Diastasis Recti Treatment at Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre
Key Takeaways
✓ Diastasis recti involves abdominal muscle separation, commonly after pregnancy or weight changes
✓ Specialized treatments including DNS, Neurac therapy, and myofascial release restore core function
✓ Early intervention prevents chronic back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and postural problems
✓ Available across six Ottawa locations with personalized rehabilitation programs
Physiocare's Experience in Action
Understanding Diastasis Recti
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti occurs when your rectus abdominis muscles separate along the linea alba, the connective tissue running down your abdomen’s midline. This separation creates a visible gap, often appearing as a bulge or ridge when you engage your core muscles. The condition weakens abdominal wall integrity, reducing your body’s ability to stabilize your spine and pelvis effectively. You might notice difficulty performing everyday movements like lifting, bending, or even standing from a seated position without discomfort.
Relevant Anatomy of Your Core System
Your abdominal wall functions as an integrated stabilization system:
- Rectus Abdominis: The paired vertical muscles creating the “six-pack” appearance, separated by the linea alba
- Linea Alba: The fibrous connective tissue band joining both sides of your rectus abdominis at the midline
- Transverse Abdominis: The deepest core layer wrapping horizontally around your torso like a natural corset
- Internal and External Obliques: Diagonal muscles controlling rotation and side-bending movements
- Pelvic Floor: The muscular hammock supporting your pelvic organs, working in coordination with abdominal muscles
When diastasis recti develops, this coordinated system loses effectiveness, compromising both stability and function throughout your entire core.
Causes and Mechanism of Separation
Diastasis recti develops through several pathways:
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and sustained abdominal stretching weaken connective tissue, particularly during the third trimester
- Rapid weight changes: Significant weight gain or loss stresses the linea alba beyond its elastic capacity
- Improper exercise technique: Performing crunches, sit-ups, or planks with existing weakness can worsen separation
- Chronic increased intra-abdominal pressure: Persistent coughing, constipation, or heavy lifting without proper bracing
- Multiple pregnancies: Repeated stretching reduces tissue resilience and increases separation risk with each pregnancy
The separation occurs when sustained tension exceeds the linea alba’s ability to maintain connection between muscle bellies.
Risk Factors for Abdominal Separation
Certain factors increase your vulnerability to diastasis recti:
- Multiple or closely-spaced pregnancies: Insufficient recovery time between pregnancies prevents complete tissue healing
- Advanced maternal age: Reduced tissue elasticity affects connective tissue integrity during pregnancy
- Large baby or multiples: Greater abdominal distension creates increased separation forces
- Poor core strength: Weak stabilizing muscles fail to protect against excessive intra-abdominal pressure
- Genetic connective tissue factors: Inherited variations in collagen structure affect tissue resilience
- Previous abdominal surgery: Surgical incisions may create weakness points along the abdominal wall
Common Symptoms You Might Experience
Diastasis recti presents with recognizable patterns:
- Visible midline bulge: A ridge or dome-shaped protrusion appearing when you engage your abdominal muscles
- Lower back pain: Compromised core stability forces your back muscles to compensate unsafely
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Weakness, incontinence, or pelvic pressure due to loss of coordinated support
- Postural changes: Difficulty maintaining upright posture, especially when standing for extended periods
- Digestive discomfort: Bloating or constipation from reduced abdominal muscle support
- Umbilical hernia risk: Weakness around your belly button creating potential for tissue protrusion
Complications If Left Untreated
Ignoring diastasis recti leads to cascading dysfunction. Chronic back pain develops as spinal stabilizers overwork continuously. Pelvic floor problems worsen, affecting bladder control and intimate health. Postural compensation creates shoulder and neck tension. Hernia risk increases significantly. Movement quality deteriorates, limiting daily activities and exercise participation.
Treatment at Physiocare for Diastasis Recti
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches
DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) for Diastasis Recti
- Retrains your core stabilization using developmental movement patterns from infancy
- Activates deep stabilizers including transverse abdominis through coordinated breathing and positioning
- Restores proper intra-abdominal pressure management protecting the linea alba during movement
- Integrates core function with full-body movement patterns for functional daily activities
Red Cord Therapy (Neurac) for Diastasis Recti
- Uses suspension equipment creating instability that demands coordinated core activation
- Identifies and corrects weak links in your neuromuscular chain affecting abdominal function
- Progressively challenges stability while protecting healing tissues from excessive strain
- Builds functional strength transferable to real-world movements like lifting and carrying
Myofascial Release for Diastasis Recti
- Addresses fascial restrictions limiting tissue mobility and proper muscle function
- Releases tension in surrounding structures including hip flexors and thoracolumbar fascia
- Improves tissue quality around the linea alba supporting better healing alignment
- Reduces compensatory tension patterns developed from chronic core dysfunction
Visceral Work for Diastasis Recti
- Mobilizes abdominal organs potentially restricted by pregnancy or fascial adhesions
- Improves diaphragmatic breathing essential for proper core activation patterns
- Addresses digestive discomfort often accompanying abdominal separation
- Restores optimal organ position supporting better abdominal wall mechanics
Craniosacral Therapy for Diastasis Recti
- Balances fascial tension throughout your entire body affecting core function
- Addresses compensatory patterns extending beyond your abdominal region
- Supports nervous system regulation improving healing response and tissue quality
- Promotes whole-body integration essential for complete functional recovery
DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy) for Diastasis Recti
- Creates gentle tissue oscillation enhancing circulation without causing tissue trauma
- Reduces inflammation and swelling supporting optimal healing environment
- Accelerates connective tissue repair through enhanced metabolic activity
- Particularly effective post-pregnancy when tissues remain sensitive and healing
How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Diastasis Recti
Physiotherapy addresses both separation and functional restoration comprehensively. Specialized assessment identifies your specific gap width, depth, and tissue quality. Manual therapy releases restrictions limiting proper muscle activation. Movement retraining restores coordinated core function through progressive exercise. Education empowers you with strategies for safe daily activities and long-term prevention.
Your Step-by-Step Recovery Journey
Assessment
Your physiotherapist measures separation width, tests functional movement patterns, and identifies contributing factors creating personalized treatment baselines.
Personalized Plan
Customized programming addresses your specific separation characteristics, movement goals, and lifestyle demands with appropriate exercise progressions.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Integrated manual therapy, specialized modalities, and progressive therapeutic exercise restore tissue integrity and functional core control.
Recovery & Prevention
Advanced strengthening, return-to-activity training, and ongoing self-management strategies ensure lasting results and prevent recurrence.
Available Treatments By Location
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Nepean
- Red Cord Therapy (Neurac)
- Myofascial Release
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Carling
- Myofascial Release
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Westboro
- DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization)
- Myofascial Release
- Visceral Work
- Craniosacral Therapy
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Kanata
- DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization)
- Red Cord Therapy (Neurac)
- Myofascial Release
- Visceral Work
- Craniosacral Therapy
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Stittsville
- DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization)
- Myofascial Release
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Barrhaven
- Myofascial Release
- Visceral Work
- Craniosacral Therapy
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - South Keys
- Myofascial Release
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
Why Choose Physiocare for Diastasis Recti Treatment?
Physiocare stands as Ottawa’s trusted partner for diastasis recti recovery through our specialized postpartum and core rehabilitation expertise. Our therapists hold advanced certifications in DNS, Neurac therapy, and visceral manipulation—specialized skills unavailable at most physio clinics in Ottawa.
We understand the emotional and physical challenges of abdominal separation, creating compassionate, evidence-based treatment plans addressing your unique recovery goals. With six convenient locations across Ottawa, accessing expert care fits seamlessly into your busy family life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diastasis Recti
Small separations may improve naturally within six months postpartum, but most cases require targeted physiotherapy for complete functional restoration and prevention of complications.
Gentle treatment can begin within weeks postpartum after medical clearance. Earlier intervention typically produces better outcomes and prevents compensatory dysfunction development.
Most cases respond excellently to conservative physiotherapy. Surgery is rarely necessary and typically reserved only for severe separations unresponsive to comprehensive rehabilitation.
Modified exercise under physiotherapy guidance is beneficial and essential. Avoid traditional crunches, sit-ups, and planks until your therapist clears you for progression.
Most patients see significant improvement within eight to twelve weeks of consistent treatment. Complete restoration depends on separation severity and adherence to programming.
Treatment remains comfortable throughout. Manual therapy may produce mild pressure sensations, but pain is uncommon. Your therapist adjusts techniques matching your tolerance.
Strengthening your core before future pregnancies significantly reduces separation risk and severity. Treatment between pregnancies provides optimal preparation and recovery.
Yes. Men can develop separation from rapid weight changes, heavy lifting, or chronic increased intra-abdominal pressure requiring similar rehabilitation approaches.
No referral is necessary. You can book directly and begin assessment immediately, though some insurance plans may require physician referral for coverage.
Many patients notice improved core control and reduced symptoms within three to four weeks. Visible gap reduction progresses gradually over several months.
Our Professional Team at Physiocare
Prateeksha Viradiya –Physiotherapist at Physiocare in Ottawa Prateeksha Viradiya completed…
Prateeksha Viradiya
Registered Physiotherapist
Avneet Kaur – Registered Physiotherapist with Master's in Physiotherapy Experienced…
Avneet Kaur
Registered Physiotherapist
Harshitkumar Patel - Resident Physiotherapist at Physiocare in Ottawa Harshitkumar…
Harshitkumar Patel
Resident Physiotherapist
Sharri-Anne: Compassionate and Skilled Medical Office Administrator in Ottawa Sharri-Anne…
Sharri-Anne Parsons
Patient Experience Manager/Corporate Office Manager
Healing Hands, Happy Hearts: What Our Patients Say
Citations and References
- Benjamin DR, van de Water AT, Peiris CL – Effects of exercise on diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle in the antenatal and postnatal periods: a systematic review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4115611/ - Mota P, Pascoal AG, Carita AI, Bø K – The Immediate Effects on Inter-rectus Distance of Abdominal Crunch and Drawing-in Exercises During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25575568/ - Physiopedia – Diastasis Recti Abdominis
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Diastasis_Recti_Abdominis - Cleveland Clinic – Diastasis Recti
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22346-diastasis-recti - Gluppe SL, Hilde G, Tennfjord MK, Engh ME, Bø K – Effect of a Postpartum Training Program on the Prevalence of Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29742697/
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