Diastasis Recti is the separation of the 2 parts of the rectus abdominis muscle as the collagen tissues of the Linea Alba and Linea Semiluniaris (mid-line connective tissue) are stretched and weakened.
This image shows what happens to your abdominal muscles when diastasis recti occurs.
Diastasis recti muscle
Diastasis recti occurs as a result of excessive intra-abdominal pressure or loading, and is common in the later stages of pregnancy, particularly second or subsequent pregnancies. It happens because your core is not functioning optimally, and because your body is not aligned optimally. The result is instability and weakness of the core and a ‘pooch’ stomach or ‘mummy tummy’.
The Rectus Abdominis is 1 of 4 layers of abdominal muscles: the Transverse Abdominis (deepest muscle layer) the Interior and Exterior Obliques (next 2 layers) that form your waist, and then the Rectus Abdominis is on the outside.
When the 2 parts of the muscle separate as a result of this increased pressure, the connective mid-line is stretched and weakened as it takes all other muscular and fascial support structures along with it. This leaves the front of the abdomen unsupported and unstable.
Important: Diastasis recti is a symptom of excessive intra abdominal pressure, the same state that creates other pelvic and abdominal problems including hernia and prolapse. DR should therefore be treated as part of an integrated program designed to restore, re-connect and then strengthen the entire core musculature, rather than be addressed in isolation (and rather than focussing only on ‘closing the gap’).
Read more on Diastasis Recti here + see our Diastasis 101 Infographic here!
A diagram is always easier to understand – so MUTU System have created one that explains the condition of diastasis recti as simply but accurately as we can – I hope it helps!
