How to solve abdominal diastasis after childbirth

During pregnancy it is normal to have abdominal diastasis as a result of the physical changes that occur before the growth of the baby in the womb. However, there are few cases in which the diastasis is resolved naturally after childbirth, and therefore there are many women who experience the consequences (both aesthetic and physical) of this lesion.

Fortunately, can be solved with specialized help, and for this we have consulted Rafael Vicetto, a specialized physiotherapist with more than ten years of experience in the field of rectum diastasis, and creator of the Stop Diastasis method. How to solve abdominal diastasis after childbirth?

In Babies and more Abdominal or rectum diastases: what it is and why it occurs

The importance of treating abdominal diastasis

How we saw a few days ago when we discussed in depth the issue of abdominal diastasis and its consequences, this lesion not only represents an aesthetic problem (greater abdominal volume after giving birth) but can lead to unpleasant physical sequelae, such as lumbar and abdominal pain, discomfort during sexual intercourse, urinary incontinence, digestive problems ...

That is why specialists advise to be aware of this injury, and know how to treat it to improve the quality of life and reduce the associated problems.

Treat diastasis with physical exercise

Once we have given birth and the doctor considers that we can play sports again, there are many women who focus on physical exercise to reduce the postpartum gut, with abdominal strengthening programs to recover the waist as soon as possible.

In Babies and more Postpartum recovery: everything you need to consider to take care of yourself at this stage

But when there is abdominal diastasis, we have to take great care of the type of exercise we do, because some are counterproductive and may aggravate the injury. This occurs with those trunk flexion exercises such as classic abs, as well as any exercise that involves abdominal pressure.

Exercises that can aggravate abdominal diastasis. Via Vicetto Clinic.

The hypopressive abs are the most indicated exercise in case of abdominal diastasis and pelvic floor problems. They consist of performing postures and movements that, combined with various apnea techniques, seek to reduce the pressure in the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities.

If you want to practice this type of abs it is important that cConsult with a physical therapist or specialized sports instructor, so that they teach you how to do them correctly after assessing your physical state, since there may be certain circumstances for which they are contraindicated.

Treat diastasis with physiotherapy

When abdominal diastasis is not very severe, physiotherapy is a effective alternative to get a functional abdomen. Thanks to the work of the specialist, we can get the muscles of the abdominal girdle and the pelvic floor back to support the organs located in the cavity they wrap.

From his physiotherapy clinic, Rafael Vicetto explains the methods he uses to treat abdominal diastasis:

  • Stop Diastasis Program: combines the use of a belt that helps approximate the rectus abdominis with specific exercises to activate and tone the entire core, based on isotonic and isometric contraction of the transverse, internal and external oblique muscle.
In Vitónica Core training in the gym: the six exercises that you can not miss
  • Radio frequency technology: The treatment can be combined with the use of Indiba technology, which works on damaged tissue and helps regenerate the abdominal alba line, producing collagen and elastin.

Many women with abdominal diastasis after pregnancy achieve a more functional abdomen and a reduction in their postpartum gut with the combined treatment of physiotherapy and hypropressive adbominals.

Treat diastasis with surgery

But there may be cases in which due to the acuity of damage caused by diastasis, the recovery program guided by a specialized physiotherapist is not enough and you have to resort to surgery.

This occurs when:

  • There is a large separation of the rectus abdominis
  • There is a lot of excess and striated skin in the abdomen area
  • There is significant damage of the connective and a serious injury to the abdominal wall
  • There are hernias that do not remit completely

Surgery to correct these problems is called tummy tuck., and serves both to solve the diastasis, as other defects of the abdomen in the skin and in the musculature, significantly improving its appearance.

Even so, It is essential that the physiotherapist be involved in this process, both before (helping the patient to strengthen the musculature and ensure that he arrives at the operation as competently as possible) and after surgery (aiding in the inflammation and strengthening the abdominal wall).

The consequences of an untreated abdominal diastasis can be very limiting when it comes to living a normal life. That is why Rafael Vicetto insists on the importance of having a review with a specialized physiotherapist once we have given birth.

In this way, The specialist can detect this abdominal lesion and treat it early, not forgetting other important competences in which it can also help us, such as the treatment of post-cesarean adhesions or the solution of problems related to the pelvic floor.

Photos | iStock

Acknowledgments | Rafael Vicetto, from the Vicetto Physiotherapy Clinic and creator of the Stop Diastasis method

Video: Diastasis Recti Exercises - Physical Therapy Diastasis Repair Exercises (March 2024).