Diastasis Recti Physiotherapy in Barrhaven, Ottawa
Diastasis recti is a widening of the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles, commonly noticed during pregnancy or postpartum. Rehabilitation focuses on function rather than appearance alone.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is a widening of the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles, commonly noticed during pregnancy or postpartum. Rehabilitation focuses on function rather than appearance alone. Because symptoms and functional limitations can have more than one contributing factor, care should begin with an individualized assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Diastasis Recti
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may have more than one possible cause. A physiotherapy assessment helps determine what may be contributing to yours.
- A visible or palpable midline abdominal gap
- Bulging or doming with certain movements
- Reduced confidence with core exercise
- Difficulty managing pressure during lifting or activity
What May Contribute to Diastasis Recti?
There is not always one single cause. Symptoms may reflect a combination of tissue irritation, movement demands, previous injury, strength, mobility and other individual factors.
Pregnancy-related abdominal wall stretching
Repeated high-pressure strategies
Changes in abdominal and pelvic-floor coordination
Postpartum weakness or deconditioning
When Should You Consider Physiotherapy?
Pelvic health physiotherapy may be helpful when pelvic symptoms are affecting comfort, confidence, movement, exercise or everyday function.
- Pelvic pain, pressure, leakage or other symptoms are affecting daily activities or exercise
- Symptoms are limiting comfort with movement, lifting, work or recreation
- You are pregnant, postpartum or returning to activity after childbirth and want individualized guidance
- Symptoms have become recurrent or are difficult to manage on your own
- You want help improving pelvic floor coordination, strength, relaxation or movement strategies
- You want a private assessment and a clear plan built around your goals
Your Diastasis Recti Assessment and Recovery Plan
We focus on what your symptoms are stopping you from doing and build your plan around restoring movement, function and confidence.
Listen
We review how the problem began, how it affects daily life, your health history and the activities or goals that matter to you.
Assess
We assess the movement, strength, mobility, balance, coordination or functional tasks that are relevant to your presentation.
Treat
Your plan may include education, targeted exercise, movement retraining, hands-on treatment and other appropriate options based on your assessment.
Progress
We adjust the plan as you improve so you can build capacity and return to the activities that matter to you with greater confidence.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first visit begins with a private conversation about your symptoms, health history, daily activities and goals. Your physiotherapist explains the assessment process and only proceeds with components that are appropriate and consented to. You will leave with a clearer understanding of the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and the next steps in your individualized plan.
Diastasis Recti FAQ
Can physiotherapy help with Diastasis Recti?
Physiotherapy can help assess the movement, strength, mobility and functional factors connected with your symptoms. Treatment depends on what we find and may include exercise, education, movement retraining, hands-on care and other appropriate options.
What happens at my first appointment?
We review your symptoms, history and goals, assess the movements and activities that are relevant to you, explain our findings, and discuss an individualized treatment and rehabilitation plan.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time varies depending on the condition, how long symptoms have been present, your overall health, activity demands and how your body responds to treatment. We track progress and adjust the plan as needed.
When should I book an assessment?
Consider an assessment when symptoms are limiting movement, sleep, work, exercise or everyday activity, when the problem keeps returning, or when you are unsure how to progress safely.
Services That May Be Considered
Your treatment plan depends on your assessment, goals and stage of recovery. These services may be considered when clinically appropriate.