Rectus Diastasis
- Rectus Diastasis
- How Do You Know You Have Rectus Diastasis?
- Consequences of Rectus Diastasis
- Rectus Diastasis Treatment
- Recommendations for Diastasis of the Rectus
If you feel that your abdomen is overstretched due to obesity or pregnancy, your abdominal muscles called “rectus abdominis” may be damaged. If this is the case, it is of great benefit to know what rectus diastasis is.
If you have swelling in your abdomen, it may be a case of rectus diastasis. This discomfort is very important and you should deal with it with due respect, because it is not just about aesthetics. So what is this rectus diastasis?
It is an anatomical condition that arises as a result of weakening of the linea alban (the fibrous structure lying in the midline of the abdomen), located in the area where both sides of the abdominal muscles separate in the center.
The abdominal muscles consist of a pair of long, smooth muscles located vertically on either side of the abdomen. As they are the outermost muscle, they perform the tasks of keeping the body upright and bending the trunk. In addition, they support other organs in the body.
On the other hand, linea alba consists of connective tissues and enables you to perform certain movements. In cases where the baby grows up to 35 centimeters during pregnancy, the abdominal muscles can sometimes separate completely and cause diastasis.
The causes of diastasis in the abdominal muscles can be one of the following:
- Innate effects.
- Structures are weak due to aging or excessive weight gain, which would point to the third reason.
- Weight and volume increase due to pregnancy.
Another reason is “relaxin”, a hormone that prevents the formation of collagen (a type of albuminoid, the main protein of connective tissue) there may be an excess.Bu en son üretim özelliğinden daha fazla görülmektedir, çünkü istatistiklere gebe %35’inin rektus diyastazından görünüşte çıkarılmıştır.
How Do You Know You Have Rectus Diastasis?
For this, there are different methods such as instruments measuring body fat or ultrasound. Another simple way is to feel the area directly without using any tools.
If you don’t know how to do this, we can show you right away. Lie on your back, place your fingers on the midline of your body, more precisely, below and above your belly button.
Then lift your head as if you were exercising. If you have rectus diastasis, a hole will appear under your fingers that pushes your internal organs.
Consequences of Rectus Diastasis
The problems caused by this ailment are not limited to aesthetics, namely appearance. The separation of the abdominal muscles causes your organs in the abdominal cavity to come out, creating a swelling, which gives the impression that you are pregnant.
If the necessary force is not applied to the abdominal region, the waist region, back and pelvis region may be affected, causing injuries and pain.
Separation in these muscles can cause digestive problems, prolapse, urinary incontinence, and the appearance of gastric hernias.
Rectus Diastasis Treatment
If you think you are suffering from rectus diastasis, the first thing you should do is to go to the doctor for an examination.
Be sure to follow the instructions given by your doctor after your diagnosis and abandon the unhealthy habits in your life.
In case of rupture of the fibers called linea alba, surgical intervention is required and this should be done by a specialist. Otherwise, the person may begin to complain of an abdominal hernia.
In cases where the linea alba fibers are not torn, the best treatment method for rehabilitation is physiotherapy. The best activity for this is hypopressive abdominal movements, which occur when the abdominal muscles produce pressure.
Here are a few more great exercises for this area: Abdominal isometrics, push-ups, breathing exercises and the Tupler technique (rhythmic and transverse contractions).
Recommendations for Diastasis of the Rectus
If a period of 3-6 months has passed and the muscles have not come together naturally, it is useful to keep the following suggestions in mind:
- Consult your doctor to make the diagnosis and start the treatment.
- Visit a physiotherapist to apply techniques such as electrotherapy.
- Do not try to correct your body shape by exercising, as this may worsen the situation.
- Avoid lifting weights or exerting too much effort while you are recovering.
- Follow a healthy and protein-based diet program by consuming enough water.
Now you know the answer to the question of what is rectus diastasis. It’s never too late to bring back your old abdominal muscles. Remember; The situation will only become impossible if you believe it is. Take control of the situation and start moving towards your goal.