Healing Abdominal Separation After Pregnancy: How Physiotherapy Helps

Pregnancy brings joy, excitement, and love but it also brings major physical changes. Many new mums notice that after giving birth, their tummy doesn’t feel the same. A soft bulge, weakness through the core, or back discomfort can all be signs of diastasis recti, or abdominal separation. At Praxis Rehab Belair, Physiotherapist Sangeeta Sharda supports women through gentle, evidence-based diastasis recti physio to help restore strength, confidence, and body awareness after pregnancy. Whether you’re a few weeks or years postpartum, it’s never too late to heal.

Understanding Diastasis Recti

During pregnancy, your growing baby stretches the connective tissue (linea alba) between your left and right abdominal muscles. This can lead to a visible or palpable gap known as diastasis recti. While some separation is normal, it can sometimes persist, leaving your abdomen weak or unstable.

Common symptoms include:

• A bulge or ridge when sitting up or lifting your head

• Core weakness or poor posture

• Lower back or hip pain

• Difficulty returning to exercise

Early assessment by a women’s health physiotherapist can make recovery easier and more effective.

Why Core Recovery Matters

Your abdominal muscles work together with your diaphragm, back, and pelvic floor to form your body’s core. When these muscles are out of sync, it can lead to back pain, pelvic instability, and even bladder leakage. Physiotherapy helps re-educate your body so your core functions as a coordinated unit again restoring strength, improving posture, and supporting safe movement in daily life.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

At Praxis Rehab Belair, Physiotherapist Sangeeta Sharda tailors each diastasis recti physio program to your needs. After a detailed assessment, treatment may include:

Gentle Core Activation

You’ll learn how to engage your deep abdominal muscles (especially the transversus abdominis) safely, without straining or doming. This helps reconnect your core from the inside out.

Breathing and Postural Techniques

Proper breathing supports healing. You’ll practise aligning your ribs and pelvis and using your breath to manage abdominal pressure, promoting better control and recovery.

Pelvic Floor Integration

Since the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles work together, strengthening both improves stability, reduces back pain, and prevents bladder leakage.

Manual Therapy and Supportive Techniques

Gentle hands-on techniques and supportive taping can ease tension, guide correct alignment, and improve circulation for healing.

Progressive Exercise

As you gain control, your physio will gradually reintroduce safe movements to build strength for lifting, carrying, and returning to fitness.

When to Seek Help

You may benefit from physiotherapy if you notice:

• A persistent bulge or gap down your midline

• Back or pelvic pain

• Core weakness or poor posture

• Difficulty feeling your abdominal muscles activate

Even if it’s been years since giving birth, physiotherapy can help improve function and reduce discomfort.

Your Recovery with Praxis Rehab Belair

At Praxis Rehab Belair, Physiotherapist Sangeeta Sharda provides a calm, supportive space for women to heal and regain strength. Every program focuses on gentle progress, education, and long-term results. Through diastasis recti physio, you can rebuild core stability, regain control, and return to the activities you love safely and confidently.

Final Thoughts

Healing from abdominal separation isn’t just about closing the gap, it's about restoring your connection with your body. With professional guidance and consistent care, recovery is always possible. At Praxis Rehab Belair, Physiotherapist Sangeeta Sharda helps women reconnect with their strength, move freely, and embrace motherhood with confidence.

Get in touch