Diastasis Recti & Postpartum Core Recovery
If your middle still doesn't feel like yours, you're in good company.
Months after birth, plenty of mothers notice a soft bulge or ridge down the middle of the belly, a back that aches by evening, or a core that just doesn't fire the way it used to. That's often diastasis recti, and it's one of the most common changes after pregnancy.
What diastasis recti is
As your baby grows, the two sides of your front ab muscles stretch apart along the connective tissue in the middle. That's a normal part of pregnancy. For many women the gap closes on its own in the months after birth. For others, it stays wider or the tissue stays soft, and the core has a harder time supporting the back and pelvis.
What you might notice
- A doming or ridge down the middle of your belly when you sit up
- A gap you can feel above or below your belly button
- Low back or pelvic pain, especially when lifting your baby
- A belly that still looks pregnant months later
- Feeling weak or disconnected through your core
- Leaking or pelvic heaviness (worth checking with a pelvic floor physical therapist)
Where chiropractic fits
We're honest about this: chiropractic care doesn't close a diastasis. The core work itself is best guided by a pelvic floor physical therapist. What we do is support the body around your core. When your pelvis, ribs and spine move well, and the muscles that have been overworking get a chance to let go, your core has a better base to rebuild from.
How we care for postpartum core recovery
Postpartum visits at Tula are full-body and include muscle and soft tissue work. We look at how your pelvis, low back and rib cage are moving and use gentle adjustments to help them move evenly. We release the hips, back and shoulders that take over when the core isn't ready yet, and we'll show you simple breathing and posture habits for feeding, lifting and carrying.
All of our doctors have extensive training in pregnancy, postpartum and pediatric care through the ICPA.
It's never too late
Whether you're three months or three years postpartum, your body can still respond to care. Bring your little one along. With a Mommy & Me visit, we can care for you both in the same appointment.
Visiting Tula
Tula Chiropractic & Wellness is at 7701 Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 500, McKinney, TX 75070, a short drive for families in Allen, Frisco, Prosper, Plano, Melissa, Princeton and North Dallas.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM; Wednesday 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM; Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Saturdays by appointment; closed Sunday.
We don't bill insurance directly. We're self-pay, we provide superbills you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and we accept HSA and FSA cards. See pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a chiropractor fix diastasis recti? No. Chiropractic care doesn't close the gap. Core rehab is best guided by a pelvic floor physical therapist. We support the pelvis, ribs and spine around your core and ease the muscles that overwork, so your core has a better base to rebuild from.
How do I know if I have diastasis recti? Common signs are a ridge or doming down the middle of the belly when you sit up and a gap you can feel above or below your belly button. A pelvic floor physical therapist can measure it properly.
Is it too late to get help years after having a baby? No. Your body can respond to care whether you're three months or three years postpartum.
Can diastasis cause back pain? It can contribute. When the core has a harder time supporting the trunk, the low back and hips often pick up the slack, which is the tension we work on.
Can I bring my baby to my visit? Yes. Babies are always welcome, and Mommy & Me visits care for you both in one appointment.