What is Diastasis Recti and how is it diagnosed
Diastasis Recti. 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. This condition is common in female after pregnancy, but it can also happen in men and non-pregnant women. Diagnosis of diastasis recti typically involves a combination of a physical examination and in some cases, imaging studies in our Orange County Diastasis Recti Surgery Center
Patient Can perform self examination to diagnose this condition.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place one hand behind your head and the other on your abdomen, with your fingertips feeling the center of your abdomen pointing towards your pelvis. Lift your head and shoulders slightly off the floor, as if you are doing a crunch and Feel along the midline of your abdomen, from rib cage all the way below the belly button. If you can feel a gap or a bulge, it may indicate diastasis recti.
Surgery and diagnosis
Dr. Iraniha will typically perform a similar maneuver to diagnose the Diastasis recti. They will have you lie down and perform a slight crunch while they palpate the mid line of your abdomen to feel for a separation between the rectus abdominis muscles. They will also measure the width and length of the gap. A separation of more than 2.7 cm (about 1 inch) is often considered diastasis recti.
In some cases, imaging studies may be used to confirm the diagnosis or assess the severity of Diastasis recti.
The ultrasound is the most common imaging method used in our Orange County Diastasis recti Center. It provides a clear image of the muscle separation and can help measure the gap accurately in a dynamic condition while the patient is doing a crunch
ct scan or mri can also provide detailed images of the abdominal wall and the extent of the muscle separation.
There are Other Considerations including Functional Assessment.
Your physician may assess the functional impact of diastasis recti, such as core strength, posture, and any associated symptoms like back pain or pelvic floor issues.
If you suspect you have diastasis recti, it’s important to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, which may include physical therapy, exercises, or other surgical interventions. For more information on how to prepare for a surgery please click the link.
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.
