Diastasis recti is the separation of the connective tissue that holds the rectus abdominis (six-pack) muscles together. The stretching of your abdominal muscles during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby is a normal function. However, when you have a rapid expansion of the abdominal tissues from pregnancy plus poor intra-abdominal bracing, it can lead to a diastasis recti.

Dysfunctional intra-abdominal pressure happens when the diaphragm and the pelvic floor are not stacked on top of each other, resulting in an inadequate muscle firing pattern to create stability. The diaphragm and pelvic floor work together and have synergist energy. When you breathe in, the diaphragm has a downward motion causing the pelvic floor to lengthen. When you breathe out, the diaphragm and pelvic floor relax—this fluid movement between your diaphragm and pelvic floor creates stability. Without proper core bracing, the body will find another way to stabilize the body during load creating excessive force on other structures such as the abdominal wall resulting in a diastasis recti. When this happens, it sets up the body for movement dysfunction. Poor movement patterns due to the inability to stabilize the body during movement can lead to muscle imbalance, low back pain, and pelvic discomfort.