Physiotherapy for diastasis recti

Diastasis recti is a widening and thinning of the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles, often noticed during or after pregnancy. A physiotherapist checks how your abdomen responds to breathing, coughing, lifting, and movement rather than judging the gap alone. They may also assess posture, pelvic-floor coordination, back discomfort, and daily activities. The aim is better tension and control through the trunk, not simply appearance of the tummy.

A rehabilitation plan may start with relaxed breathing, gentle abdominal activation, rolling and getting up without straining, then progress to loading that matches your recovery. Move slowly and avoid exercises that cause doming, pain, breath-holding, or pressure symptoms. A postnatal physiotherapy appointment can help tailor technique after birth, including when a caesarean wound, pelvic-floor symptoms, or back pain affects exercise choices. Increase activity gradually rather than testing the abdominal wall with sudden heavy lifting.

Arrange an assessment if abdominal separation is accompanied by persistent pain, a new bulge that is tender or firm, worsening back or pelvic symptoms, urine or bowel leakage, or difficulty returning to ordinary tasks. Seek urgent care for sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, a painful bulge that cannot be pushed back, or a wound that is opening or becoming increasingly red after surgery.

Ask which movements are suitable for your stage of recovery, how to recognise excessive pressure through the abdomen, and when lifting, running, or other exercise can be increased. Ask whether your symptoms suggest another problem that needs examination.