About Diastasis Recti

 Diastasis recti is the separation of the connective tissue that holds the rectus abdominis (six-pack) muscles together. While it's natural for your abdominal muscles to stretch during pregnancy to accommodate a growing baby, rapid expansion combined with poor intra-abdominal bracing can result in diastasis recti.

How Diastasis Recti Occurs

Intra-abdominal pressure becomes dysfunctional when the diaphragm and pelvic floor are not properly aligned, leading to an inadequate muscle firing pattern and a lack of core stability. These two structures work together: when you inhale, the diaphragm moves downward, lengthening the pelvic floor; when you exhale, both relax. This synchronized movement creates core stability. Without proper bracing, your body compensates by placing excessive strain on other areas, like the abdominal wall, leading to diastasis recti and setting the stage for movement dysfunction.

Poor movement patterns from this instability can cause muscle imbalances, low back pain, and pelvic discomfort.

Symptoms of Diastasis Recti

When diastasis recti occurs, your core—including the glutes, pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and diaphragm—becomes unstable. This can result in:

  • Low back pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Incontinence

If left untreated, a bulge or pouch may form in the lower abdomen as the abdominal muscles lose function and weaken. Healthy, well-developed muscles will tighten and slim your waistline, but weakened muscles lead to further instability and discomfort.

How We Help at Crux Sport & Spine

"Life should be lived, not limited"

At Crux Chiropractors in St. George, Utah, we focus on restoring your core function. Using functional movement screens, we identify dysfunctional movement patterns and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you relearn proper bracing techniques and breathing patterns.

Your core function is essential for daily life. By ensuring your body's systems work together for stability and optimal intra-abdominal pressure, we can help reduce pain and restore function.

You don’t have to settle for dysfunction after pregnancy—you deserve better, and Crux Chiropractors are here to help you heal.

Visit Crux Sport & Spine today!