Diastasis

[hc4361]

My wife is increasingly troubled by abdominal separation. Is there any exercises she can do that will improve the situation?

[Sqad]

Google......"Abdominal Diastasis" and take your pick of websites.

[hc4361]

We've done that, sqad, and just got confused. Some websites say exercise can 'cure' it, others say exercise won't make a difference and certain exercises should be avoided as it will make the condition worse.

We wondered if anyone had personal experience or specific knowledge

[Sqad]

LOL....right.

No, I haven't had any personal experience.

[pixie373]

Is this like a hernia?

[Sqad]

No.^^

[pixie373]

Just googled it. It sounds like what i got when pregnant with my first baby (in the days when i had stomach muscles). Yes, exercise can apparently "knit" them back together- although might depend on the extent of separation. Mine resolved and didn't recur, anyway.

[hc4361]

Thanks, pixie. It's many years since her last pregnancy and the distasis is probably 4" wide. Thankfully it's not painful.

[Sqad]

hc.......a 4 inch gap is quite a large defect.
In your OP you said that she was having problems and in your later post you say that she does not have pain.
What problems is she having?

No exercises are going to improve a diastasis if that width.

Has she consulted a Plastic Surgeon?

[campbellking]

Ask to be referred to a women's health physio at her local outpatients physio service for a full assessment and appropriate exercises. Our hospital lets you self refer, not sure what the practice is in your area

[hc4361]

Sqad, the problems on the surface are minor but the bulge does make bending, squatting, cutting toenails etc physically difficult and of course she is self conscious and won't wear fitted clothes.

She very much does not cosmetic surgery if it can be avoided.

Campbellking, she is keen on the idea of a physio referral and will ask her GP about it