The Tummy Team specializes in functional core rehabilitation, specifically treating the very common yet very under-diagnosed condition called Diastasis Recti. Since there is so much conflicting and confusing information out there about diastasis recti, we focus on not only treating the condition but being a resource to those who are seeking more information. Below are the 5 most common questions we get about diastasis recti and the answers.

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What is diastasis recti?

Diastasis Recti is excessive stretching of the connective tissue the runs down the center of the abdominal wall causing a separation between the right and left side of the core muscles.

What causes diastasis recti?

Diastasis Recti is caused by repetitive forceful forward pressure on the linea alba (the connective tissue that runs down the center of the abdominal wall).  This pressure can be from pregnancy, chronic constipation, traditional abdominal exercises like crunches, sit-ups, even planks, and habitual bracing or bearing down.

Why have I never heard of this condition?

Diastasis Recti is a very common but underdiagnosed condition. This is mostly because there has traditionally not been a great treatment plan for the condition. That is no longer the case. Functional Core Rehabilitation (the specialty of The Tummy Team) can effectively treat and close a diastasis and help eliminate the common pain and instability symptoms associated.

How do I know if I have a diastasis?

Sometimes you can effectively check yourself for a diastasis and sometimes it takes more experienced palpation skills. The Tummy Team has several self-check videos and other resources to help you assess your tummy for separation along the midline of your abdominals. However, if you have low back pain, mid back pain, pelvic instability, sacroiliac joint instability, pubic bone pain, collapsed posture, digestive issues, pelvic floor issues, a protruding tummy and/or an odd looking belly button, you likely are suffering from functional core weakness and possibly diastasis recti.  Sometimes a diastasis is obvious and other times it is not. However, the functional core weakness is not something to simply live with. 

Can diastasis recti be healed?

Absolutely! Understanding the cause and contributing factors to diastasis recti as well as how the body is innately designed to heal are key to the effective treatment of diastasis recti. We first work to help you minimize and eliminate the movement patterns that create the excessive stretching of the connective tissue and the habitual pushing out on the abdominal wall. Then we rebuild the internal corset muscle of your core while balancing out your upper body, lower body and torso compensation patterns. The Tummy Team has worked with thousands of women and men to effectively heal even the most severe diastasis recti.

We also have designed a series of online programs to help clients worldwide get the information they need to heal their diastasis.