Abdominal Muscle Function After Diastasis Rectus Abominis (DRA)

Diastasis rectus abominis (DRA) is a condition most commonly seen in post-partum females, although it occasionally occurs in obese individuals of both sexes. In a nutshell, DRA is a splitting of the linea alba, the thin but tough membrane that runs the length of the rectus abdominis (RA) muscle that defines the “six-pack.”

In some cases, DRA affects only a small section of the RA muscle, and there is little noticeable change in appearance or function. However, in severe cases, DRA can be both disfiguring and debilitating, compromising the function and performance of the RA and interfering with trunk and pelvic control.

RA Muscle Function

The RA muscle works to form a canister that protects the internal organs, stabilizes the spine and pelvis, assists in breathing expiration, and increases intra-abdominal pressure when sneezing, coughing, urinating, defecating, lifting and during childbirth.

With DRA, the function of the RA is partially or completely inhibited, causing a variety of symptoms, including:

• weak flabby abdomen
• undesirable physical appearance
• pain in low back, hip or pelvis
• urinary and bowel problems
• poor posture
• feeling of weakness
• pain during intercourse

Effect of Surgery on DRA

Considering that severe cases of DRA cannot self-heal, many sufferers seek surgical intervention tore function.

Conservative Treatment for DRA

Conservative treatment for DRA that focuses on retraining RA recruitment strategies has proven in many cases tore function, either partially or fully. Physical therapy for DRA may include the following:

Postural training: Because of the role the RA muscle plays in stabilizing your lower back and core, postural training focuses on learning to perform daily activities like lifting your baby while maintaining proper posture.

Stretching: When muscles in one area of you body become weak, you may compensate by overusing other muscles, resulting in tightness that interferes with performance. Your therapist may prescribe stretching exercises tore balanced muscle tension.

Bracing: Your therapist may recommend taping or bracing your low back and abdominal region to decreases pain.

Education: Your therapist will help you understand which movements tore full function.

Specialized DRA Treatment Therapies at NYDNRehab

The physical therapy team at NYDNRehab uses the most innovative and effective therapies currently available for DRA:

Vojta Therapy works by reflex activation of the deep abdominal muscles, “reminding” your nervous system of how to effectively recruit them.

DNS (dynamic neuromuscular stabilization) and ISM (integrated system model) therapies take deep abdominal training to the next level, increasing strength and stability and promoting structural balance.

Failure to recovery from DRA.