Re: Gen: Diastasis Rectii
From: Garry E. Siegel, M.D. (garrys@mindspring.com)
Wed Jan 23 19:54:15 2008
Nothing glaringly obvious; perhaps a bit.
Other than looking, I don't know how to assess the severity of it, or if
that is even done.
My advice to her, perhaps ignorant advice, is to do nothing special and
go about her business normally.
Garry
At Wed, 23 Jan 2008, Meenan, Anna wrote:
>
>So you're saying that she doesn't actually HAVE a
>diastasis recti? Or does she?
>
>Anna Meenan, MD
>
>>33 YO P2012, 7 weeks PP from her second vaginal delivery, is a tall,
>>thin athletic woman who plays serious volleyball and exercises a good
>>bit.
>>
>>She is concerned about Diastasis; frankly, to my eye, her abdomen looks
>>and feels pretty much like I would expect for her at this point.
>>
>>Here's an email she sent, pasted below.
>>
>>I am ignorant in the sense that I am unaware if she needs to do anything
>>special (I wouldn't think so), or if she wanted to see an "expert,"
>>well, who would that be.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Garry
>>
>>Here are a few questions that are arising as I am readingÖ
>>
>>ï Are diastasis recti and abdominal separation different or the same?
>>ï I read that crunches and certain traditional abdominal exercises can
>>make the condition worse. How can I find out what abdominal exercises I
>>need to be doing so I donít make it worse?
>>ï I am reading that this can cause back problems later on down the line
>>and even intestinal or pelvic issues, what are your thoughts on this?
>>ï You said I had a herniated navelÖin a few places it said that hernias
>>can be bad with this conditionÖdoes this mean other types of hernias or
>>does it include mine too?
>>ï I am including below an except from a website called BeFit-Mom and it
>>scares me because there are many things I do that it says I should
>>avoid, even the serving motion in volleyball (similar to that of a
>>tennis serve)
>>Special Precautions for Women with Abdominal Separation/Diastasis Recti
>>
>>Avoid all activities that place stress on the midline, that stretch or
>>overly expand the abdominal wall through everyday activities, exercise
>>or inhalation techniques.
>>
>>Some Types of Movement to Avoid
>>ï Movements where the upper body twists and the arm on that side reaches
>>backward, such as during a tennis serve.
>>ï Exercises that require lying backward over a large exercise ball.
>>ï Yoga postures that stretch the abs, such as ìcow pose,î ìup-dog,î all
>>backbends, and ìbelly breathing.î
>>ï Most traditional abdominal exercises that work the exterior abdominal
>>muscles, such as crunches and oblique curls.
>>ï All exercises that cause your abdominal wall to bulge out upon
>>exertion.
>>ï Rising from a supine position by rolling up and twisting at the same
>>time. Instead, roll first onto your side, and then use your arms to
>>help push yourself up to a sitting position.
>>ï Lifting and carrying very heavy objects.
>>ï Intense coughing while your muscles are unsupported.
>>
>>--
>>Garry E. Siegel, M.D.
>>Private Practice
>>Roswell, GA
--
Garry E. Siegel, M.D.
Private Practice
Roswell, GA
