How effective is postnatal physiotherapy for diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti is widening or reduced tension along the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles. A physiotherapist assesses how you breathe, brace, lift, roll, and use your pelvic floor, rather than judging recovery by the gap alone. Treatment may include gentle deep abdominal activation, breathing coordination, posture changes, and gradual return to lifting or exercise. Some people notice better support and fewer symptoms before the appearance of the abdomen changes. Recovery can be influenced by healing, pain, previous pregnancies, and the demands of caring for a baby.

Choose a clinician experienced in postnatal rehabilitation and describe your birth, symptoms, and daily tasks. Follow the programme at a manageable level; holding your breath or forcing a strong abdominal contraction can increase pressure and make movement less comfortable. Learn how to get out of bed, lift your baby, and progress exercise safely. Track useful changes such as less doming, improved endurance, or easier movement, not only the distance between the muscles. Your plan may need adjustment as healing and activity change.

Arrange an assessment for persistent abdominal pain, a visible bulge that is painful or firm, worsening pelvic pressure, urine or bowel leakage, or difficulty returning to ordinary activities. Seek urgent care for severe pain, vomiting, a rapidly changing tender bulge, fever, or faintness. These signs may need assessment for a problem beyond routine muscle recovery.

How will you assess my abdominal wall and pelvic floor? Which exercises suit my current healing stage? What should I avoid for now? How will we measure improvement, and when should symptoms be reassessed?