Can you do anything to repair Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)?
Abdominal Splinting
Abdominal splinting consists of using a piece of fabric such as a scarf/sarong or a large elasticated ‘corset’ belt wrapped around the abdomen to bring both sides of the main abdominal muscle (Rectus Abdominus) back together. This technique is used widely in many cultures such as in Africa and can also be used while exercising the abdominals post pregnancy, particularly when performing a modified abdominal crunch aimed at shortening the overstretched, deformed muscle without doming.
Surgery
I’ve had a few clients over the years who have used surgery to close the gap. Their motivation at the time had been purely cosmetic and feedback was very diverse, some complaining of loss of sensation and ability to ‘connect’ with that area when doing abdominal exercises, while others were very happy with the result and appearance post surgery. My advice and the advice given to me by internationally respected cosmetic surgeon Dr Maurizio Viel, is that surgery should only be a last resort in the case of Diastasis Recti, following a consistent specialised exercise program to reconstruct the abdominal wall, which if done properly will close the separation to a recommended 2-finger gap or less.
Conclusion: “if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you”
While abdominal splinting can be a useful tool and aid in healing Diastasis Recti if used correctly and surgery can improve the appearance of your abdomen, neither of these methods can and should be substituted to a thorough, consistent and prolonged exercise program aimed at correcting faulty muscle recruitment and/or body alignment which caused the separation to occur in the first place, especially for women who are planning to have more children. A long term strengthening exercise program devised by a Pre & Postnatal specialist or physiotherapist is the only way to effectively and safely repair abdominal separation both from a functional & aesthetic point of view.
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