Diastasis recti is the separation of the two sides of the abdominal muscles along the midline, which occurs naturally during pregnancy as the belly expands. For many women, this separation reduces on its own after delivery, but for others, it persists and can contribute to a soft or bulging appearance in the midsection, lower back discomfort, or reduced core stability. Diastasis recti treatment through physiotherapy focuses on rebuilding core function safely, based on where your abdominal separation currently stands.
This page explains what diastasis recti is, how to recognize it, and how postpartum core rehabilitation can help address it.
The abdominal muscles are connected along the midline by a band of connective tissue called the linea alba. During pregnancy, this tissue stretches to accommodate the growing uterus, causing the muscles to separate. Some degree of separation is a normal and expected part of pregnancy, but the tissue doesn’t always return to its pre-pregnancy tension afterward, resulting in ongoing abdominal muscle separation. This is different from general “postpartum belly” and involves specifically the connective tissue and muscle coordination along the midline.
Some common signs include:
A visible bulge or doming along the midline of the abdomen, particularly when sitting up or straining
A soft, gap-like sensation when pressing along the midline above or below the belly button
Ongoing lower back discomfort that doesn't seem to relate to another clear cause
A sense of reduced core strength or stability, especially during exercise or lifting
Abdominal muscles that feel disconnected or difficult to engage properly
Many women wonder how to check for diastasis recti after delivery — while self-checks exist, a physiotherapist can assess the width, depth, and tension of the separation more accurately, which helps guide appropriate treatment.
Diastasis recti develops due to the physical stretching of the abdominal wall during pregnancy, and its persistence afterward can be influenced by factors such as the degree of stretching, multiple pregnancies, core muscle strength before and during pregnancy, and how the core was engaged (or not engaged) in the postpartum recovery period. It’s a common and normal part of pregnancy recovery for many women, not a sign of doing something wrong, and it can generally be addressed with an appropriate, guided approach.
A physiotherapist can assess the width and tension of the separation, along with your overall core and pelvic floor function, then guide safe exercises for diastasis recti recovery. This typically involves specific deep core activation techniques, breath-coordinated exercises, and guidance on avoiding movements that may place excess strain on the midline while the tissue is healing and being retrained. Progress is generally gradual, and exercises are adjusted as core function improves.
An initial assessment usually involves discussing your pregnancy and delivery history, current symptoms, and any specific concerns about your abdominal area. Your physiotherapist will assess the separation by gently checking the width and tension of the gap at rest and during controlled movement, explaining the process clearly and only proceeding with your comfort in mind. From there, a plan is built around your specific findings rather than a generic postpartum core routine.
This approach may be worth considering if you've noticed abdominal bulging or doming since pregnancy, are experiencing ongoing lower back discomfort, feel your core strength hasn't returned to what it was, or simply want an accurate assessment of your abdominal separation before starting a fitness routine.
A basic self-check involves gently pressing along the midline of your abdomen while lifting your head slightly to feel for a gap, though a physiotherapist can assess this more accurately, including its width and tension.
Safe exercises typically focus on deep core activation and breath coordination, while avoiding movements that place excessive strain on the midline, such as certain sit-up variations, until the area has been appropriately assessed and rehabilitated.
Some degree of natural improvement is common in the months after delivery, but a physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether ongoing separation would benefit from a targeted rehabilitation approach.
While most commonly discussed in the postpartum context, abdominal separation can occasionally be relevant in other situations, though postpartum recovery is the most common context physiotherapists address it in.
Reduced core stability associated with diastasis recti can be linked to lower back discomfort for some women, though this connection varies and is best clarified through individual assessment.
If you’re noticing signs of abdominal separation or want an accurate assessment of your postpartum core, you can contact Shakthi Women’s Physiotherapy in Chennai to discuss a diastasis recti assessment.
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual assessment or professional medical advice.
Dedicated to empowering women through specialized physiotherapy care. We provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for all stages of a woman’s life.
© 2026 Shakthi Women’s Physiotherapy ❤︎ Made with in Chennai
Dedicated to empowering women through specialized physiotherapy care. We provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for all stages of a woman’s life.
© 2026 Shakthi Women’s Physiotherapy. Made with in Chennai