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Diastasis Recti and Pelvic Floor Rehab: Why They Go Hand-in-Hand
- Dr. Ben Moore
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
Diastasis recti is often described as a “separation of the abs,” but it’s much more than a cosmetic issue. For many postpartum individuals—especially those recovering from a C-section—it affects strength, stability, posture, and pelvic floor function.
At Evo Performance Therapy in Nashville, we help clients understand that diastasis recti and c section recovery aren’t separate concerns. They’re deeply connected, and true healing requires addressing both the abdominal wall and the pelvic floor.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti occurs when the connective tissue between the left and right abdominal muscles (the linea alba) stretches and thins, often during pregnancy. It can result in:
A visible bulge or “doming” in the belly
Weakness in the core
Low back or hip pain
Poor coordination during movement
While this separation is normal during pregnancy, persistent diastasis can impact how your body moves, stabilizes, and transfers load—especially if it’s paired with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Why C-Section Recovery Involves Both Core and Pelvic Floor
Even if you had a C-section, your abdominal wall underwent massive changes during pregnancy—and your pelvic floor bore the pressure of carrying a growing baby for months. After surgery, your body must relearn how to:
Coordinate deep core muscles (transverse abdominis)
Reconnect breath with pelvic floor activity
Stabilize the pelvis and spine without compensation
Load the body safely during movement and exercise
Ignoring either the core or the pelvic floor during recovery can delay healing and lead to recurring symptoms like leakage, pressure, or back pain.
How the Core and Pelvic Floor Work Together
Think of your core and pelvic floor as a team. They create intra-abdominal pressure that supports your spine, stabilizes your trunk, and controls movement. If one part of this system isn’t functioning well—like the overstretched abdominal wall in diastasis or a weak pelvic floor—everything is affected.
That’s why pelvic floor rehab is crucial for people with diastasis:
It improves pressure management during lifting, breathing, and movement
It retrains muscles to coordinate rather than compensate
It reduces symptoms like heaviness, leaking, or instability
It helps close the gap by addressing the whole system—not just one part
Signs You May Need Combined Core + Pelvic Floor Rehab
If you’ve been dealing with diastasis recti or recovering from a C-section, these symptoms suggest your rehab plan should include pelvic floor therapy:
A bulging or “coning” appearance in the abdomen with movement
Feeling “disconnected” from your core
Pelvic pressure, heaviness, or urinary leakage
Pain with lifting, carrying, or transitional movements
Poor posture or inability to engage your deep core effectively
These aren’t things you have to live with—they’re signals that your body needs better support and targeted intervention.
How Evo Performance Therapy Supports Your Recovery
At Evo Performance Therapy, we use a personalized, integrative approach to diastasis and pelvic floor recovery. That includes:
Movement assessments and abdominal wall testing
Pelvic floor evaluation (external and internal, when appropriate)
Breathwork and core activation strategies
Scar tissue mobilization for C-section healing
Functional strength programming to restore confidence and control
You won’t find cookie-cutter rehab plans here—just intentional strategies designed to rebuild your core from the inside out.
Treat the System, Not Just the Symptom
Healing diastasis recti after a C-section isn’t about chasing a flat stomach or closing a gap. It’s about restoring the connection between your core, breath, and pelvic floor so you can move freely and confidently. At Evo Performance Therapy, we support Nashville moms through every stage of c section recovery—with expert care that considers your whole system, not just your scar.