How does the Diastasis Recti affect your core strength?
Diastasis Recti. For a long time diagnosis of this condition was considered harmless but in this video I’d like to share with you how the Diastasis recti affects your core strength. First let’s define the condition.
There are two large parallel muscles in the center of the abdomen called rectus muscles or six pack muscles which are covered with a thick sheet of fascia and connected to each other in the center. Diastasis recti is a condition where this connection gets loose and the two muscles separate from each other says Dr. Iraniha Diastasis Recti Expert
This condition is common in female after pregnancy, but it can also happen in men and non-pregnant women due to variety of conditions such as obesity. Even though the two rectus muscles are separated from each other but they are still connected together with a thin fascia and therefore, unlike abdominal wall hernia the Diastasis recti does not have a risk of bowel incarceration or strangulation. However the Diastasis recti can affect the core muscle strength in other ways and could be associated with various forms of issues. See before and after pictures from our Orange County Laparoscopy Surgery Center.
Abdominal wall anatomy
To understand these issues, first, let’s talk about the abdominal wall anatomy. The abdominal wall on the side has three muscles called external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. They are all originating from a thick fascia in the back and insert to the midline rectus muscles. Therefore when the rectus muscles are separated from each other in the Diastasis recti these abdominal muscles do not have a strong anchor to contract which makes their function inefficient. This lack of efficient contraction could also lead to partial muscle atrophy and weakness, says our OC Expert Surgeon
That’s why majority of patients with this condition complain of lack of abdominal core strength, abdominal discomfort during exercise, inability to perform core exercises and lower back pain due to abnormal body posture.
In summary even though Diastasis recti is not associated with life threatening complications but it really could affect the individual quality of life and needs to be addressed.
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 for diagnosis and a 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.
