Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 31-year-old woman in good health. 11 weeks ago, I gave birth through C-section, after a tough pregnancy with complete bed rest for seven months. Walking to the bathroom was the only exercise I got. After birth, I noticed that I was left with diastasis recti of about 2.5 cm in width. It is mainly around the belly button around 5 to 6 cm in length. I also get that ridge-like protrusion when I contract the abdominals. I started a kinesiotherapy program to strengthen the core and back muscles, specifically for diastasis. I will go three times a week for a 45 minutes session each time. Can physiotherapy heal (close) my diastasis? And if so, then how long does it usually take to see the results? I am willing to keep with the program for as long as it takes, but I also want to know if I should be optimistic about regaining my pre-pregnancy shape. Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
First of all, congratulations on delivering a beautiful baby. I have gone through your medical history in detail.
A Diastasis of 2.5 cm is considered a moderate degree of diastasis as far as our classification is considered.
Diastasis is usually hard to heal completely only with physiotherapy. Since the defect is bony, it takes lots of aggressive maneuvers to get the bones back together.
The initial three to four weeks after delivery are the most important days if you want to get back the diastasis to normal with physiotherapy.
If you have an immediate post-delivery x-ray, then you can get a new x-ray done and compare the diastasis gap in both x-rays to see the progress.
If it is still the same even today, then there are very fewer chances that this may improve only with physiotherapy.
You can use a gradually compressing pelvic belt, which can be tightened gradually day by day.
If even this does not help, then you may need surgery to get the diastasis normal. Try and post an x-ray of the pelvis here, so that I can guide you better.
For further information consult a physiotherapist online.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
Can knee and pelvic x-ray help to check, whether human growth hormone(HGH) will work for me?
Will physiotherapy help to treat Erb's palsy?
Will drinking water after C-section cause any problem?
When can physiotherapy be started after bilateral hip replacement surgery?
I got fever after c-section. Why?
What are the abortion options during 6 weeks of pregnancy?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.