Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)

Avoid all activities that place stress on the midline, that stretch or overly expand the abdominal wall through everyday activities, exercises, or breathing technique.

Some types of Movement to Avoid

• Movements where the upper body twists and the arm on that side extends away from body such as "triangle pose."
• Exercises that require lying backward over a large exercise ball.
• Yoga postures that stretch the abs, such as "cow pose," up-dog," all back bends, and "belly breathing."
• Abdominal exercises that flex the upper spine such as: crunches, Oblique curls, "bicycles," roll ups/roll downs etc.
• Pilates mat and reformer exercises that utilize the "head float" position, upper body flexion, or double leg extension.
• Any exercise that causes your abdominal wall to bulge out upon exertion.
• Lifting and carrying very heavy objects.
• Quadruped exercises without adequate abdominal support.
• Intense coughing without abdominal support.