Understanding Diastasis Recti: Its Impact on Bloating, Low Back Pain, Urinary Incontinence, and How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), commonly known as abdominal separation, is a condition in which the connective tissue (linea alba) that connects the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis muscles stretches or thins, often due to the pressure of pregnancy. This separation can weaken core stability, impact posture, and affect several other systems, contributing to symptoms like bloating, low back pain, and urinary incontinence. Here, we’ll dive into how DRA impacts these issues and explore how pelvic floor therapy can support recovery.
1. Impact on Bloating
With diastasis recti, the weakened abdominal muscles can struggle to support the digestive organs, impacting digestion and sometimes leading to bloating or discomfort. This may be especially noticeable after meals or physical activity. Poorly supported abdominal organs can also affect peristalsis, the process by which food moves through the intestines, leading to constipation or irregular digestion.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help:
- Targeted Exercises: Pelvic floor therapists can develop specific exercises to strengthen the abdominal wall and improve support for digestive organs.
2. Impact on Low Back Pain
When the rectus abdominis muscles are weakened by DRA, the back muscles often take on more strain to compensate. This can contribute to low back pain, especially with prolonged standing, lifting, or even everyday movements. Over time, poor alignment and muscular compensation patterns can worsen, creating a cycle of back discomfort and muscle fatigue.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help:
- Postural Alignment: Therapists can work on correcting postural issues that arise from compensatory patterns due to DRA.
3. Impact on Urinary Incontinence
Diastasis recti is linked to reduced pelvic floor support, which is essential for bladder control. The interconnectedness of core muscles means that weakness in one area, like the abdominal wall, can have a direct effect on the pelvic floor. For many people, this manifests as urinary incontinence, especially during activities that increase abdominal pressure, like sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help:
- Strengthening Exercises: Focused exercises can help reinforce pelvic floor muscles to improve bladder control.
Additional Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy for DRA Recovery
Beyond the specific symptoms of bloating, back pain, and incontinence, pelvic floor therapy helps address DRA holistically. Therapists can tailor exercises to an individual’s needs, gradually progressing to include functional movements and strength-building, leading to better movement and stability in everyday activities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of diastasis recti, addressing them through pelvic floor therapy can be a game-changer. Working with a pelvic floor therapist can help you rebuild the deep core muscles and regain strength, stability, and control. Over time, this holistic approach to managing DRA not only alleviates symptoms but also supports a strong, functional core for the long term.