Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Diastasis Recti Abdominis Physiotherapy in Edmonton
Support for core strength, movement, and confidence after pregnancy.
Diastasis recti abdominis, often called DRA or abdominal separation, is a common change during pregnancy and postpartum. It happens when the connective tissue between the two sides of the abdominal muscles stretches and widens.
For many people, some separation is a normal part of pregnancy and improves naturally after birth. But if your core still feels weak, unsupported, or difficult to use during everyday activities, physiotherapy can help.
At Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness in Edmonton, we assess how your abdominal wall, breathing, pelvic floor, and core are working together and create a treatment plan based on your body and your goals.
What Is Diastasis Recti Abdominis?
Your rectus abdominis muscles run vertically along the front of your abdomen. Between them is a band of connective tissue called the linea alba.
During pregnancy, the abdominal wall stretches to make room for a growing baby. As this happens, the linea alba can widen and lose some tension, creating more space between the abdominal muscles.
This is known as diastasis recti abdominis.
While DRA is most common during and after pregnancy, it can also occur in people who have never been pregnant.
Importantly, recovery is not just about “closing the gap.” What matters is how well your abdominal wall creates tension, manages pressure, and supports you during movement.
Importantly, recovery is not just about “closing the gap.” What matters is how well your abdominal wall creates tension, manages pressure, and supports you during movement.
What Does Diastasis
Recti Look or Feel Like?
Some people have no symptoms at all. Others may notice:
If you are unsure whether you have DRA, a physiotherapist can assess your abdominal wall and help you understand what is happening.
-
A visible bulge, ridge, or “doming” along the centre of the abdomen
-
A gap around the belly button
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Weakness or reduced support through the core
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Difficulty with lifting, exercising, or getting out of bed
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Low back or pelvic discomfort
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Trouble returning to certain activities
Is Diastasis Recti Normal After Pregnancy?
Some abdominal widening is very common and actually normal during pregnancy.
After delivery, the abdominal wall often begins to recover naturally. For some people, however, the separation remains or they continue to experience weakness, discomfort, or difficulty using their core.
Rather than focusing only on the size of the gap, a physiotherapist will look at how your abdominal muscles function during breathing, movement, and exercise.
Who Can Develop Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti may be seen in:
If you are unsure whether you have DRA, a physiotherapist can assess your abdominal wall and help you understand what is happening.
Common contributors
Pregnant and postpartum people
People who have had multiple pregnancies
Men
People following significant weight changes
Some infants
How Physiotherapy Can Help With
Diastasis Recti
There is no single exercise that fixes diastasis recti, and treatment should be individualized.
01
Core Strengthening
Your physiotherapist can help you build abdominal strength and coordination through exercises that gradually progress as your control improves.
02
Breathing and
Pressure Management
Your diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and pelvic floor work together to manage pressure.
Learning how to coordinate breathing with movement can improve core control during lifting, exercising, getting out of bed, or carrying your baby.
03
Pelvic Floor
Assessment
Because the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles work together, your physiotherapist may also assess pelvic floor function if you are experiencing symptoms such as urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, or pelvic pain.
04
Movement and
Exercise Progression
Having diastasis recti does not automatically mean you need to avoid crunches, planks, lifting, or other exercises forever.
Your physiotherapist can help determine which movements are appropriate for you and how to progress them safely.
Do I Need to Close the Abdominal Gap?
Not necessarily.
The size of the gap does not tell us everything about how well your core functions.
A physiotherapist will also look at how much tension your abdominal wall can create, how the midline responds during movement, and how well your core supports you during everyday activities.
For many people, improving strength, coordination, and confidence matters more than achieving a specific measurement.
What to Expect at
Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness
1
Conversation & Assessment
We start by learning about your symptoms, pregnancy or birth history when relevant, activity level, and goals.
2
Core and Movement Assessment
Your physiotherapist may assess your abdominal wall, breathing, posture, core strength, and how your body manages pressure during movement.
3
Personalized Treatment Plan
Your plan may include specific exercises, breathing strategies, movement modifications, and guidance for returning to everyday activities, fitness, or sport.
4
Ongoing Progression
As your strength and control improve, your exercises can progress with you.
Our goal is to help you feel stronger, supported, and confident using your body again.
Diastasis Recti Physiotherapy in Edmonton
Feel Stronger and More
Supported After Pregnancy
If your core still feels weak, disconnected, or unsupported after pregnancy, you do not have to figure out recovery on your own.
At Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness in Edmonton, our physiotherapists provide personalized care to help you improve core strength, movement, and confidence.
Whether you are newly postpartum or your pregnancy was years ago, it is never too late to work on your core function.
Book an appointment with Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness in Edmonton and let’s create a plan that works for you.