How do I know if I have diastasis recti?
Diastasis recti is a condition in which the right and left rectus muscles separate from each other, resulting in a gap or bulge in the midline of the abdomen. Rectus muscles are two vertical abdominal wall muscles that are located in the front and center of your abdomen and are considered the main anterior core muscles. They are covered with a thick sheet of connective tissue, called fascia and normally are attached together in the midline of the abdomen.
This naturally thin vertical separation is clearly seen in athletes and helps to create the illusion of “six pack” muscle. In diastasis recti, this thick tissue stretches out, causing the two rectus muscles separate from each other. This separation diminishes the optimal function of the anterior core muscles and leads to core muscle instability. Diastasis recti commonly occurs in women after pregnancy, but it can happen in women and men with no prior history of pregnancy.
In our Orange County diastasis recti repair center we can arrange same or next day appointment to treat a urgent diastasis recti surgery. Dr. Iraniha will perform an examination to decide if laparoscopy surgery will be the type of surgery to perform the diastasis recti surgery.
To check if you have diastasis recti, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your fingertips just above your belly button, with your palm facing down. Slowly lift your head and shoulders off the floor, as if you are doing a crunch. As you lift, feel for any gap or separation between the two sides of your front abdominal muscles. If you feel a gap or separation that is wider than two fingers widths, you may have diastasis recti.
If you are concerned about your abdominal separation, you should consult with Dr. Iraniha for proper examination and diagnosis. There are other modalities that have been used to diagnose or confirm the diastasis recti, including abdominal ultrasound and/or CT scan which not only could diagnose the diastasis recti but also can exactly measure the defect. There is new minimally invasive procedure to repair Diastasis Recti in our Orange County Surgical center.
At Surgical Oasis Institute, an Orange County Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery center Dr. Iraniha has the expertise in all available surgical technique to repair the “diastasis recti” and a comprehensive examination and surgical discussion would be provided prior to the surgery to customize the best surgical option for each patient. Please contact us at 949-646-8444 for virtual or in person surgical consultation.
