What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis Recti is a separation and thinning of the connective tissue along the midline of the abdominal wall. The change often develops as the abdomen expands during pregnancy, although other forms of abdominal strain can contribute. It may affect trunk support and create a visible ridge when abdominal muscles contract.
Quick Facts About Diastasis Recti
Category
Abdominal wall condition
Used for
Posture and movement assessment
Common confusion
Often confused with a hernia
Also called
Abdominal separation, Rectus diastasis
Often discussed with
Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Key Takeaways About Diastasis Recti
- The midline tissue becomes widened and less firm.
- Pregnancy can place significant strain on the abdominal wall.
- Diastasis recti is not the same as a muscle tear.
How Diastasis Recti Works
Diastasis Recti involves the linea alba, a connective tissue band that joins the left and right abdominal muscles. As the tissue stretches, the abdominal wall may provide less even support during activities such as rising from a chair, lifting, or changing position. A visible doming or ridge can appear when the muscles contract.
Related glossary terms: Pelvic Floor, Anterior Pelvic Tilt, Lumbar Spine.
A clinician considers the person’s history, posture, breathing pattern, and movement strategy during an assessment. Gentle palpation along the abdominal midline can help identify changes in tissue tension and spacing. The finding is interpreted with other observations because abdominal shape alone does not establish the condition. Pelvic Floor function and trunk control may also be considered when they affect movement.
From the Advanced Injury Care Clinic team
When we assess Diastasis Recti during Prenatal Chiropractic Care, we observe abdominal movement, posture, breathing, and comfort during position changes. We consider how the abdominal wall relates to the pelvis and spine. Our team uses those findings to guide appropriate care and identify concerns that may need referral.
Diastasis Recti in Practice: A Real-World Example
During prenatal chiropractic care, a person may notice a ridge along the abdominal midline when moving from lying down to sitting. The assessment focuses on movement and abdominal wall response, not on the ridge alone.
Related Services
Related Terms
Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that spans the bottom of…
Anterior Pelvic Tilt
Anterior Pelvic Tilt is a postural position in which the front of the pelvis rotates forward…
Lumbar Spine
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the vertebral column, located between the thoracic spine and…
Range of Motion
Range of Motion is the amount and direction a joint can move through its available movement…
Advanced Injury Care Clinic
Have Questions About Diastasis Recti?
Contact Advanced Injury Care Clinic for practical guidance on Diastasis Recti and related chiropractor work in Hermitage.