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Understanding Diastasis Recti and Abdominal Coning

Abdominal coning is a phenomenon many women experience after giving birth, and it’s often a sign of a condition known as diastasis recti. During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles undergo significant changes to accommodate the growing baby. For many women, this can lead to separation in the muscles, particularly in the rectus abdominis. After childbirth, it’s common for this separation to remain, causing a visible bulging or “coning” of the abdomen when performing certain movements or exercises. In this blog post, we’ll explore the anatomy behind diastasis recti, why it occurs during pregnancy, what abdominal coning is, and how pelvic floor physical therapy can help in healing diastasis recti.

The Anatomy of Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, the pair of long muscles that run vertically down the abdomen, often referred to as the “six-pack” muscles. These muscles are connected by a band of connective tissue called the linea alba.

  • During pregnancy:
    • The uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby.
    • The abdominal muscles and the linea alba are stretched.
    • When the linea alba stretches too much, it loses its ability to hold the rectus abdominis muscles together, causing a gap between them.

Other abdominal muscles that play a role in supporting the core and can be affected by diastasis recti include:

How Diastasis Recti Occurs During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body undergoes incredible changes to accommodate the growing fetus.

  • Hormonal changes:
    • Increased levels of relaxin and estrogen soften connective tissues.
  • As the baby grows:
    • The uterus pushes against the abdominal wall.
    • The rectus abdominis muscles lengthen and separate.

This is a normal and natural process, but in some cases, the separation is more significant, leading to diastasis recti. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing diastasis recti during pregnancy include:

What is Abdominal Coning?

Abdominal coning occurs when the pressure inside the abdomen causes a noticeable bulging or protrusion along the midline of the abdomen.

  • This bulging is most visible when performing activities like:
    • Getting out of bed
    • Lifting
    • Doing certain exercises

It often indicates that there is a gap in the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that hasn’t yet healed.

  • Coning happens when there is increased intra-abdominal pressure that:
    • The weakened abdominal muscles cannot control.
    • Leads to bulging of tissue through the gap.

It’s important to note that coning can delay healing of diastasis recti because it continues to strain the linea alba and prevent it from regaining its tensile strength.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help Heal Diastasis Recti

Pelvic floor physical therapy is an effective, non-invasive approach to healing diastasis recti and addressing abdominal coning.

  • A skilled pelvic floor physical therapist can:
    • Assess the degree of separation.
    • Create a personalized rehabilitation plan focusing on:
      • Core strength
      • Alignment
      • Proper pressure management

Here’s how pelvic floor therapy can help:

  • Strengthening Transverse Abdominis (TVA):
    • Targeted exercises to activate TVA.
    • Teach proper engagement of core during daily activities.
  • Breathing Techniques:
    • Help manage intra-abdominal pressure.
    • Prevent excess pressure from building up in abdomen.
  • Postural Correction:
    • Focus on correcting posture to support optimal alignment.
    • Reduce strain on core and pelvic floor muscles.
  • Guidance on Movements:
    • Teach new mothers safer ways to move and exercise.
    • Promote healing rather than further damage.
  • Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles:
    • Support abdomen and spine.
    • Contribute to healing process for diastasis recti.

Diastasis recti and abdominal coning are common postpartum concerns but they don’t have to be permanent. With guidance from a pelvic floor physical therapist, you can strengthen your core, improve your posture, and manage pressure to promote healing.

Looking to be on the road to recovery following birth?

Reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com.

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