Diastasis, physical therapy, treatment: Focus Fizikal, Belgrade✓

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis is a condition in which the left and right abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) are separated, due to the weakening of the connective tissue that connects them - the linea alba. This condition is especially common in women after pregnancy, but it can also occur in men and people who have suddenly gained weight or have exercised intensively and improperly.

Although not life-threatening, diastasis recti can cause a number of problems such as lower back pain, abdominal wall weakness, poor posture and even pelvic floor dysfunction.

Indications for the treatment of diastasis

• Postpartum diastasis
• Diastasis in men (due to inadequate training or obesity)
• Pain in the lumbar spine associated with weakness of the abdominal wall
• Aesthetic disturbances
• Pelvic floor dysfunction

Diastasis is diagnosed by clinical examination and ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound is the most accurate method for visualizing the distance between the abdominal muscles and assessing the thickness and quality of the linea alba. This method allows accurate monitoring of progress during therapy.

Patients often describe a feeling of "emptiness" or "weakness" in the central part of the abdomen, and after the treatment they feel an improvement in the stability of the trunk, a reduction in pain and greater confidence in daily activities. Visible results are usually noted after a few weeks of regular exercise.

In physical medicine and rehabilitation, diastasis is treated conservatively, through targeted exercises, patient education and, if necessary, the use of orthoses or electrostimulation. The goal of the therapy is to achieve functional closure of the gap, strengthening of the deeper layers of the abdominal muscles (especially the transversus abdominis) and stabilization of the trunk.

✔ In the Focus Physical clinic, diastasis is successfully treated using Tecar therapy.

Tecar (Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive) is a deep heat treatment that accelerates the regeneration of connective tissue, increases circulation and helps restore the function of the abdominal wall. This method is combined with targeted exercises to achieve optimal results.

Therapeutic approach

Diastasis treatment includes::

• Exercises for deeper abdominal muscles (especially activation of transversus abdominis and pelvic floor muscles).
• Avoiding wrong movements (eg classic sit-ups that can worsen the condition).
• Kinesitherapy under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
• Application of Tecar therapy to accelerate regeneration.
• Use of tapes (kinesio taping) or orthoses in the initial phase.
• Educating patients on proper breathing patterns, weight lifting and postural correction.

Effects of diastasis therapy:

• Improving posture - strengthening the core musculature helps to maintain a more correct posture.
• Reduction of back pain - by stabilizing the trunk, the pressure on the spinal column is reduced.
• Functional correction - therapeutic exercises enable the restoration of the physiological function of the abdominal wall.
• Aesthetic improvement - by closing the diastasis, the protrusion of the stomach is reduced.
• Irregular movements in daily activities that worsen the gap (eg, getting out of bed without turning sideways).