Diastasis Recti is where the connective tissue between the 2 sides of your Rectus Abdominis — (6 pack muscles) has separated at the midline, creating a gap in the midline of your belly abdomen anywhere from the pubic bone to the base of the rib cage.

Where one would normally feel tension in this area during a crunch or sit-up, there is a gap.

As a result of the stretching of this center line connective tissue — your abdominal organs no longer have the support they need from the front and they pop out — hence the pooch/ mummy tummy.

A functional core is needed to keep your organs, pelvic floor and organs supported. Without that we are prone to a Diastasis Recti, prolapse, leaking, and back pain.

What Causes Diastasis Recti?

An imbalance in the pressure system of your abdominal cavity which causes the connective tissue (linea alba) running down your centerline from the base of your rib cage to your pubic symphysis (bone) to overstretch and the muscles known as the Rectus Abdominis (6 pack) to separate.

Your body is designed to withstand loads but if you have a lot of tension in your abdominals, muscles that are over toned, muscles that are under used, and extra pressure exerted from non-optimal breathing patterns, then your body cannot withstand those loads.

These occurrences happen from faulty breathing patterns, imbalanced muscles, and repetitive movement patterns that are not balanced.

Is Diastasis Recti Permanent?

For many people, not at all. A diastasis recti takes time to close the gap because connective tissue takes time to strengthen again but is possible.

New research shows that it is less important if the gap closes all the way and more important to find function in the core muscles.

Read more at Lauren Ohayon’s Blog