The rectus abdominis muscles are divided into the left and right sides with a band of tissues called the linea alba running down the middle. During pregnancy, the uterus, muscles, and skin expand to accommodate the growing foetus. This causes the linea alba to stretch and thin, separating the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscles.
Although diastasis recti most commonly occur in women, men, and babies can also be affected.
Diastasis recti occur due to internal abdominal pressure. This pressure puts excessive strain and stress on the linea alba causing it to stretch and thin out. In some individuals, the linea alba gets overstretched and does not return to normal, resulting in diastasis recti.
Causes for this internal or inner-abdominal pressure include:
Symptoms of diastasis recti include:
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, make an appointment with Artisan Wellness for an accurate diagnosis and bespoke treatment plan.
Diastasis recti or the separation of your ab muscles is not painful by itself. However, you may experience issues such as poor posture which may give rise to pain.
Diastasis recti can result in weakness of your core muscles, thus leading to hip and pelvic pain, pain during sex, and lower back pain.
Anyone can be affected by diastasis recti, however, there are some factors that can increase your risk of developing this condition.
Risk factors include:
Diastasis recti are usually diagnosed using a physical examination of your abdomen.
You may be asked to perform the following self-check to identify if you have diastasis recti:
Make an appointment with Artisan Wellness for an accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
At Artisan Wellness, diastasis recti can be treated in two ways:
Our mommy-makeover package comprises several cosmetic procedures performed at the same time, one of these procedures is a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, can be used to fix diastasis recti. It involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and surgically bringing the separated abdominal muscles back together. This procedure reshapes the abdomen, creating a smoother and flatter tummy and waistline.
Diastasis recti can also be treated using non-surgical means, such as StimSure®. StimSure® by Artisan Wellness is a non-invasive muscle-building and toning technology that uses electromagnetic waves to cause involuntary muscle contractions in your abdomen, thus effectively facilitating the development of abdominal muscles. This allows your core muscles to strengthen, reshaping your waistline and tummy, and tightening loose skin.
Make an appointment with Artisan Wellness today and we can create a bespoke treatment plan for you.
