Understanding and Managing Diastasis Recti
Diastasis Recti (D.R.) or divarication of the recti, is a condition where the abdominal muscles separate along the midline. While it is commonly associated with postpartum women (the period after giving birth), it can affect anyone, including men and non-postpartum women. If left unaddressed, it can lead to various health issues. Understanding Diastasis Recti, including its causes and symptoms, is crucial for those seeking to close their D.R. gap.
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How Does Diastasis Recti Occur?
Diastasis Recti occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles, commonly known as the “six-pack” muscles, separate along the linea alba, the connective tissue running down the midline of the abdomen. This condition can develop due to various factors such as pregnancy, weight gain, improper exercise techniques, or genetic predisposition.
One common cause is the increased pressure on the abdominal muscles. For instance, during pregnancy, the expanding uterus stretches these muscles and weakens the connective tissue. This increased pressure causes the abdominal muscles to separate, creating a visible bulge, especially noticeable during muscle strain. Understanding the different causes and recognising the symptoms of Diastasis Recti is crucial for proper management.
Conditions of Diastasis Recti
Recognising the conditions of Diastasis Recti is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. Commonly encountered ones include:
- Abdominal Bulge: A noticeable bump down the midline of the abdomen, especially when straining the muscles.
- Lower Back Pain: Weakened core muscles may cause the lower back to compensate, leading to discomfort.
- Poor Posture: Causes a swayback appearance with hips pushed forward, exaggerated spinal curves, and a leaning-back stance.
- Pelvic Floor Issues: Contributing to urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
- Digestive Problems: Bloating or constipation due to the condition.
- Difficulty with Physical Activities: Challenges in activities requiring core strength, like lifting or exercising.
Potential Options to Manage Diastasis Recti
For those seeking help to address Diastasis Recti in Singapore, we offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. We provide non-invasive options designed to strengthen your core and improve your well-being, regardless of how long you’ve had the condition.
Even if you have lived with it for years, we can help improve muscle function and address related issues such as core weakness and discomfort. Utilising the latest technology and a patient-focused approach, our experienced team supports you through every step of your recovery, ensuring the highest standard of care and safety.
Take our Diastasis Recti Assessment today and learn more about how we can help you reduce your DR gap.
Advanced Technology Used for Diastasis Recti
At our clinic, we use cutting-edge technology to manage Diastasis Recti. One of our key machines is the FDA-approved BTL Embody device, which utilises High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology. Each 30-minute session with this device induces up to 20,000 supramaximal muscle contractions, providing numerous benefits:
- Reducing abdominal muscle separation.
- Improving core strength and posture.
- Alleviating lower back pain.
- Enhancing muscle tone and strength.
This advanced technology, combined with our personalised plans, aims to help you regain strength and functionality, improving your quality of life through quality comprehensive care.
Why Choose Orchard Clinic
Orchard Clinic is Singapore’s premier wellness centre for Diastasis Recti, where our focus is on sustainable. By emphasising early stabilisation and muscle strengthening, our experienced team aims to enhance your overall health and well-being. We aim to provide personalised care that is tailored to ensure lasting outcomes.
Ready to take the next step towards a stronger core and improved wellness? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards better you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diastasis Recti
Does losing weight help with Diastasis Recti?
Losing weight can help with Diastasis Recti in some cases, but it may worsen the condition if done incorrectly. At Orchard Clinic, our experienced team can provide you with a personalised plan tailored to your needs. It’s crucial to work with professionals who understand your condition to ensure your weight loss efforts do not further worsen your symptoms.
When is Diastasis Recti considered severe?
Diastasis Recti is classified as severe when the abdominal separation measures more than five centimetres. This extensive separation can lead to various complications, such as back and pelvic pain, core instability, weakened abdominal muscles, and poor posture. As the condition advances, it may cause additional problems like intestinal motility disorders and nausea. In the most extreme cases, severe Diastasis Recti can lead to abdominal muscle atrophy and hernia development.
Why does Diastasis Recti happen?
Recognising the conditions of Diastasis Recti is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. Commonly encountered ones include:
- Intense Intra-Abdominal Pressure: Activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as heavy lifting, intense coughing, or significant weight gain, can cause the abdominal muscles to stretch and separate.
- Poor Posture or Alignment: Incorrect body alignment can weaken and separate the abdominal muscles over time. Maintaining good posture helps prevent this.
- Poor Technique During Abdominal Exercises: Incorrectly performing abdominal exercises can worsen muscle separation. Proper technique and professional guidance are crucial.
- Pregnancy: The growing uterus stretches the abdominal muscles and the connective tissue (linea alba) between them. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also soften the connective tissues, making them more susceptible to separation.
It’s important to note that Diastasis Recti can affect not only women during and after pregnancy but also babies and men. In infants, the condition often resolves on its own. In men, it can be caused by weight gain, incorrect exercise techniques, or heavy lifting without proper core support.
How do I assess whether I have Diastasis Recti or not?
Performing a self-assessment for Diastasis Recti can be challenging and may cause frustration. It is best to book an appointment with us for an accurate assessment. Our consultants will examine the extent of your condition, identify contributing factors, provide a prognosis, and recommend a plan for you.
If you want to do a self-assessment before consulting us, follow these steps:
- Lie on Your Back: Lie down with your legs straight and arms by your side.
- Lift Your Head: Lift your head off the floor and crunch, so your shoulder blades lift off the ground.
- Check the Abdominal Midline: Move one hand over your xiphoid process (tip of the breastbone) and run your fingers along the middle of the two rectus abdominis muscles. Follow the linea nigra (pregnancy line) from your belly button to the pubic bone.
- Feel for Separation: Feel for the two firm edges of your rectus abdominis muscles and the softness between them. Measure the gap using finger widths, imagining the skin between your knuckles, where the knuckles represent the muscle.
Can Diastasis Recti be addressed without surgery?
Yes, Diastasis Recti can often be managed without surgery. There are many non-invasive options available here in Singapore, such as exercises, physiotherapy, and advanced technologies like HIFEM therapy. These conservative methods can help improve the condition for most individuals. In rare cases where there is no improvement and the condition significantly affects daily function, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is also an option in severe cases of hernia or if the patient chooses to undergo the procedure.
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