Abdominal Wall Separation

Abdominal wall separation is a common condition in which the abdominal muscles in your core separate.

Abdominal wall separation is especially common among pregnant people. Pregnancy naturally causes a thinning and widening of the linea alba (line of connective tissue down the mid-line of the abdomen) to allow the belly to grow and expand, but should resolve within a few months of giving birth. However, studies show that up to 45% and 32% of women still have separation at 6 months and 12 months postpartum, respectively, which can greatly impact core strength and function.

Abdominal separation is not exclusive to women or pregnancy but can also be caused in all genders by improper exercise or weight gain putting stress on the abdominal muscles.

Fortunately, abdominal wall separation is treatable through physical therapy. Pelvic health physical therapy can look at the body as a system to see where there are dysfunctions that may be contributing to the ongoing diastasis and help you recover to full function.