Diastasis Recti Rehab (‘Tummy Gap’ Therapy)
A gentle, nurturing and powerful programme for those with a post-partum
‘tummy gap’.
If you’ve given birth and have a tummy ‘pouch’ or ‘overhang’, you’re not alone. During pregnancy, your linea alba (the connective tissue joining the abdominals) is stretched, which can result in the two sets of muscles separating and creating a gap. This is diastasis recti. It’s very common post-partum – but it shouldn’t stay that way forever. Come and see me for diastasis recti rehab. I’ll combine massage, myofascial release, soft tissue therapy and specialist exercises to target your tummy gap and help you feel more comfortable in your body.
“I was so scared going to the appointment, I kept thinking ‘she’s going to look at my belly
and recoil in horror or say sorry there’s nothing I can do for you!’
But she didn’t. Instead, Dawn was lovely. I instantly felt safe with her. I could tell she was
seeing and hearing ME.” – Sarah, Heaton Moor.
BOOK YOUR TUMMY GAP ASSESSMENT TODAY
What to expect from your tummy gap assessment:
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A friendly welcome!
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You’ll tell me why you’ve come for your assessment and what you’d like to achieve.
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A chat about your pregnancy and birth history (and any abdominal surgery you may have had).
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A chance to tell me any concerns you have about how your tummy feels and looks and the impact diastasis recti has on your daily life.
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A look at the whole picture: we’ll talk about your nutrition, hydration, digestion, sleep, pelvic floor function and any other tummy gap issues you might have.
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You’ll tell me about any medication or supplements you take.
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I’ll guide you through a breathing and pelvic floor (external work only) assessment – and explain why it’s so important.
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Coaching on 360 breathing, a technique that’ll help you address your diastasis recti.
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A gentle evaluation of your abdomen, including your tummy gap and any relevant scars.
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Assessment of the tension in your linea alba.
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Measurement of your diastasis recti.
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Soft tissue techniques to warm, soothe and smooth your abdomen.
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Gentle, effective and safe exercises to target tummy gap that you can complete at your own pace.
What is diastasis recti (AKA ‘tummy gap)?
Diastasis recti (often called a ‘tummy gap’ or abdominal separation) happens to lots of women during pregnancy. The linea alba is a thin band of connective tissue that joins the two sides of your abdominal muscles or abs – running from the breastbone all the way down to the pubic bone. In pregnancy, the line alba is stretched. This often causes the abs to separate from each other, leaving behind a gap (known as ‘the tummy gap’). One of the most important functions of our abdominal muscles is to provide our entire bodies with core strength, balance and movement to our bodies. When the muscles are separated, they can’t fulfil this function, resulting in what many women refer to as ‘mum tum’, ‘post- partum belly’ or an ‘overhang’ or ‘pouch’. Lots of women try post-natal exercises to flatten their tummies, but the wrong exercises can worsen diastasis recti. Not only does diastasis recti impact physical health, it can also have a big impact on your confidence and mental and emotional wellbeing. With my advanced techniques of massage, myofascial release and soft tissue therapy, I’ll specifically target adhesions in your abdomen, including the tummy gap, helping to warm, smooth and soothe your abdomen.
