Abdominal diastasis, the separation of the rectus abdominis (six-pack) muscle along the linea alba ligament, is most commonly seen in pregnant and post-partum women. However, diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) can also occur in people who are overweight and obese, and in people who do strenuous work. It can even occur in fit populations where the abdominal muscles are overworked, or are exercised strenuously with faulty technique.
The linea alba is fibrous, with limited elasticity. During pregnancy, the release of the relaxin hormone enables ligaments throughout the mother’s body to become more elastic and pliable, making room for the baby to grow, and enabling safe passage along the birth canal. Overweight and fit populations who are not pregnant do not have the hormonal advantage of pregnant women, meaning the linea alba is less elastic and more vulnerable to rupture.
If you want to avoid abdominal diastasis, there are several precautionary measures you can take:
Hypopressive Exercise for DRA
Hypopressive, or low pressure exercises improve the integrity of your abdominal canister without putting excessive pressure on your abdominal wall. When performed correctly and consistently, hypopressive exercises can improve your posture, eliminate incontinence and correct uterine prolapse. They may also be effective in resolving or reducing your DRA.
The sports medicine professionals at NYDNRehab use the most advanced technologies and therapies to diagnose and treat DRA. Once the scope and nature of your DRA have been determined, our physical therapy team will devise an individualized treatment plan for you that will likely include hypopressive exercises, along with other exercises aimed at correcting postural and movement deficiencies.
You do not have to live with DRA. Contact NYDNRehab today to schedule a consultation. You will soon see why NYDNRehab is considered to be the very best rehabilitation clinic in NYC.