What Every Mom Should Know About Diastasis Recti
Our women’s health specialists, Danielle and Ashley, explain what diastasis recti is and why physical therapy is the most effective, non-surgical way to support postpartum core recovery.
April 24, 2025 | Danielle Pasquale, PT, DPT | Ashley Moriarty, PT, DPT, OCS
Did you know that around 60% of women experience abdominal separation (diastasis recti) six weeks after giving birth? And nearly 1 in 3 women still have it 12 months postpartum if nothing is done to support recovery (Sperstad et al., 2016).
For many moms navigating career, childcare, and personal wellness, this can feel frustrating—but it’s also incredibly common.
So, what is diastasis recti?
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (your “six-pack” muscles) that occurs as your belly expands to accommodate a growing baby. While it’s a natural part of pregnancy, that gap doesn’t always close on its own after delivery.
Left untreated, it can lead to:
- Core weakness
- Back or pelvic pain
- Poor posture
- Digestive issues
- A lingering lower belly “pooch” or bulge
- Pelvic floor dysfunction, including leaking or heaviness
But here’s the empowering truth: you don’t have to just live with it—and surgery isn’t the only answer.
Why Physical Therapy Is the Gold Standard
While surgery may be necessary in severe cases, conservative rehab—especially physical therapy—is considered the first and most effective line of treatment. According to recent studies, physical therapy-led programs improve strength, posture, function, and reduce symptoms without invasive procedures (Colaci et al., 2023).
Our pelvic health physical therapy focus on:
- Transversus abdominis (TrA) training: This deep core muscle acts like a built-in corset
- Glute and hip strengthening: Crucial for core stability and pelvic alignment
- Breathwork: Reconnecting breathing with core and pelvic floor coordination
When combined, these components reduce abdominal separation, restore function, and improve how your body moves and feels.
References
Sperstad J.B. et al. (2016). Diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth: Prevalence, risk factors and report of lumbopelvic pain. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5013086/
Colaci, D. et al. (2023). Physical therapy in the treatment of diastasis recti abdominis: Current evidence and clinical recommendations. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11023973/
