The Hidden Struggle of Diastasis Recti: A Journey to Core Rehab

In this episode of The Tummy Team Journey Podcast, host Kelly Dean, MPT, sits down with Miranda Anderson to reflect on the origins of The Tummy Team and the widespread yet often misunderstood condition of Diastasis Recti.

Recognizing the Signs of Diastasis Recti

Kelly shares her personal experience of post-pregnancy struggles—back pain, fatigue, incontinence, and a belly that still looked pregnant long after birth. Despite being a physical therapist, she found herself lost, with no clear answers. As she began discussing her symptoms, she realized many of her friends were experiencing the same thing.

“I started checking my friends for a diastasis, and they all had it. Then I spoke at a mom’s group, checked 45 women—and 44 had a diastasis.”

This eye-opening moment led Kelly to shift her focus from neurological rehab to core rehabilitation, determined to provide solutions for the many people silently suffering from core dysfunction.

From Home Consultations to Global Impact

What began as small group classes and home visits quickly grew as word spread. People outside her community—those with no access to specialized core rehab—began reaching out. Kelly started creating online courses to bridge the gap, realizing that people could successfully learn to rehab their cores from anywhere.

“At first, I thought, ‘How can I help someone without physically touching them?’ But core rehab isn’t about a quick fix—it’s about education, awareness, and retraining movement patterns.”

Core Rehab for Everyone

While The Tummy Team began with a focus on postpartum women, it quickly expanded. Today, the second-largest group they serve is men aged 40-75, followed by seniors who have suffered from years of poor posture and chronic pain. Core rehabilitation isn't just about fitness—it’s about restoring functional strength for everyday life.

Key Takeaways About Diastasis Recti & Core Rehab

• Diastasis Recti Symptoms Are More Than Cosmetic – It’s not just about a “mummy tummy.” Symptoms include back pain, pelvic instability, digestive issues, and fatigue.
• Healing Requires More Than Exercise – Core rehab isn’t about crunches or intense workouts. It’s about posture, alignment, and retraining movement patterns.
• You Can Rehab Your Core from Anywhere – With the right guidance, online rehab is just as effective as in-person sessions.
• A Strong Core Changes Everything – Proper core engagement impacts balance, strength, confidence, and even mental well-being.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of diastasis recti, pelvic instability, or core weakness, explore The Tummy Team’s online programs here.