Healing Diastasis Recti: How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help You Feel Strong and Confident Again

Diastasis Recti might sound complicated, but it's actually pretty common and manageable, especially for new moms. Basically, it’s when the “six-pack” muscles in your belly separate along the middle, creating a gap. This happens when the connective tissue holding these muscles together, called the linea alba, gets stretched or weakened. Pregnancy, sudden weight changes, or intense abdominal workouts can be major culprits. For many moms, pregnancy does the stretching, as the growing baby puts pressure on the abdominal wall. The result? A tummy that sticks out more than you'd like, poor posture, annoying lower back pain, and even some pelvic floor issues, because your core just isn't as stable.

Enter pelvic floor physical therapy, a total game-changer when it comes to healing Diastasis Recti. A therapist will take a look at how big the gap is and how your core and pelvic floor muscles are working together (or not). Then, they’ll create a personalized plan with safe, effective exercises that target your deep core muscles, like the transverse abdominis, to gently help close that gap. They’ll also teach you the right way to breathe—diaphragmatic breathing is a big one—so you engage your abs without putting extra pressure on that already-stretched tissue.

But that’s not all. Pelvic floor therapy also tackles related issues, like pelvic floor weakness, which is super common after having a baby. Therapists work on getting your pelvic floor muscles and core to team up for better overall stability. They might use hands-on techniques, help you fix your posture, and show you how to move your body in ways that protect your core and pelvic floor. With regular therapy, you can rebuild strength, reduce the gap, and get back to moving confidently and comfortably. Plus, you’ll feel better about how your body looks and feels, which is a huge win for your quality of life.

At Nurture, we have the amazing fortune to have our very own Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Dr. Alex Beaudoin, PT, DPT.  She is passionate about pelvic floor physical therapy and has received specialized training in the field through Herman & Wallace.  She strives to provide a personalized approach to helping you regain the strength and function of your pelvic floor for so you can thrive for years to come!  Reach out to schedule an appointment or a complementary 15-minute phone call with Dr. Alex. 

Alex Beaudoin, PT, DPT (she/her)new mom, pelvic floor, pelvic floor therapy, physical therapy, healing, postpartum, postpartum care, postpartum therapy, pregnancy, childbirth, pelvic pain, peliv organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, diastasis recti, pelvic floor physical therapist, pelvic floor muscles, bladder control, posture, labor and delivery, core muscles, abdominal muscles, pelvic floor weakness