What should you know about functional diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti describes widening and reduced tension along the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles. Functional symptoms can include a doming or bulging shape during effort, reduced trunk support, altered posture, back discomfort, difficulty rolling in bed, or trouble lifting. It often appears during or after pregnancy, but abdominal pressure, surgery and other changes can also affect the abdominal wall. The visible gap does not by itself measure strength or predict how you will function.

A physiotherapist can assess breathing, rib and pelvic movement, abdominal control and the tasks that trigger doming. Rehabilitation usually builds coordination with gentle activation, breathing and gradual strengthening before heavier loading. Roll to your side to get out of bed, exhale during effort, and avoid exercises that cause pain, marked bulging or breath-holding until they have been adapted. Postnatal physiotherapy can provide an individual plan, especially after birth or abdominal surgery.

Arrange an assessment if symptoms limit walking, lifting, exercise, childcare or daily activities, or if abdominal or back pain persists. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, vomiting, a tender firm bulge that will not reduce, fever, or difficulty passing stool or urine. These features may point to a separate abdominal problem and need prompt examination.

Ask whether your symptoms fit diastasis recti, whether a hernia or another condition should be excluded, and which movements are suitable now. Discuss how to progress lifting, exercise and return to sport, and whether referral to postnatal physiotherapy would help.