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Diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunction are two common conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Both conditions often affect individuals postpartum, but they can also be experienced by others due to various factors such as intense physical activity or aging. Pelvic floor physiotherapy Grande Prairie At GP Pain & Physiotherapy, understanding the connection between diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunction is crucial for developing effective treatment plans and improving overall patient outcomes.

What is Diastasis Recti?

This separation can create a noticeable bulge and lead to a weakened abdominal wall. Diastasis recti is frequently observed during and after pregnancy due to the stretching of the abdominal muscles to accommodate the growing uterus. However, it can also occur in individuals who experience significant abdominal pressure, such as those involved in heavy lifting or intense exercise.

Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a range of issues affecting the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs. This dysfunction can manifest as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or difficulty with bowel movements. The pelvic floor muscles play a critical role in maintaining core stability, supporting abdominal organs, and facilitating proper function of the urinary and reproductive systems.

The connection between diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunction is rooted in the role of the core muscles in maintaining stability and support for the pelvis and abdominal organs. When diastasis recti occurs, the structural integrity of the abdominal wall is compromised, which can place additional stress on the pelvic floor muscles.

Increased Abdominal Pressure

Diastasis recti leads to a weakening of the abdominal wall, reducing its ability to manage intra-abdominal pressure effectively. This increased pressure can be transferred downward onto the pelvic floor, potentially causing or exacerbating pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor muscles may become overstrained or weakened due to this increased pressure, symptoms such as urinary incontinence or pelvic pain.

Altered Core Stability

A strong and intact core, including the abdominal muscles, is essential for maintaining proper pelvic floor function. Diastasis recti disrupts the core stability by separating the abdominal muscles, which can negatively impact the function of the pelvic floor. Without adequate support from the abdominal muscles, the pelvic floor may become less effective at supporting the pelvic organs, dysfunction.

Compensatory Mechanisms

When the abdominal muscles are weakened or separated due to diastasis recti, individuals may compensate by relying more heavily on other muscle groups, including the pelvic floor. This compensation can lead to overuse of the pelvic floor muscles, resulting in tension and dysfunction. Conversely, some individuals may experience underuse of the pelvic floor muscles, weakness and related issues.

Treatment Approaches at GP Pain & Physiotherapy

Addressing both diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunction requires a comprehensive approach that targets the underlying issues and promotes overall core stability. At GP Pain & Physiotherapy in Grande Prairie, our treatment strategies include:

Core Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening the core muscles, including the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and obliques, helps to improve abdominal support and reduce the impact of diastasis recti on the pelvic floor. Exercises such as pelvic tilts, modified crunches, and transverse abdominis activation can help rebuild core strength and stability.

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