ABDOMINAL MUSCLE SEPARATION

During pregnancy the tissue between the abdominal muscles (linea alba) stretches to accommodate the growing foetus. Sometimes this stretching can remain in the post-partum period and is termed diastasis of the rectus abdominus muscle (DRAM) or less formally abdominal muscle separation.

• A noticeable gap between both sides of the ‘six-pack’ abdominal muscles
• Small bulging near the mid-line of the abdominal muscles when the muscles are contracted or with tasks such as lifting
• Abdominal muscle weakness

Your Physio will do a thorough assessment to determine the size of the separation and determine the strength of your abdominal muscles.

Treatments might include:

• Advice to wear an abdominal brace or recovery shorts
• Advice on optimal lifting/carry technique to avoid overloading the linea alba
• Exercise to improve abdominal strength and function, including Clinical Pilates
• Advice on what exercise to avoid as you work on your abdominal muscle strength

There is not a ‘one size fits all’ in regard to appropriate exercise for the management of abdominal separation, exercises should always be tailored based on a thorough assessment.