During pregnancy, the outer layer of abdominals separates to allow for your baby to grow. Normally this returns gradually after birth but, if you have had a particularly forward bump, the separation can be greater than normal and therefore needs help to improve.
At JYphysiotherapy we specialise in helping women following their pregnancy, with a programme to strengthen their abdominals and gradually aim to reduce the diastasis width. Please see our video on how to assess your diastasis (if you are unsure please come for an assessment or see your Health Visitor).
There are many different ideas regarding the diastasis DO’s and DON’TS and it can become worrying for women to know what they need to do. It is important not to overly worry. The main concepts we follow are the following:
- We can work with Diastasis that are not full separation. These may need a surgical opinion.
- We work with little and regular exercises which can fit in with you and your baby.
- We check that you are maintaining the exercises and progressing.
- There is some evidence about using supports which we advocate.
- New evidence has tested using crunches with good success, which is also something we consider as we progress with the research.
- Our main principle is not to dome whilst exercising (please see video)
If you would like to discuss further please get in touch.
JY physiotherapy offers excellence as standard, with a holistic approach to your physical wellbeing.