Diastasis Recti: To brace or not to brace that is the question?

Abdominal separation: This is a recent e-mail I received from a woman with a disappointing result from a popular program that recommends braces for Diastasis Recti, a common separation of the abdominals during pregnancy that lingers for some women. Constant bracing isn’t my jam. How can you suck your belly in 24/7?!

Good morning, my youngest child is 6 years old and I have tried everything to heal my diastasis and get rid of my “mommy tummy,” most recently I tried a bracing program.  I did my exercises 3x a day as recommended and wore the splint 24/7, I did this religiously for 4 months- and it worked!  But I got really tired of that splint, and took it off for a few days, and took a break from the exercises. Within a DAY after stopping, my waist was growing again!  Do I need to wear this brace for the rest of my life?!  I just can’t!   I am writing you to see if you have any recommendations for an exercise program to help me heal this diastasis.  I am just so upset . . .

I hear this thread over and over- and over again.  And I just sigh, because all the bracing did was weaken her abdominals and teach her abdominals to rely on the brace.  So once the braces comes off, the waist goes out.  Also, with all that focus on abdominal engagement, what happens to the pelvic floor and diaphragm?!  Is she setting herrself up for other issues down the line? Like prolapse? Oh Sh**, is this you too?!

First, you can scream, cry, and be pissed off. Its FRUSTRATING!  This begs the question . . . So now what?!?!

Next, calm down, it will be okay- I promise.  Let’s get some eyes on you and see what is happening with your abdominal wall, fascia and the rest of your central stability system (pelvic floor, diaphragm, trunk, glutes, etc). Let’s teach you how to coordinate the abs with the other muscles that help it do its job and manage the pressure in the abdomen.  It will be okay, there are other ways to heal a diastasis besides the “XXX program”. 

Check out this video by a leader and innovator in our field, Julie Wiebe, PT.  She addresses the over focus on abs and the impact of excessive pressure in the middle on the diaphragm above, and pelvic floor below. You aren’t alone I promise. Please contact me for some help and new ideas about how to heal your diastasis.