The pregnancy stage is a major challenge for a woman's body. As the baby grows, the uterus becomes significantly enlarged, which also affects other organs and tissues. Many women experience a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle after childbirth.
Table of contents:
- What is the rectus abdominis muscle?
- What does it mean for a muscle to stretch?
- What affects the condition of the rectus muscle?
- What are the symptoms of a strained rectus abdominis muscle?
- How do you recognise when a rectus abdominis muscle has separated?
- How is a rectus abdominis muscle separation treated?
What is the rectus abdominis muscle?
The rectus abdominis muscle (Latin: Musculus rectus abdominis) is situated symmetrically, between the so-called midline. It is stretched between the sternum, the middle ribs and the pubic bone. The rectus abdominis muscle is made up of muscle fibres that run parallel downwards. The main action performed by the rectus abdominis muscle is bending the trunk forwards. It is thanks to the work of this muscle that it is possible to lift the upper part of the trunk or the pelvis itself from the level of "lying on the back". The rectus abdominis muscle is also involved in lowering the ribs, hence its role as an expiratory muscle.
What does it mean for the muscle to give out?
Stretching of the rectus abdominis muscle, also known as a stretch, is nothing more than the 'spreading' of the rectus abdominis muscles within the abdominal midline over a width at least equivalent to the thickness of 2-3 fingers. What can cause a muscle stretch?
- A twin pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies with a large volume of fetal waters
- Consecutive pregnancies
- Obesity
- Muscular endurance
- Genetic predisposition
- High birth weight of the child
Importantly, a stretch of the rectus abdominis muscles should not be ignored - muscle separation leads to poor posture and can lead to a hernia.
What affects the condition of the rectus muscle?
A straight muscle that has been subjected to regular exercise before pregnancy has a completely different strength to one that has not been strengthened. Interestingly, many other factors - including diet, hormonal cycle and good sleep hygiene - influence tissue tone.
What are the symptoms of rectus abdominis muscle separation?
When a muscle separation occurs, the space between the right and left parts of the rectus abdominis muscle is visible. It is most commonly seen above and below the navel. In extreme situations, the muscle separation can reach 5-6 cm! People who suffer from rectus muscle diastasis also complain of other complaints such as:
- Continence problems
- Back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Appearance of haemorrhoids
- Pain in the sacroiliac joints
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Severe flatulence
How do you recognise that a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle has occurred?
The physiotherapist asks the patient to perform tests to confirm that there is a muscle separation. Among the tests that are used for diagnosis are the so-called tests without activity of the rectus abdominis muscle and tests with the so-called active rectus abdominis muscle.
How is a rectus abdominis muscle separation treated?
The most important thing is a correct diagnosis and contact with a physiotherapist. The main role is played by movement and time to allow the tissues to regenerate. The physiotherapist will prescribe exercises that allow for a gradual, correct recovery.
People diagnosed with a muscle separation should avoid the following exercises:
- Exercises and positions that increase abdominal crowding
- Intensive exercises for the oblique and rectus abdominis muscles
- Supported kneeling
- Intensive cycling
Remember that time and appropriately selected rehabilitation allow for gradual regeneration of the muscle.
