What is diastasis recti
Diastasis recti (sometimes called “abdominal separation”) is when the two parts of your main abdominal muscle, the ‘rectus abdominis’ — move apart along the midline. It’s normal during pregnancy, as the abdominal wall stretches to make room for your growing baby.
After birth, the tissues usually recover naturally; for others, the gap or a feeling of weakness in the midline persists. You might notice a doming or bulging of the tummy when sitting up, lifting, or exercising, or simply feel less core stability or support than before.
At Pelvix, we assess diastasis as part of a wider picture — looking not just at the gap itself, but how the muscles, connective tissue, breathing, and pelvic floor are working together. The goal isn’t simply to “close the gap,” but to restore strength, function, and confidence to exercise.
Treatment may include:
- Targeted core and pelvic floor rehabilitation – rebuilding strength and control in a safe, progressive way.
- Breathing and pressure management – learning to control intra-abdominal pressure during movement and lifting.
- Functional retraining – improving how you move in daily life and exercise.
- Education and self-management advice – understanding what helps healing and what may delay recovery.
- Scar and soft tissue work – if a C-section or abdominal surgery has affected tension or mobility.
- Diastasis is common and nothing to feel anxious about. With the right guidance, most people see improvement in strength and stability— whether you’re newly postnatal or years down the line.