ABDOMINAL SEPARATION

ABDOMINAL SEPARATION

Abdominal separation / rectus abdominal diastasis (RAD) is characterized by a thinning and widening of the linea alba (this is the piece of fascia that runs from your breast bone to the pubic bone, and helps make up the six pack appearance) and is associated with increased laxity of the anterior abdominal wall.

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You don't have to have given birth to experience a RAD, just walk around the weights section in the gym and I'm sure you will see some men with a RAD. That's right men can have a RAD as well! 

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RAD in pregnancy is a NORMAL and COMMON - 100% of women will have one at 35 weeks gestation and 39% at 6 months postnatal. Many women will not even notice their RAD. Most commonly women will notice a difference in their stomach aesthetic followed by functional difficulty.

TREATMENT

At Karen Crudden Pelvic Health Physio & Pilates we carryout a detailed examination of the integrity and function of the abdominal wall using palpation and real time ultrasound to ensure correct activation pattern, as well as taking into consideration your breathing patterns, posture, pelvic floor function and exercise goals. A early progressive strengthening program of the abdominal and surrounding muscles is important to rebuild the strength and control your abdominal wall  with the overall goal to get you back to the exercise you love.

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Our postnatal exercise classes are a great starting point for all women to learn how to rebuild your body from the inside out.