Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)

If your core feels weak, your belly “pooch” won’t go away, or you notice doming down the midline of your abdomen, you may have diastasis recti. With the right care, your core can heal, strengthen, and function again.

The Goal of Care

With the right guidance, diastasis recti can heal at any stage postpartum—even years later. The goal is to restore strength, function, and confidence in your core so you can move freely, exercise safely, and feel good in your body again.

How Treatment Helps

Healing diastasis recti is not about endless crunches—it’s about retraining your core to manage pressure and engage properly. Treatment often includes:

Breathing and core activation training to reconnect deep core muscles
Progressive strengthening of the abdominals, back, hips, and glutes
Postural awareness to reduce strain on the linea alba
Movement retraining for safe lifting, exercising, and daily activities
Education on what to avoid and how to protect your core during healing

Common Causes

Pregnancy and postpartum changes
Repetitive heavy lifting without proper core engagement
Chronic straining (such as with constipation or coughing)
Poor movement or breathing patterns that increase abdominal pressure

What Is Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) is the separation of the two sides of the abdominal muscles along the linea alba, the connective tissue in the center of your core. It is very common during and after pregnancy but can also appear in women who have never been pregnant.

Symptoms may include:

A visible “doming” or bulging along the midline when you sit up or strain
Core weakness or difficulty engaging your abdominal muscles
Low back pain or poor posture
A lingering belly “pooch” months or years postpartum