DIASTASIS RECTI TREATMENT
For many women, pregnancy is a beautiful transformation that comes with unexpected shifts. However, discomfort and uncertainty can become constant companions when those changes include a lingering separation of the abdominal muscles.
With over 15 years of experience supporting adult women through the unique challenges of pregnancy and postpartum life, Blair Mauri Pelvic Health’s approach to diastasis recti treatment is rooted in evidence-backed techniques and genuine compassion. With Blair, you’ll find a supportive and empowering pelvic floor specialist in NYC who honors your lived experience, explains the “why” behind every recommendation, and brings professional, customized care directly into your home.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is often oversimplified as a cosmetic “post-baby belly,” but it’s actually a functional issue involving the weakening, thinning, stretching, and/or separating of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen. According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, this happens when the connective tissue between the two sides of your “six-pack” stretches or tears in the center. This happens to nearly all pregnant women to accommodate a growing uterus, but it can persist postpartum, affecting up to 60% of individuals. Though often painless, StatPearls notes that some women may experience a feeling of instability or notice coning or doming in their abdomen that worsens with movement.
More than a surface-level concern, diastasis recti may contribute to core weakness, stress urinary incontinence, or back pain if left unaddressed. For some, it also brings feelings of disconnect or frustration around movement and recovery. At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, diastasis recti therapies begin with compassionate, whole-body support—focusing not just on the gap but also restoring function, alignment, and confidence in your core.
Who Can Be Affected By Diastasis Recti?
While diastasis recti is most often associated with pregnancy, it’s not limited to that experience. This condition can develop in women who have never been pregnant, often due to factors like rapid weight changes, improper core training, heavy weight lifting, previous surgeries, or underlying connective tissue conditions. In fact, anyone can experience a separation of the abdominal muscles, regardless of age, gender, or life stage. Men can also experience signs of abdominal separation such as abdominal bulging, core weakness, or back discomfort.
Although anyone can develop diastasis recti, Blair Mauri Pelvic Health exclusively serves women, offering personalized, one-on-one care. Whether you’re recovering from birth or uncovering diastasis recti for the first time outside that context, you deserve informed, compassionate support that addresses the full picture of your core health.
Common Signs You’re Dealing With Abdominal Separation
Abdominal separation isn’t always as obvious as we might hope. Many people go months or even years without realizing their discomfort stems from core separation. Becoming aware of the typical diastasis recti symptoms is often the first empowering step toward learning how to fix diastasis recti.
Visible Ridge Or Bulge In The Midline: A hallmark sign of diastasis recti is a tent-like bulge or doming down the center of your abdomen, especially during movement that activates the abdominal muscles like sitting up in bed, doing a crunch, or lifting. This may appear between the breastbone and belly button and can shift depending on position.
Core Weakness Or Instability: If you notice difficulty with everyday tasks, such as lifting your child, carrying groceries, or even rolling over in bed, it could reflect a deeper issue with core integrity.
Lower Back Discomfort: The abdominal wall supports the spine, and when that support is compromised, it may contribute to persistent or recurring low back pain.
Persistent Bloating Or “Still Pregnant” Look: Many individuals with diastasis recti describe a rounded or swollen belly appearance that doesn't improve with exercise or diet. This is typically related to muscle separation, not excess body fat.
Changes In Breathing Or Core Engagement: You might find it hard to generate pressure through your core during exertion, or notice changes in your breathing mechanics, especially with physical activity or lifting.
Pelvic Floor Symptoms: Because the core and pelvic floor are interconnected, signs like urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, or pressure may point to underlying abdominal separation and compensation patterns.
How To Check For Diastasis Recti At Home
If you’re curious whether you may be experiencing diastasis recti, a simple self-check at home can offer some insight. Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. From there, gently lift your head and shoulders off the ground (as if starting a crunch) and use two fingers to press down at the center of your abdomen. Apply gentle pressure above your belly button, at your belly button, and below it.
If you can feel a space of more than two finger-widths between the left and right sides of your abdominal muscles, it may indicate a separation. You may also want to feel how much tension this tissue provides. Does your finger sink down into your stomach? Or does it provide some resistance? This check isn’t an accurate diagnosis, but it can be a helpful starting point. For a more precise measurement, a pelvic health therapist can offer a professional assessment.
When To Seek A Professional Pelvic Floor Therapist For Diastasis Recti Treatment
If you're noticing persistent bulging or doming down your midline, core weakness impacting daily tasks, or new discomfort in your lower back or pelvis, it may be time to contact a healthcare provider. While physical therapy for diastasis recti can offer helpful core strengthening techniques, Blair Mauri’s expertise as a pelvic floor specialist with an occupational therapy background provides a whole-person approach. She goes deeper and addresses the physical, emotional, mental, and lifestyle factors that may influence your healing with at-home pelvic floor therapy.
Symptoms like urinary leakage, difficulty breathing during movement, or a sense of disconnection from your body are never "just in your head.” They’re real signals that your body may need extra guidance. You don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable. If you're seeking reassurance or need a tailored plan that respects your schedule and your goals, Blair is here to support you. With her holistic care model, you’ll gain a thoughtful partner during your recovery journey.
Partnering With An Out-Of-Network Specialist
Choosing to partner with an out-of-network provider like Blair is a decision to prioritize high quality, individualized care that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. Unlike conventional in-clinic doctors, this approach is centered around you. Blair’s care model allows for longer, one-on-one sessions that happen in the comfort of your home, creating space for deeper conversations, personalized assessments, and hands-on guidance. However, please keep in mind that she only provides pelvic floor therapy in NYC.
From the start, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation that touches on how abdominal separation affects your breathing, movement, pelvic floor, nervous system, and daily life. When you invite Blair into your home, you’re receiving treatment in a comfortable, private space where honest conversations and real progress can happen.
While partnering with an out-of-network provider requires a different health insurance process, many women find the clear communication, dedicated attention, and improved outcomes to be more than worth it. Ultimately, you’re choosing a path where your experience is valued, your recovery is prioritized, and your voice truly matters.
Cost-Effective, Customized Care That Respects Your Time
While out-of-network care may look different up front, it’s often more efficient (and more cost-effective) over time. To help you get a better picture of how this all adds up, let’s do some math. A traditional insurance-based plan might involve 12 shorter sessions (30–45 minutes each), with copays adding up to $30–$60 per visit. In contrast, Blair’s model typically achieves meaningful results in 4 to 6 extended sessions, with hour-long visits that address physical, emotional, and environmental factors.
Because your care is one-on-one, every session is built around your evolving needs. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and learn not just the “what,” but the “why” behind recommended diastasis recti exercises and self-care tips. You’ll also have access to check-ins with Blair between sessions via email or quick chats, helping you stay supported without needing to book more appointments.
Additionally, superbills can be provided upon request for potential insurance reimbursement, and HSA funds are accepted. For many clients, the upfront investment results in fewer visits, faster progress, and care that truly feels tailored, not rushed.
Discounted Packages For Personalized Pelvic Floor Care
For those looking to commit to their healing journey while saving on care, Blair offers two discounted package options designed to make consistent pelvic floor therapy more accessible:
Pelvic Floor Package 1: This includes six treatment sessions at a 10% discount. While regularly priced at $1,290, it’s now available for $1,161 (you save $129). This is perfect for ongoing care after your initial evaluation.
Pelvic Floor Package 2: This bundles the initial evaluation ($299) with five follow-up sessions, also at a 10% discount—originally $1,374, now offered at $1,236.60 (you save $137.40). This is a great choice if you’re starting fresh and want a comprehensive approach from day one.
These packages offer high-value care without compromising on time, support, or personalization. They’re a cost-effective solution for anyone seeking holistic pelvic floor therapy in Brooklyn. To be specific, Blair primarily serves women who reside in Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Tribeca, and Dumbo. Anywhere beyond these areas may incur an additional travel fee.
Sessions are always one-on-one, with plenty of time for questions, clarification, and hands-on guidance. Many clients find these thoughtfully structured packages offer meaningful value, balancing personalized care with steady progress toward greater comfort, strength, and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diastasis Recti Treatment
What is diastasis recti?
Diastasis recti is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (commonly known as the “six-pack” muscles) along the midline of the abdomen. This condition is especially common during and after pregnancy, when the connective tissue stretches to accommodate a growing baby. However, diastasis recti can affect anyone, regardless of gender or birthing history. You might notice a visible bulge or ridge, a sense of core weakness, or even changes in posture or movement. While it can feel confusing or frustrating, with the right treatment and support, improvement is absolutely possible.
Is diastasis recti common after pregnancy?
Absolutely. Diastasis recti occurs in a majority of pregnancies, particularly in the third trimester, as the body adapts to pregnancy-related changes. After birth, many women continue to experience some degree of abdominal separation. That said, diastasis isn’t limited to postpartum women; it can also result from factors like improper exercise technique, previous surgeries, rapid weight changes, or connective tissue disorders. No matter the cause, healing is best supported with compassionate, individualized care.
How long does it take to heal diastasis recti?
There’s no universal timeline. Healing depends on several factors, including the size and depth of the separation, core muscle function, movement patterns, and your consistency with care. Some people notice progress within a few weeks of starting targeted pelvic floor therapy, while others take several months to meet their goals. Six months of consistency is a realistic timeline for most postpartum women. At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, your treatment is tailored to your body’s needs and pace, emphasizing sustainable results and long-term support.
Which exercises should be avoided with diastasis recti?
Movements that place excessive strain on the abdominal midline should be avoided, especially early in recovery. This includes traditional sit-ups, crunches, heavy lifting without proper technique, and full planks. These can exacerbate separation if done without guidance. Instead, Blair focuses on gentle core activation, breathwork, and safe movement designed to meet your current stage of healing and strength, while working up to more challenging abdominal and full body exercises
Can diastasis recti be prevented?
Not entirely, especially during pregnancy, when the abdominal wall must stretch. However, there are ways to reduce the severity of separation and support better recovery. Maintaining core awareness, practicing proper movement strategies, and working with a pelvic health specialist like Blair before and after birth can all help. Blair provides proactive education and individualized support to help your body feel more resilient throughout these changes.
What are non-surgical treatments for diastasis recti?
Most cases of diastasis recti respond well to non-surgical treatment, which begins with a thorough assessment and leads into a blend of guided exercises, postural retraining, and manual therapy. At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, sessions may include deep core and pelvic floor training, breathwork, scar tissue support, and ergonomic strategies tailored to your home life. In most situations, surgery is not necessary, and with the right care, many clients rebuild strength, function, and confidence from the inside out.
The following are some commonly treated symptoms,
reach out of you dont see yours listed!
birth prep (pelvic mobility, optimal fetal positioning, perineal massage, birth partner support, personalized recommendations on birthing positioning)
birth recovery (cesarean or vaginal)
bowel incontinence or urgency
changes in perineal sensation
chronic constipation
chronic hemorrhoids
core dysfunction
diastasis recti AKA abdominal separation
ergonomic assessment during pregnancy or after delivery
fourth trimester planning
new mom aches and pains
newly postpartum care
painful sexual activity
pelvic organ prolapse (heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
pelvic pain
pubic symphysis pain
return to exercise postpartum
sacroiliac joint pain
scar management (perineal or cesarean)
sciatica
urinary incontinence
urinary urgency
prevention of any of the above symptoms
Contact me if you are interested in home services in Brooklyn or lower Manhattan. Travel fee may apply beyond this area.