Can the Abdominal Muscles Split?

Do you have back pain? The problem could be in the front, not the back!

It’s true, the abdominals can separate. The “6-pack” muscle (the rectus abdominis) is the outermost abdominal wall muscle. The rectus muscle separates in 100% of pregnant women. In 50% of women this muscle returns back to normal after pregnancy; in the other 50% it does not; in 25% a large stretch remains. Men are at risk too, abdominal weight gain causes the same effect.

The good news is — it is fixable. Immediately after pregnancy is best, however I have restored closure to abdominal walls at all ages — even postmenopausal.

Have a doming or protrusion of the abdominal wall when you do a sit up? Have a collection of softer belly below your belly button that doesn’t respond to weight loss or abdominal exercises? You may have a diastasis. If you suspect a diastasis, you should avoid crunches and heavy lifting. To fix a diastasis you need to strengthen the deepest core muscle, the transverse abdominis. Research has shown that connecting to our deepest core muscles is difficult: we can’t see it, and with diastasis, it has sustained an injury, which makes it even more challenging.

We have developed a highly specialized practice in abdominal wall recovery and strengthening using cutting-edge computer technology to help you see the muscles of your abdominal wall on a monitor while learning how to reconnect to your deep core. You too can re-connect to your core, and be strong again!

– Emily Adams, Hons.BSc., MSc.P.T., Registered Physiotherapist, Pelvic Floor & Orthopaedic Physiotherapist