What Is Rectus Abdominis Diastasis?
If you feel abnormal volume in your belly, it may be a rectus diastasis. It is important to pay due attention, as this is not just an aesthetic problem.
It is an anatomical condition caused by the weakening of the linea alba. This weakening causes both sides of the abdomen to split in the middle.
The rectus abdominis are a pair of long, flat muscles located vertically on each side of the abdomen. As it is the most extensive muscle, it has the function of keeping the body erect and facilitating trunk flexion, in addition to supporting the internal organs.
In turn, the linea alba, which is formed by connective tissue, allows movement, especially during pregnancy, when the baby grows 35 centimeters. Therefore, in some cases, the rectus abdominis ends up separating completely and causes abdominal diastasis.
Factors that cause diastasis of the rectus abdominis
- Congenital factors.
- Weakness of structures due to aging or excess weight, which gives rise to the third factor.
- The increase in weight and volume caused by pregnancy.
Furthermore, one of the causes is the excess of the hormone relaxin, which inhibits collagen production. This last factor is the most frequent, since, according to statistics, 35% of pregnant women suffer from abdominal diastasis.
How do you know if you have rectus diastasis?
You can use several instruments to measure: do an ultrasound or use an adipometer, a body fat meter, for example. Another simpler way is to feel the area directly.
You can do this lying on your back, placing your fingers on the midline of your body, especially above your navel. Then lift your head as if you were doing a sit-up. You should feel a hole under your fingers pushing against the insides.
Consequences of diastasis of rectus abdominis
In addition to being an aesthetic problem, the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles causes the contents of the abdominal cavity to protrude forward, forming a volume, which can give the false impression of pregnancy.
When the proper force is not exerted on the abdomen, the lumbar region, the back, the pelvic region are affected and this causes pain and injuries. This separation can, therefore, lead to digestive problems, prolapses, involuntary loss of urine and the appearance of stomach hernias.
Treatment for diastasis of the rectus abdominis
The first thing you should do if you think you may have abdominal diastasis is to see your doctor for a more accurate assessment. Once you have your diagnosis, you should start following medical advice and correcting some not-so-healthy habits you may have.
Surgery will be required if the fibers in the linea alba have broken and the opening will need to be closed with the intervention of a specialist. Otherwise, you could develop an abdominal hernia.
Physical therapy is the treatment responsible for rehabilitation when the fibers are not broken. Some of the exercises that can be performed are hypopressive sit-ups, in which abdominal pressure is applied.
There are also isometric crunches, plank, breathing and the Tupler method, which are rhythmic and transversal contractions.
Recommendations
If a period of 3 to 6 months has passed and the muscles have not come back together naturally, consider the following recommendations:
- See your doctor so he can confirm the diagnosis and indicate the best treatment.
- Have sessions with a physiotherapist who can apply techniques such as electrotherapy.
- Don’t try to get back in shape by doing sit-ups on your own, as in many cases the situation ends up getting worse.
- While you’re in this recovery process, don’t lift too much weight and avoid exerting yourself.
- Complement the treatment with a high protein diet and adequate hydration.
It’s never too late to get your abs back. And remember that the impossible is only in our minds. At the same time, the solution to many of our problems is in our hands.
