’ here: https://mutusystem.com/mutu…
:) xx
Thank you for contacting me.. I want to let you know that after seeing 12 doctors.. with No help.. I also saw 2 GI specialist.. even at the universities with no help .. thank you for the recommendation.. but I am a Holistic Nutritionist.. I was ran out of town for my beliefs.. on the Diastasis causing my problems.. I was able to leave town and find a surgeon who would do the surgery for me..I am very fit.. no doctor wanted to do it..not enough skin.. not a big enough Diastasis they even said..
once I stopped talking about the compression issues and the lacking of proper function.. leaving it to be a cosmetic problem.. meaning I had to lie about my problem.. yes dangerous I know.. but that is what it took.. I was down to under a 110 pounds and still losing weight I couldn’t eat my intestines would get caught in the Diastasis as the ability to compression the abdomen was over come with the pressure of Digestion and would push the Diastasis further opening it and catching my intestines obstructing them..
So to end the story.. 3 months ago I had the surgery and it fixed my problem.. I have put on 10 pounds since the surgery.. and I can eat with no discomfort.. all kinds of fiber even with no obstructions.. it was a horrible experience for me.. no help from the doctors.. general surgeons cannot even do the surgery it is not considered a medical issue at all.. except for large amounts of skin and the possibility of sores.. but not being able to eat.. no one cared about that .. &.. the obstructions.. had to be proved.. which all the doctors told me not force one upon myself..which would of been easy and horrible to do.. odd .. no doctor patient communication over here.. so the Diastasis repair fixed my Digestion issues.. I can compress my abdomen.. properly pass gases.. my motility has returned to normal no slowing or backing up of the chyme… as the abdominal muscles are consistent and strong.. with no weakenings in the tendinous intersections.. the abdominals compliment Digestion.. as the GI tract is heated and enclosed.. that pressure must be properly controlled .. as gases expand in a heated environment… And if the abdominals are able to expand too much.. improperly controlling distention of the abdomen.. comfort/ motility will be compromised .. as the abdominals.. hold/compress the internal viscera in.. back and down into the pelvis for proper elimination and removal
Hi all
I have diastasis recti and a hernia look 7 months pregnant sigh. I suffer with chronic lower back pain and had several operations including a fusion to my back! Now this?! I had my beautiful daughter Maddi at 34 weeks (back couldn’t cope any further) pain was getting way too much I was nearly passing out. Maddi has just turned 1 bless :). Id really like to concentrate on flattening my tummy to the best I can get it plus ease some pressure off my back. Thinking of following the Mutu approach ?! Surgery to repair just isn’t possible due to the sheer cost of it the most I can get is repair of the hernia but seen some awful after surgery pics when not also repairing the abdominals.
Would love to hear your story and share mine as I go! Let’s face it always good to talk and share experiences right? Oh one last thing I also suffer with constipation and ibs which doesn’t help due to having the nerves burnt away to my lower back on two occasions now can’t continue with having this so booked for a spinalcord stimulator next month :(. Hoping for some relief and to feel better about myself so god dam down all the time I annoy myself :(!
Jennifer
Hi Helen. We don’t feature on Real Self. MuTu System is a Holistic non surgery option for helping to safely and gradually heal DR and help you get a stronger and more function core and pelvic floor. You’d need to get the okay from your Doctor first but our programs are designed to help women who have symptoms you’ve described. We have two programs to choose from and you can find out which one is most suitable here: https://mutusystem.com/down…
Great! An questions you can email my team on [email protected] and they’d be delighted to help you out.
Hi Colleen. You’d need to seek advise from a Homeopath for specific advice on how homeopathy can help you.
The more I read, I believe that your comment is true. Can you tell me how a homeopath would help. Thank you.
Thanks Wendy. I actually came across this site and I am trying it now.
Your body can heal without surgery. Surgery won’t make your core strong, so you’ll still have trouble after surgery. Have you tried a good homeopath?
You should be able to heal without surgery. Have you ever seen a good classical homeopath? Have you worked with a good chiropractor, message therapist, or cranial sacral therapist? First step would be to work with a good homeopath. Let me know if you’d like more info
Hello, trying to find you on Real Self but can’t. Can you send me a direct link? i have a 3cm gap as well after my first and am thinking of getting surgery. I have problems with incontinence and low back pain if i do any type of exercise.
Yes, it did help a lot with my issues. I did run into many complications but that was either bad luck or surgeon choice, you can read my whole story on Real Self, look for Lynne13 profile and you can PM too. I am 11 mo. post op from original surgery and 6 days po from a scar revision that I had to have done due to complications. It was a bumpy road but I am still glad I did it.
I just found this site. I am curious what you found out or if you had your hernia issue resolved. Here in Canada, hernia operations are covered by our government, but closing the diastasis recti gap is cosmetic; therefore, an elective surgery…pay out of your own pocket.
I had surgery to repair 4 umbilical hernias with a mesh. Does that mean my diastasis recti was also repaired or is that a different procedure?
Has anyone had digestional compression issues I believe the abdominals have the function of compressing the abdomen for proper elimation & gas removal…they create the atmospheric pressure so the gasses cannot expand out towards the weakness that the LineaAlba would create if weak. a strong consistent core with no weakness of connective tissue pushes volume towards the weakness which should be the sphincters not out the front end if lineaAlba if weak…I believe it is Boyles law = pressure & volume is inversely related so functionally the pressure must be added back in to direct flow I believe this is the job of the abdominals = they contract to bring the muscle back into desired length as abdomen distends with volume…if lineaAlba is weak the core muscles cannot bring pressure back efficiently letting intestines fall forward slowing motility and creating sensation and trapping gases. please help I cosmetically plastic surgeons cannot change my look I did the work to restore function but lineaAlba is too weak to help pressurize the core no doctor understands this issue or wants to look at diastasis for digestional homeostasis. Is there any information that anyone has that could help me dices this issue with doctors have seen 4 plastic surgeons & general surgeons….no problem but diastasis and I believe it is ignored as cause I have had 4 pregnancies, and for years had digestional upset & obstructions that I myself have had to massage out of abdominal wall after obstructing. Had all tests cat scans,barium, crohns colitis, X-rays..only have diastasis why is that not even considered as the problem. Been to the university too they want to send me to a different one to start all over because no one wants to think diastasis is cause WHY!!!
Hi Chrissy, I see you haven’t got any replies yet and I don’t know a great deal about your situation, but I have come across a brilliant Dr John Bergman who has so many great and informative youtube’s – try this one Dr. John Bergman Healing Digestive Disorder & More! Hope this can help you.
I just had surgery to repair my diatasis recti, would this program still help? How? I chose the surgery to try and help with back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction and had 3 cm separation prior to surgery. Now I am 10 days post op.
I just had my first consult with a cosmetic surgeon a couple of weeks ago (surgery is planned for Mar2017)…I have the same amount of gap that you had. How are you feeling? Are you glad that you had the surgery or now that you have read the above post would you recommend trying it prior to surgery?
Hi Wendy,
I have a 3cm wde gap 10cm long with weak pelvic floor for which im receiving physio. Are your exercises adapted so as not to strain/ worsen weak pelvic floors? If so, which programme would you advise starting with? Id like to strenthen my core to relive backache and reduce my mummy tummy as I look about 4 months pregnant although my baby is 6 months. Many thanks
I have little gap of 1 finger rectus abdominals seperated due to over compression of my muscles…no pain at all..everything is fine but the midline is weak or not supporting my tummy and hence its bulging…I was sports person in past..am not yet married..going to marry in 2 months..can I recover in 2 months.please help me
This article was very informative, thank you.
I have Diastasis recti and umbilical hernia as a result of it. My intestine is also sticking out and I was told surgery is necessary because it could cause big complications with my digestive system if it doesn’t get fixed. Any suggestions?
hi Wendy
i followed the 12 weeks of your program, started with a 2.5 finger diastasis recti, and after the 12 weeks i still have exactly same measures, my belly did not change at all as well, can you tell me how is this possible?
i engaged my core and followed all the indications all the time
I’m trying to pick the right program. I’m 7 yrs post-partum with a kinda large diastasis. I had pop for a long while PP, but now is mostly gone with only very occasional barely any prolapse – never any pain or discomfort. Would I need to pick the focus program? Also have some weight to lose from a doctor confirmed endocrine system crash/hormone imbalance that is slowly resolving with good diet. Is it possible to pick the focus program initially than upgrade to the 12 wk once I’m sure pop is completely resolved? And if so how do you do that? Or is it ok to pick the 12 wk & not do intensive workout til pop completely resolved? I don’t feel like I need the diet/healthy food info but just the high intensity workouts. Or would I be better off getting the focus program plus the app if I don’t need the diet portion? Thank u for your website & tons of helpful info!
Hi, my nearly 4 year old daughter has had an obvious DR for the last two years with a bulge in the middle of her abdominal muscles. I have had this confirmed by a Pediatrician who has told me that the gap will close spontaneously. She has, as a result, got quite a flared rib cage to accommodate her tummy and I think that her body is out of alignment in an attempt to compensate (i.e pushes pelvis forward). I would like to investigate whether there is anything I can do with her to help the DR close sooner rather than later to help her develop normally. I am pretty sure there is no way she would wear any kind of splint but I am not sure whether your program would help with a child as I would have to try and get her to do the exercises and wouldn’t be able to tell if she was doing them properly. Any advice appreciated.
I see your post was from 2 years ago. My 4 year old has the same issue. Our pediatrician recommended surgery and that scares me. What have you done? Did you try exercise for your daughter? Did anything work? Thank you!
Hi, my nearly 4 year old daughter has had an obvious DR for the last two years with a bulge in the middle of her abdominal muscles. I have had this confirmed by a Pediatrician who has told me that the gap will close spontaneously. She has, as a result, got quite a flared rib cage to accommodate her tummy and I think that her body is out of alignment in an attempt to compensate (i.e pushes pelvis forward). I would like to investigate whether there is anything I can do with her to help the DR close sooner rather than later to help her develop normally. I am pretty sure there is no way she would wear any kind of splint but I am not sure whether your program would help with a child as I would have to try and get her to do the exercises and wouldn’t be able to tell if she was doing them properly. Any advice appreciated.
I recently had twins. It was my 3rd pregnancy and I now have 4 kids. They were rather large for twins @ 7lbs each. I want to start the system to help with my stomach and for my back and hip soreness that I think is related to the diastisis.
I have a deep 1 finger gap when I test, but if I engage my core and draw my belly button down to my spine and do a small crunch I have a 4.5 finger gap. Which one should I go by? And why would the gap get larger if I’m engaging my core?
Thanks!
Denise
I recently had twins. It was my 3rd pregnancy and I now have 4 kids. They were rather larger. @ 7lbs each. I have a deep 1 finger gap when I test, but if I engage my core and draw my belly button down to my spine and do a small crunch I have a 4.5 finger gap. Which one should I go by? And why would the gap get larger if I’m engaging my core? Thanks!
Denise
Thank you wendy
You’ll get all the coaching, guidance + instructions + support you need! Just sign up in the box at the top of the page to make sure you hear about all our offers :-)
I have a 5 finger gap and want to start on the program. I have two kids and am planning to have two more. Is it better to start program after I am done having kids or start now?
Please advice…
Thanks
The sooner you start the sooner you’ll start making a difference :-) The MuTu System program is safe + highly beneficial for during, as well as after, pregnancy
I have a 5 finger gap and want to start on the program. I have two kids and am planning to have two more. Is it better to start program after I am done having kids or start now?
Please advice…
Thanks
The sooner you start the sooner you’ll start making a difference :-) The MuTu System program is safe + highly beneficial for during, as well as after, pregnancy
Thank you wendy
Hello, I have had a surgical consult and CT scan and I have an 11 cm gap and a small umbilical hernia. Is this program suitable for me or am I resigned to surgery?
Please see this post – http://mutusystem.com/herni… + this one http://mutusystem.com/refer…
Hello, I have had a surgical consult and CT scan and I have an 11 cm gap and a small umbilical hernia. Is this program suitable for me or am I resigned to surgery?
Please see this post – https://mutusystem.com/hernia-and-diastasis-recti-postpartum-umbilical-hernia.html + this one https://mutusystem.com/referral-to-a-womens-health-physiotherapist.html
I have 4 children the youngest if which is three. I have a small umbilical hernia and a 2 finger gap. I can in no way afford surgery. I am combing your site to find if it is beneficial to do your program for hernia. You are truly my last hope. I tried binding but the pain was too bad. It rarely hurts otherwise, but it protrudes a little on the left side of my naval like an outie. I push it in and it pops back out. I have to do something! Has anyone ever had success with hernia repair doing your program? Please say yes!
This should help x http://mutusystem.com/herni…
I have 4 children the youngest if which is three. I have a small umbilical hernia and a 2 finger gap. I can in no way afford surgery. I am combing your site to find if it is beneficial to do your program for hernia. You are truly my last hope. I tried binding but the pain was too bad. It rarely hurts otherwise, but it protrudes a little on the left side of my naval like an outie. I push it in and it pops back out. I have to do something! Has anyone ever had success with hernia repair doing your program? Please say yes!
This should help x https://mutusystem.com/hernia-and-diastasis-recti-postpartum-umbilical-hernia.html
Thank you very much for all of the info. Are there any promotions or discounts that are currently available to use for the 12 week online program? When I purchase the program, will there be speficic instuctions?
Is the system at all refundable if the DR gap does not close and you follow the program the way intended?
As is explained at length above + elsewhere in the blog, ‘closing the gap’ is not the sole desired result of the program. We cannot guarantee results, as we have no way of assessing your current situation, how the program is followed etc. What we do offer is a 100% satisfaction guarantee that you get what you think you’re going to get! Please read the FAQ page here http://mutusystem.com/faq.html if you have unanswered questions to be completely clear on what you’re buying before purchase. Expected results + our guarantee are clearly explained here.
If you don’t receive what you thought you were going to receive, tell us why you’re dissatisfied + we’ll refund your money! For the full terms please see the terms page (particularly clauses 11 and 12) http://mutusystem.com/terms…
Is the system at all refundable if the DR gap does not close and you follow the program the way intended?
As is explained at length above + elsewhere in the blog, ‘closing the gap’ is not the sole desired result of the program. We cannot guarantee results, as we have no way of assessing your current situation, how the program is followed etc. What we do offer is a 100% satisfaction guarantee that you get what you think you’re going to get! Please read the FAQ page here https://mutusystem.com/faq.html if you have unanswered questions to be completely clear on what you’re buying before purchase. Expected results + our guarantee are clearly explained here.
If you don’t receive what you thought you were going to receive, tell us why you’re dissatisfied + we’ll refund your money! For the full terms please see the terms page (particularly clauses 11 and 12) https://mutusystem.com/terms-conditions-of-sale.html
Thank you very much for all of the info. Are there any promotions or discounts that are currently available to use for the 12 week online program? When I purchase the program, will there be speficic instuctions?
You’ll get all the coaching, guidance + instructions + support you need! Just sign up in the box at the top of the page to make sure you hear about all our offers :-)
I always felt like there was something wrong with my abdomen. I just never knew what it was called. I had my children later in life and because I am short waisted, I ended up carrying most of the baby and weight in the front and down towards my pelvis. This is where I feel the separation the most – 4 finger width. After reading your website and the articles, I am afraid I’ve done more harm than good because I’ve been doing all of the wrong exercises in order to loose my pouch. My youngest child is almost 13 and I’m in my early 50’s. Is it too late for me to close the gap or do I have to just live with it? Thanks. BTW – great information in your articles, thanks for that. – Susan
Hi Susan, I’m so glad you’re finding the information you need. And no, it’s never too late! Check out our FAQ page here for answers to this + many other questions you may have http://mutusystem.com/faq.html
I always felt like there was something wrong with my abdomen. I just never knew what it was called. I had my children later in life and because I am short waisted, I ended up carrying most of the baby and weight in the front and down towards my pelvis. This is where I feel the separation the most – 4 finger width. After reading your website and the articles, I am afraid I’ve done more harm than good because I’ve been doing all of the wrong exercises in order to loose my pouch. My youngest child is almost 13 and I’m in my early 50’s. Is it too late for me to close the gap or do I have to just live with it? Thanks. BTW – great information in your articles, thanks for that. – Susan
Hi Susan, I’m so glad you’re finding the information you need. And no, it’s never too late! Check out our FAQ page here for answers to this + many other questions you may have https://mutusystem.com/faq.html
I was just told this morning by a pilates instructor that I likely have DR. My research and four finger gap concures (though I had a male doctor years ago tell me my muscles were not separated…nice). My son is nine. I can’t tell you how much I wish anyone would have mentioned this to me…especially the obgyns I saw. How could they not?!? Anyway, I’m glad I found my way to your website. I will research your system and will likely participate. I both want a health strong core, but I’m a small fit woman, I would like my tummy to look like it belongs with the rest of my body. I finally have hope! Thank you so very much. :) Jen
You’re welcome Jen! Thanks for your lovely comments about the site + good luck :-)
I was just told this morning by a pilates instructor that I likely have DR. My research and four finger gap concures (though I had a male doctor years ago tell me my muscles were not separated…nice). My son is nine. I can’t tell you how much I wish anyone would have mentioned this to me…especially the obgyns I saw. How could they not?!? Anyway, I’m glad I found my way to your website. I will research your system and will likely participate. I both want a health strong core, but I’m a small fit woman, I would like my tummy to look like it belongs with the rest of my body. I finally have hope! Thank you so very much. :) Jen
You’re welcome Jen! Thanks for your lovely comments about the site + good luck :-)
Hi Debs, I’m so sorry you’re suffering like this. I understand your frustration, but surgery won’t correct the issues of pain, SI instability or stress incontinence – these need to be addressed with an individualised restoration program – which is sounds like you’re not quite receiving. The MuTu programs will certainly help + complement your care, but if 12 months of ‘work’ isn’t helping, you need to consult with a different professional who can assess where it’s not connecting for you. Try this resources page for referrals http://mutusystem.com/refer…
I feel there is a flawed premise in the statement: “A problematic diastasis rectus is a result of increased intra-abdominal pressure” Pavel and Stu teach us that the lumbar spine is stabilized by intra abdominal pressure. The diastasis is created by imbalances in the musculature; i.e. weakness in the obliques, pelvic floor weakness and faulty (non-diaphragmatic) breathing.
Thanks Raymond. Yes I think for clarity I should have added the word ‘uncontained’. As in, intra-abdominal pressure is indeed vital, desirable + ‘normal’. But when the musculature is not supporting or containing that pressure optimally, or when non-optimal biomechanical alignment is creating ‘kinks’ in the structure, that’s when we have pressure related issues such as diastasis, hernia or prolapse.
I feel there is a flawed premise in the statement: “A problematic diastasis rectus is a result of increased intra-abdominal pressure” Pavel and Stu teach us that the lumbar spine is stabilized by intra abdominal pressure. The diastasis is created by imbalances in the musculature; i.e. weakness in the obliques, pelvic floor weakness and faulty (non-diaphragmatic) breathing.
Thanks Raymond. Yes I think for clarity I should have added the word ‘uncontained’. As in, intra-abdominal pressure is indeed vital, desirable + ‘normal’. But when the musculature is not supporting or containing that pressure optimally, or when non-optimal biomechanical alignment is creating ‘kinks’ in the structure, that’s when we have pressure related issues such as diastasis, hernia or prolapse.
Hi, perhaps you could give me some advice? After my second child (who is 3 years old now), I have diastasis recti, 4cm gap. I am in constant pain in my lower back and my pelvis is unstable, my sacroliac is always “out” and very painful. I also have stress incontinence. I have been having physio therapy and been doing the excercises to strengthen my core for over a year now and I feel like I am actually getting worse. I feel surgery is my only option at this point.
Hi Debs, I’m so sorry you’re suffering like this. I understand your frustration, but surgery won’t correct the issues of pain, SI instability or st