Diastis Recti Workshop

• Fertility & Pregnancy
• Fitness
• Motherhood
• Yoga

To be honest with you, I had never even heard much of diastasis recti until after I had my first child, Timothy. I was teaching a group of moms in a fit for moms class and a woman there would always modify and mention her diastis recti. I didn’t think much of it at the time; but slowly started doing some research on it so I could modify for other postnatal moms with this condition.

Then I got pregnant with twins and sure enough developed my own diastasis recti. I was so frustrated in the way my abdominals looked, and felt; after giving birth to Robert and William. I carried them almost full term so those big boys put too much pressure on my abs and my linea alba split above my belly button.

The more I read up on DR (diastasis recti) the more common I find it is and many women develop it during pregnancy. Many women struggle with DR in some way, since statistically 98% of women have a diastasis after delivery. DR can be more common the more pregnancies a woman has (I can attest to this) or if she has had multiples or already has an underlying abdominal problem.

In mom terms, it is that frustrating post-baby pooch that doesn’t go away when the baby weight does and often leads to the “when are you due” question while you are holding your two year old.

Even though DR is more common in pregnant women, it is actually related to internal abdominal pressure, which pregnancy increases.  It is not specifically caused by pregnancy. Men and children can suffer from a separation as well, especially after a surgery or injury.

I have worked so diligently to repair my abdominals as much as I can. I have used Pilates, deep core strengthening moves, breath work and postural awareness to heal my DR.

DIASTASIS RECTI REPAIR WORKSHOP

I recently met Dr Lev Kalika founder of NYDN REHAB (New York Dynamic Neuromuscular Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy) he and I have teamed up to teach women about diastasis recti and show them ways to diagnose it, avoid it as much as possible, repair it and live with it as best you can.

Dr Lev Kalika

Dr. Lev Kalika has revolutionized the methodology of treating back pain and other motor disorders by introducing Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) at his former Upper East Side practice. The results of this new method are quicker, more powerful and longer lasting. In 2014, Kalika opened his new practice in Midtown NYC. At a very young age, Kalika became interested in the role of the Central Nervous System and how different muscle groups interacted with each other and the rest of the body. Dr. Kalika is the first doctor in U.S. to bring ground breaking technological approach of Virtual Reality rehabilitation to patients outside of military and has contributed to various published medical literature over the years.

Questions and Answer with Chiropractor Dr Lev Kalika

What is diastasis recti, how does it happen and how do you know if you have it

DR is a split in the linea alba which is an aponeurotic tissue binding both sides of the abdomen together and keeping rectus abdominis muscles in a functional unit.

Do you see a lot of patients with diastasis Recti?

We have been seeing 4-6 patients every month.

How common is diastasis recti? Is it normal and how big a gap is normal?

Diastasis recti is relatively common postpartum in older women , and in the overall female population it is around 60 percent.

What are some general exercises to do for diastasis Recti?

There are no general exercises to treat diastasis recti as its causes are different in every woman.

How long does it take to heal?

Once you have diastasis there is no spontaneous healing however in the cases of a very mild DR  general abdominal strengthening can close the gap.

When can you start sit-ups and crunches postpartum?

If you don’t have DR there is no danger in doing it as soon as you feel comfortable exercising.

What are the implications of diastasis recti for the rest of your body function?

DR decreases spinal and pelvic stability  and diminishes postural function of the spine.

Diastis Recti and Pregnancy

How does diastasis recti affect pregnancy and birth?

Diastasis recti does not affect pregnancy and birth. However it does affect women after birth from cosmetic effect, to low back, and pelvic pain.

Can we prevent the severity of diastasis Recti in pregnancy?

Certainly by core screening with diagnostic ultrasonography.

We hope to see you all at the event! Leave any comments or questions below that you want answered.

Kristin

Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City. She is currently teaching yoga with Peloton. She is the star of over 100 videos, seen in several magazines and tv shows and is a spokeswoman for many brands and causes she believes in. A proud mom to three, she sure keeps herself busy!