Diastasis recti is a condition that occurs when the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy or due to other factors such as obesity or intense abdominal exercises. It can be a source of discomfort and may even impact the overall strength and stability of the core. Seeking medical advice and treatment is crucial for proper management. But which doctor should you see for diastasis recti? This article will explore various healthcare professionals who can help with this condition and discuss their roles, treatments, and more.
1. Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
During pregnancy, an OB-GYN is the primary healthcare provider for women. They play an essential role in diagnosing and treating diastasis recti in pregnant women. OB-GYNs can provide advice on managing diastasis recti during pregnancy, suggest exercises to strengthen the core, and monitor the condition during routine prenatal visits.
In addition to treating pregnant women, OB-GYNs can also provide guidance on treating diastasis recti postpartum. They may recommend exercises to help close the abdominal gap, offer suggestions for managing pain and discomfort, and refer women to other specialists if necessary.
If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, consulting with an OB-GYN is an excellent starting point for managing diastasis recti.
2. Physical Therapist
Physical therapists play a crucial role in rehabilitating and strengthening the core muscles affected by diastasis recti. They are skilled professionals who can assess the severity of the condition and design personalized exercise programs to improve muscle tone and promote healing.
Physical therapy for diastasis recti may include gentle exercises that target the deep abdominal muscles, as well as techniques to improve posture and body mechanics. These professionals can also guide individuals on what activities to avoid to prevent further separation or worsening of the condition.
If you have diastasis recti, consulting with a physical therapist can help you regain abdominal strength and stability.
3. General Practitioner (GP)
Your primary care physician or GP can provide valuable guidance on managing diastasis recti. They can assess the severity of the condition, refer you to other specialists if needed, and offer lifestyle advice to promote healing. GPs may recommend dietary changes to support overall health and weight management, especially if obesity is a contributing factor.
In some cases, a GP may suggest complementary therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic care to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with diastasis recti. They can also answer any general questions you may have and provide referrals to specialists as required.
If you are unsure where to start, consulting with a GP can help guide you in the right direction for managing diastasis recti.
4. Gastroenterologist
In some instances, individuals with diastasis recti may experience gastrointestinal issues such as bloating or constipation. If these symptoms persist, consulting with a gastroenterologist may be necessary. Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system.
A gastroenterologist will assess your symptoms, perform necessary investigations, and develop a plan to manage and alleviate gastrointestinal issues associated with diastasis recti. They may suggest dietary modifications, prescribe medications, or recommend additional diagnostic tests to identify and address any underlying digestive conditions.
5. Dietitian
A dietitian can play a vital role in managing diastasis recti, especially if weight management or obesity is a concern. They can provide personalized meal plans, offer guidance on proper nutrition, and support overall health and well-being.
A dietitian will assess your dietary habits, take into account any specific nutritional requirements, and create a plan to support healing and weight management if necessary. They can guide you on portion control, nutrient-dense foods, and healthy eating habits that promote recovery.
6. Plastic Surgeon
In cases where conservative management does not lead to satisfactory results, individuals may consider surgical options to repair diastasis recti. Plastic surgeons specializing in abdominal wall reconstruction can evaluate the severity of the condition and perform corrective surgery if deemed necessary.
Before considering surgery, it is essential to consult with other healthcare professionals and explore non-invasive options. Plastic surgeons should be seen as a last resort when other treatments have failed, or when diastasis recti is severe and significantly impacting the individual's quality of life.
7. Women's Health Physiotherapist
In addition to physical therapists, specialized women's health physiotherapists can assist individuals with diastasis recti. These professionals focus on the specific needs of women, including pre and postnatal conditions such as diastasis recti.
Women's health physiotherapists offer tailored exercise programs that concentrate on strengthening the core muscles, pelvic floor, and overall body. They may also provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, including proper lifting techniques and posture corrections. These professionals are well-versed in the unique challenges women face during pregnancy and postpartum periods.
8. Orthopedic Surgeon
In severe cases of diastasis recti where pain and functional limitations persist despite other treatments, consulting with an orthopedic surgeon may be necessary. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions.
Orthopedic surgeons will assess the condition, conduct necessary investigations, and determine if surgical intervention is the appropriate course of action. They may explore options such as laparoscopic techniques or open repairs to bring the separated ab muscles closer together. However, surgery for diastasis recti is usually a last resort and only recommended for extreme cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can diastasis recti resolve on its own?
In some cases, diastasis recti can resolve on its own, especially for women who have not undergone any surgeries. However, for many individuals, targeted exercises and professional guidance are required to effectively manage the condition.
2. How long does it take to heal diastasis recti?
The healing timeline for diastasis recti varies from person to person. With appropriate treatment, including exercises, lifestyle modifications, and professional guidance, significant improvements can be observed within a few months. However, complete healing may take up to a year or longer.
3. Can diastasis recti affect men?
While diastasis recti is more commonly seen in women, particularly after pregnancy, it can affect men as well. Factors such as obesity, intense abdominal exercises, and certain medical conditions can contribute to the development of diastasis recti in men.
References:
- Mota P, Pascoal AG, Carita AI, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of diastasis recti abdominis from late pregnancy to 6 months postpartum, and relationship with lumbo-pelvic pain. Man Ther. 2015;20(1):200-205.
- Sperstad JB, Tennfjord MK, and Hilde G. Diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth: prevalence, risk factors, and report of lumbopelvic pain. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(17):1092-1096.
- Mota P, Pascoal AG, and Bo K. Impact of abdominal muscle separation, diastasis recti abdominis, on women's life and physical health: a systematic review. Phys Ther. 2015;95(7):994-1004.
