Changes in abdominal shape or control
You may notice a ridge or bulge along the midline when sitting up, lifting or changing position. Some women also report reduced core control or difficulty returning to activities.
Postpartum Women's Physiotherapy
Diastasis Recti & Abdominal Muscle Separation
Pregnancy can stretch the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles. For some women, the separation remains noticeable after delivery and may affect abdominal function and confidence with movement.
Hayat Revive provides individualised physiotherapy focused on abdominal control, breathing, core coordination and a gradual return to everyday activities.
Book a Consultation
01
Restore Function, Not Just Appearance
Rehabilitation focuses on how your abdominal wall manages pressure, supports movement and works with the rest of your core.
Understanding Diastasis Recti
What is abdominal muscle separation?
Diastasis recti is a widening and thinning of the connective tissue between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscles. It commonly develops during pregnancy as the abdominal wall adapts to a growing uterus.
Width alone does not tell the whole story
The separation is only one part of the assessment. Abdominal wall tension, pressure management, symptoms, strength and functional ability also matter.
Remember: Some degree of abdominal separation is common during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. It does not automatically mean something is damaged or that surgery is required.
Signs & Symptoms
When may an assessment be helpful?
Consider an assessment if abdominal changes or reduced core function are affecting your comfort, confidence or ability to return to normal activities.
A visible ridge or doming along the middle of the abdomen during movement.
A feeling of reduced abdominal support or core control.
Difficulty coordinating breathing and abdominal effort during exercise.
Difficulty progressing comfortably with lifting or exercise after delivery.
Concerns about abdominal recovery after pregnancy or childbirth.
Abdominal bulging that needs assessment to distinguish separation from a hernia.
Our Rehabilitation Approach
A gradual plan built around your needs
There is no single exercise programme that suits everyone. Rehabilitation is selected according to your recovery stage, symptoms, functional goals and assessment findings.
01 / ASSESS
Understand your abdominal wall
Review your history, symptoms, abdominal wall function, breathing and movement strategies. A clinician may also check for signs that need medical assessment.
02 / REBUILD
Improve coordination and control
Depending on your needs, treatment may include breathing strategies, gentle abdominal activation, posture and movement education, and appropriately selected core exercises.
03 / PROGRESS
Return to everyday activity
Progress exercises and functional tasks gradually according to your symptoms, control and tolerance. The goal is improved function rather than a specific appearance alone.
Exercise should be individualised. If an activity causes pain, excessive doming that you cannot control, pelvic pressure or other concerning symptoms, pause and discuss an appropriate modification with your clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diastasis recti FAQs
Can diastasis recti improve without surgery?
Many women can improve abdominal function with time and an appropriate rehabilitation programme. The amount of change varies. Surgery may be considered in selected cases after medical assessment, but it is not automatically needed because a separation is present.
Can physiotherapy help after a C-section?
Physiotherapy may help with gradual return to activity, breathing, abdominal coordination and core function after a C-section. Exercise progression should account for healing, symptoms and guidance from your treating healthcare professional.
Should I avoid all abdominal exercises?
Not necessarily. The suitable exercises depend on your current recovery, symptoms and ability to manage pressure during movement. A physiotherapist can help you select and progress exercises appropriately.
Can abdominal separation cause back pain?
Some women with diastasis recti also experience back discomfort or reduced core function, but the separation does not necessarily cause the pain. A broader assessment can help identify relevant contributing factors.
How long does diastasis recti rehabilitation take?
Recovery varies with the degree of separation, tissue recovery, symptoms, overall strength and consistency with the programme. Your plan should be reviewed and progressed according to your individual response.
When should I seek medical advice?
Seek prompt medical assessment for a new or painful abdominal lump, particularly if it becomes firm, cannot be pushed back, or is accompanied by vomiting or severe abdominal pain. Severe or worsening postpartum pain, fever or wound concerns also require medical review.
Hayat Revive | Women's Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Build confidence in your postpartum recovery
If abdominal separation or reduced core control is affecting your daily activities, take the next step with an individualised physiotherapy assessment.
Request a Consultation WhatsApp UsThis page provides general educational information and does not replace individual medical assessment or diagnosis. Treatment suitability depends on your symptoms, recovery stage and clinical findings.
Postpartum Women's Physiotherapy
Diastasis Recti & Abdominal Muscle Separation
Pregnancy can stretch the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles. For some women, the separation remains noticeable after delivery and may affect abdominal function and confidence with movement.
Hayat Revive provides individualised physiotherapy focused on abdominal control, breathing, core coordination and a gradual return to everyday activities.
Book a Consultation
01
Restore Function, Not Just Appearance
Rehabilitation focuses on how your abdominal wall manages pressure, supports movement and works with the rest of your core.
Understanding Diastasis Recti
What is abdominal muscle separation?
Diastasis recti is a widening and thinning of the connective tissue between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscles. It commonly develops during pregnancy as the abdominal wall adapts to a growing uterus.
Changes in abdominal shape or control
You may notice a ridge or bulge along the midline when sitting up, lifting or changing position. Some women also report reduced core control or difficulty returning to activities.
Width alone does not tell the whole story
The separation is only one part of the assessment. Abdominal wall tension, pressure management, symptoms, strength and functional ability also matter.
Remember: Some degree of abdominal separation is common during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. It does not automatically mean something is damaged or that surgery is required.
Signs & Symptoms
When may an assessment be helpful?
Consider an assessment if abdominal changes or reduced core function are affecting your comfort, confidence or ability to return to normal activities.
A visible ridge or doming along the middle of the abdomen during movement.
A feeling of reduced abdominal support or core control.
Difficulty coordinating breathing and abdominal effort during exercise.
Difficulty progressing comfortably with lifting or exercise after delivery.
Concerns about abdominal recovery after pregnancy or childbirth.
Abdominal bulging that needs assessment to distinguish separation from a hernia.
Our Rehabilitation Approach
A gradual plan built around your needs
There is no single exercise programme that suits everyone. Rehabilitation is selected according to your recovery stage, symptoms, functional goals and assessment findings.
01 / ASSESS
Understand your abdominal wall
Review your history, symptoms, abdominal wall function, breathing and movement strategies. A clinician may also check for signs that need medical assessment.
02 / REBUILD
Improve coordination and control
Depending on your needs, treatment may include breathing strategies, gentle abdominal activation, posture and movement education, and appropriately selected core exercises.
03 / PROGRESS
Return to everyday activity
Progress exercises and functional tasks gradually according to your symptoms, control and tolerance. The goal is improved function rather than a specific appearance alone.
Exercise should be individualised. If an activity causes pain, excessive doming that you cannot control, pelvic pressure or other concerning symptoms, pause and discuss an appropriate modification with your clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diastasis recti FAQs
Can diastasis recti improve without surgery?
Many women can improve abdominal function with time and an appropriate rehabilitation programme. The amount of change varies. Surgery may be considered in selected cases after medical assessment, but it is not automatically needed because a separation is present.
Can physiotherapy help after a C-section?
Physiotherapy may help with gradual return to activity, breathing, abdominal coordination and core function after a C-section. Exercise progression should account for healing, symptoms and guidance from your treating healthcare professional.
Should I avoid all abdominal exercises?
Not necessarily. The suitable exercises depend on your current recovery, symptoms and ability to manage pressure during movement. A physiotherapist can help you select and progress exercises appropriately.
Can abdominal separation cause back pain?
Some women with diastasis recti also experience back discomfort or reduced core function, but the separation does not necessarily cause the pain. A broader assessment can help identify relevant contributing factors.
How long does diastasis recti rehabilitation take?
Recovery varies with the degree of separation, tissue recovery, symptoms, overall strength and consistency with the programme. Your plan should be reviewed and progressed according to your individual response.
When should I seek medical advice?
Seek prompt medical assessment for a new or painful abdominal lump, particularly if it becomes firm, cannot be pushed back, or is accompanied by vomiting or severe abdominal pain. Severe or worsening postpartum pain, fever or wound concerns also require medical review.
Hayat Revive | Women's Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Build confidence in your postpartum recovery
If abdominal separation or reduced core control is affecting your daily activities, take the next step with an individualised physiotherapy assessment.
Request a Consultation WhatsApp UsThis page provides general educational information and does not replace individual medical assessment or diagnosis. Treatment suitability depends on your symptoms, recovery stage and clinical findings.