Diastasis recti is a widening of the linea alba, the band of tissue running between the two heads of the rectus abdominis muscle.
The linea alba is a band of connective tissue lying between the rectus abdominis muscles, attached at the top to the xiphoid process of the sternum and at the bottom to the upper edge of the pubic symphysis. It is formed where the tendinous fibres of the external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles cross.
During pregnancy, particularly from the second trimester onwards, the growing uterus gradually stretches the abdominal wall and the rectus abdominis muscles move apart to the sides. The linea alba is stretched along with them.
The linea alba is at its weakest and thinnest around the navel, which is why in 52% of cases this is where it widens and weakens most.
Men are also at risk of the linea alba separating. The risk factors here are excess weight, training that is too heavy, abdominal exercises done badly, poor habits on the toilet, poor posture, and overload such as lifting badly or a chronic cough.
Therapy
- Assessment of the abdominal wall
- Rebuilding the tone of the linea alba
- Rebuilding the function of the abdominal muscles
- Learning to engage the muscles correctly
- Education and prevention in daily life
- Kinesiotaping
- Learning correct breathing - removing abdominal straining
- Ultrasound assessment of the width of the separation