Feel stronger and more supported after pregnancy with abdominal separation physiotherapy
Abdominal separation or diastasis recti is when the connective tissue between your ab muscles stretches during pregnancy.
Stretching of connective tissue is a normal occurrence during pregnancy and the normal width between the muscles is different for women who have had a baby compared to those who have not. While most recovery happens naturally, for some people it remains wider and can impact core strength, posture, or function.
At North West Healthy Women, we can help you reconnect with your core, ease discomfort, and rebuild strength in a way that’s safe, personalised, and supportive.
Abdominal separation symptoms
You may be experiencing abdominal separation if you’ve noticed:
- A visible bulge or “doming” down the midline of your belly, especially when sitting up or straining
- A feeling of weakness or instability through your core
- Poor posture or difficulty maintaining good posture
- Lower back pain and abdominal cramping
- Pelvic floor issues, including incontinence or heaviness
- Bloating or a feeling of being “unsupported” in the abdomen
- Difficulty lifting, carrying, or returning to exercise
- A gap or softness felt between the abdominal muscles
What’s involved in a physiotherapy consultation?
A pelvic floor assessment is a thorough evaluation conducted by a specialised physiotherapist to understand your specific needs and develop an effective treatment plan for your pelvic girdle pain. Here’s what to expect:
Our goal is to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout the process, aiming for the best possible outcomes.
Women’s health clinic with a difference
Too often, women don’t feel supported or heard – and we’re here to change the narrative. We combine our expertise with a heartfelt approach to ensure you feel understood and cared for in every session.
Abdominal separation FAQs
How can a physiotherapist help with abdominal separation (diastasis recti) during or after pregnancy?
A women’s health physiotherapist can assess how your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor are functioning and help you rebuild strength safely.
We’ll guide you through exercises tailored to your body and stage of pregnancy or post-partum recovery with a focus on improving core control, posture, and overall stability. If you’re experiencing symptoms like doming, back pain, or pelvic floor concerns, we can address these too.
Can abdominal separation heal on its own?
For most women, abdominal separation improves naturally over the first 12 weeks after birth as our hormones normalise and our connective tissue returns to a pre pregnancy make up. This is the best time to maximize care of our abdominals to allow this process to take place. Wearing a supportive device like a binder or tubigrip, gentle movement, abdominal exercises, and good postural habits are important during this period to help the normal change happening after pregnancy. In some cases, the separation remains or causes ongoing issues like core weakness, back pain, or pelvic floor dysfunction.
Targeted physiotherapy can help improve muscle function and restore strength, even months or years postpartum.
How do I prepare for my physiotherapy session?
Consider your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life currently. You may like to keep a diary of your symptoms and your daily habits. Bringing a list of your questions and concerns can also be beneficial. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement.
What if I have my period?
If you are comfortable attending your appointment, our physios are also comfortable to continue with your session. If you feel more comfortable to wait until your period is over, we can also easily reschedule for another date.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist for abdominal separation?
No, you don’t need a referral or doctor’s clearance to see us. Our experienced practitioners are skilled in managing various medical conditions and will ensure all activities are safe and suitable for your situation. We collaborate closely with Brisbane Pelvic Floor Specialists and Gynecologists and are happy to coordinate with them to support your rehabilitation.
Recover from abdominal separation for a strong and healthy core with North West Healthy Women
Abdominal separation can leave your core feeling weak and uncomfortable, even holding you back from enjoying your new chapter to the fullest.
Whether you’re newly postpartum or still feeling the effects months (or years) later, we’re here to support you. Your recovery journey begins the moment you reach out, and from there our women’s health physios will help you rebuild strength, restore connection to your core, and move with confidence.<