What is a Diastasis?
A Diastasis (also known as a Rectus Abdominus Diastasis- RAD, or Diastasis Rectus Abdominus- DRA) is when there is a separation between the front most muscles of the tummy. This separation is most commonly seen in the last trimester of pregnant moms and in the postpartum period.
This separation looks different in different people. Sometimes you can visibly see it when a person is standing up or lying down. Sometimes you can only see it when the abdominal muscles are being used. It could look like a dome or it could look like a gap. The width also ranges from person to person and so can the depth.
We used to think that the width of the Diastasis was the most important feature but with more research, we have realized that the depth of the Diastasis is what is important.
Why do we need to pay attention to a diastasis?
We always do a Diastasis check with our postpartum moms as most women will have one after being pregnant. When we check the Diastasis, our goal is to see how well controlled the tension beneath the gap is. This gives us insight into the core control of the body.
A Diastasis that is not well controlled can cause backache, a poorly functioning pelvic floor, and pelvic instability. Rehab for a Diastasis is a great way to look after your new postpartum body.
An example of what Diastasis can look like.
Below is a video of my Diastasis. My Diastasis is 1 finger wide. In the first section of the video I do a curl up of my head and shoulders (with poor core control) and you can see my fingers dipping into my Diastasis. Then when I activate my core (my TA and my pelvic floor) you can see my fingers pop up as my diastasis closes.
A pelvic health or women’s health physio is the right person to help you.
If you have any concerns about your diastasis or would just like to get it checked I strongly urge you to get in touch with a pelvic health or women’s health physio. There is so much that can be done to help you move and feel better and stronger.