articulate.
  • HOME
    • Our Team >
      • Mauricio Bara
      • Yulia Khasyanova
      • Bethany Kippen (nee Bethany Dick)
      • Emma Cameron
      • Sarah Battersby (nee Sarah Dinsey)
  • BOOKINGS
  • SERVICES
    • Physiotherapy Services & Pricing >
      • Physiotherapy FAQs
      • Dry Needling
      • Real Time Ultrasound
      • Telehealth Online Physiotherapy
      • Pregnancy Physiotherapy
      • Mastitis Physiotherapy
    • Postnatal Physiotherapy
    • Physiotherapy for Teenagers
    • Dance Physiotherapy >
      • Pre-Pointe Assessments
    • Exercise Physiology
    • AxIT Objective Strength & Power Testing
    • Chronic Disease Management Plan Physiotherapy
    • DVA Physiotherapy
    • Workcover Physiotherapy
    • NDIS Physiotherapy
    • CTP Physiotherapy
  • PHYSIO LED PILATES
    • Clinical Exercise Class Timetable & Pricing
    • Prenatal Pilates 8 Week Course >
      • Prenatal Pilates FAQs
    • Mums & Bubs Postnatal 8 Week Block >
      • Mums & Bubs Pilates FAQs
  • GENERAL PILATES
    • Reformer Pilates Timetable
    • Pilates FAQs
    • Memberships
    • Pilates Pricing & Passes
    • Pilates Privates
  • CONDITIONS WE TREAT
    • Women's Health Conditions >
      • Abdominal separation (rectus diastasis or DRAMS)
      • Menopause
      • Pelvic Girdle Pain Physiotherapy
      • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Physiotherapy
      • Pregnancy-Related Issues >
        • Pregnancy-Related Back Pain
        • Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)
        • Pelvic Girdle Pain (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
        • Postural Changes During Pregnancy
        • Prenatal and Postnatal Exercise Guidance
    • Sprains and Strains >
      • Groin Strains
      • Hamstring Injuries
      • Repetitive Strain Injury
      • Ligament Sprains
      • Muscle Strains
    • Foot and Ankle Pain >
      • Ankle Osteoarthritis
      • Plantar Fasciitis
      • Achilles Tendinopathy
      • Morton's Neuroma
      • Metatarsalgia
      • Stress Fractures
      • Sesamoiditis
      • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
      • Heel Spurs
      • Hammer, Claw & Mallet Toes
      • Flat Feet
      • Bunions
    • Calf Pain >
      • Calf Strain
      • Shin Splints | Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS)
    • Knee Pain >
      • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
      • Chondromalacia Patella
      • Iliotibial Band Syndrome
      • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
      • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries
      • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries
      • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injuries
      • Jumper's Knee (Patellar Tendinopathy)
      • Meniscal Tears
      • Osteoarthritis of the Knee
      • Knee Gout
      • Knee Dislocations
      • Knee Bursitis
      • Baker's Cyst
      • Quadriceps Tendon Tear
      • Ligamentous Laxity or Hypermobility of the Knee
      • Knee Hypermobility
    • Hip Pain >
      • Labral Tears
      • Gluteal Tendinopathy
      • Hip Bursitis
      • Piriformis Syndrome
      • Femoroacetabular Impingment Syndrome | FAI
      • Snapping Hip Syndrome
      • Greater Throcanter Pain Syndrome | GTPS
      • Hip Adductor Strain
      • Hip Fractures
      • Hip Flexor Strain
      • Osteoarthritis of the Hip
    • Back Pain >
      • Herniated Discs
      • Sciatica
      • Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
      • Sacroiliitis and SIJ Pain
      • Kyphosis
      • Facet Joint Syndrome
      • Spinal Stenosis
      • Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
      • Degenerative Disc Disease
      • Ankylosing Spondylitis
    • Neck Pain >
      • Whiplash Treatment
      • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
      • Cervical Instability
      • Cervical Myelopathy
      • Torticollis
      • Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome
      • Cervical Radiculopathy
      • Cervical Stenosis
      • Cervical Spondylosis
      • Cervical Disc Herniatiion
      • Atlantoaxial Instability
      • Cranio-Cervical Instability
    • Headaches and Migraines >
      • Cervicogenic Headache
    • TMJ and Jaw Pain
    • Wrist Pain >
      • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
      • DeQuervain Tenosynovitis
    • Tennis Elbow
    • Shoulder Pain >
      • Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Disorders
      • Brachial Plexus Injuries
      • Frozen Shoulder
      • Shoulder Impingement
      • Shoulder Dislocations
      • Rotator Cuff Injury
      • SLAP Tears (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tears)
      • Glenohumeral Joint Instability
      • Winged Scapula
      • Calcific Tendinitis
      • Shoulder Bursitis
    • Bursitis
    • Fracture Rehabilitation
    • Growth related conditions >
      • Scheuermann's Disease
      • Sever's Disease
      • Osgood-Schlatter Disease
      • Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome
    • Performance Enhancement
    • Sports Injuries >
      • Cycling
      • Rock Climbing
      • Endurance Running
      • Sprinting
      • AFL
      • High Jump
      • Athletic Throwing
      • Cricket
      • Golf
      • Gymnastics
      • Hockey
      • Netball
      • Rowing
      • Rugby League
      • Rugby Union
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Strength Athletes
      • Swimming
      • Tennis
      • Touch Football
      • Volleyball
      • Water Polo
      • Artistic Swimming
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Beach Volleyball
      • Boxing
      • CrossFit
      • Diving
      • Futsal
      • Karate
      • Kickboxing
      • Long Jump
      • MMA
      • Powerlifting
      • Sailing
      • Skiing
      • Snowboarding
      • Squash
      • Surfing
      • Triathlons
      • Weightlifting
      • Wrestling
      • Yoga
      • Pickleball
    • Chronic Pain >
      • Fibromyalgia
      • CRPS
      • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalmyelitis
      • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
    • Arthritis >
      • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      • Spondyloarthropathies and Ankylosing Spondylitis
      • Shoulder Arthritis
    • Osteoporosis
    • Hypermobility >
      • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
      • Marfan Syndrome
      • Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
      • Stickler Syndrome
      • Joint Hypermobility Syndrome
    • POTS
    • Hypotension
    • Balance and Coordination >
      • Vestibular Disorders
      • Postural Disorders
    • Healthy Aging
    • Concussions
    • Neurological Conditions >
      • Peripheral Neuropathies
      • Parkinsons Disease
      • Stroke Rehabilitation
      • Alzheimer's Disease
      • Multiple Sclerosis
      • Guillain-Barre Syndrome
    • Post-Surgical Rehab >
      • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction
      • Osteochondral Grafting or Microfracture Surgery
      • High Tibial Osteotomy
      • Patellar Tendon Repair
      • Quadriceps Tendon Repair
      • Total Knee Replacement
      • Meniscus Repair
      • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair
      • Patellar Tendon Transfer
      • Pelvic Fracture Fixation
      • Hamstring Tendon Repair
      • Total Hip Replacement
      • Neck of Femur Fracture Fixation
      • Labral Repair
      • Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Reconstruction
      • Clavicle ORIF
      • SLAP Lesion Repair
      • Distal Biceps Tendon Repair
      • Proximal Humerus ORIF
      • Rotator Cuff Repair
      • Shoulder Reconstruction
      • Subacromial Decompression
      • Artificial Disc Replacement
      • Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
      • Spinal Fusion
      • Scoliosis Repair
      • Discectomy
      • Laminectomy
      • Flatfoot Reconstruction
      • Lisfranc Injury Repair
      • Triple Arthrodesis
      • Anterior Ankle Impingement Surgery
      • Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair
      • Fracture Fixation
      • Ankle Ligament Repair
      • Bunionectomy
      • Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
      • Scaphoid Fracture Fixation
      • Radial Head Replacement
      • Carpal Tunnel Release
      • Tendon Release
      • Fixations Following Fracture
  • CAREERS
  • BLOG
  • REFERRAL FORM
  • CONTACT US
  • GIFT VOUCHERS
Abdominal Separation Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside

Physiotherapy for Abdominal Separation Brisbane Southside.

RECTUS DIASTASIS OR DRAM PHYSIOTHERAPY

What is rectus diastasis? | What is DRAM?
DRAM (Diastasis Rectus Abdominis Muscle)(more simply known as Rectus Diastasis or Abdominal Separation) is a condition where the rectus abdominis muscles, also known as the "six-pack" muscles, separate along the midline of the abdomen. This separation is often caused by a combination of factors including genetics, pregnancy, weight gain, and age.

Pre-pregnancy, rectus diastasis is relatively uncommon, occurring in less than 10% of the population. However, after pregnancy, abdominal separation is more common, affecting up to 60% of women post-partum, especially within the initial postpartum period (2-7 days).

How is rectus diastasis diagnosed?
Rectus diastasis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a Physiotherapist or Doctor.  During the examination, the healthcare professional will assess the gap between the rectus abdominis muscles and check for any bulging or herniation. A trained Women's Health Physiotherapist, Doctor, or Sonographer, can perform a quick ultrasound to take a better look at a rectus diastasis, check for herniation or coning, and measure the distance with more accuracy.  

What are the symptoms of rectus diastasis?
The symptoms of rectus diastasis can vary, but may include:
  1. A visible bulge in the midline of the abdomen: This may be noticeable when performing certain activities, such as coughing or sitting up out of bed.
  2. Abdominal weakness: This can result in difficulty with activities that require core stability, such as lifting, carrying or playing sports.
  3. Lower back or pelvic pain: The weakened abdominal muscles and altered biomechanics may cause contribute to increased stress on the lower back, leading to pain or discomfort.
  4. Incontinence: The weakened pelvic floor muscles associated with RD may result in urinary incontinence but is not the direct cause.  The research has found a small link between conditions.
  5. Abdominal herniation: In severe cases and very rarely, patients may have an abdominal wall hernia, often resulting in a visible bulge. If this is the case, you should see a Physiotherapist or Doctor, as they will likely not resolve on their own.

It is important to note that not all individuals with rectus diastasis will experience symptoms. Some individuals may only become aware of the condition through routine examination or when seeking treatment for a related condition.

How can physiotherapy help with rectus diastasis?
Physiotherapy can be extremely helpful in managing rectus diastasis. Treatment will typically focus on strengthening the deep core muscles, including the transversus abdominis and the pelvic floor muscles. This can help to stabilise the abdominal wall and reduce the separation. Physiotherapists may also use bracing, taping or advocate for the use of compression tights.
In addition to physiotherapy, there are several other treatments that may be recommended for rectus diastasis, including:
  1. Exercise: A physiotherapist can recommend specific exercises to target the affected muscles and help improve overall abdominal strength.
  2. Surgery: In very rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the separated muscles and / or hernia. However, this is typically only recommended if conservative measures have failed.
  3. Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that put undue stress on the abdominal muscles can help to manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.

​How can clinical pilates help with rectus diastasis?
Clinical Pilates can be beneficial in the management and rehabilitation of rectus diastasis through:
  1. Core Strengthening: Clinical Pilates focuses on deep core activation and strengthening, particularly the transversus abdominis muscle, which plays a crucial role in supporting the abdominal wall. Strengthening the core muscles can help improve the stability and function of the abdominal muscles, potentially reducing the separation between the rectus abdominis muscles.
  2. Alignment and Posture: Clinical Pilates emphasises proper alignment and posture during exercises. By promoting good posture and alignment, it can help reduce excessive intra-abdominal pressure that may contribute to rectus diastasis. Maintaining proper alignment and body mechanics during daily activities can also aid in preventing further strain on the abdominal muscles.
  3. Controlled Abdominal Exercises: Clinical Pilates offers a wide range of exercises that specifically target the abdominal muscles while minimising strain on the linea alba (the connective tissue between the rectus abdominis muscles). These exercises focus on activating the deep core muscles without exacerbating the separation.
  4. Breathing Techniques: Proper breathing techniques are incorporated into Clinical Pilates exercises. Learning diaphragmatic breathing and coordinating it with core activation can help improve the overall support and stability of the abdominal muscles.

​If you're concerned about any of the symptoms above, or if you have been diagnosed with abdominal separation by your doctor or another health professional we would love to be able to help.  Give our friendly Women's Health physiotherapy team at Tarragindi a call on 07 3706 3407 or email us at [email protected].
BOOK NOW

Who to book in with:

Picture

Emma Cameron
Physiotherapist & Exercise Scientist

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EMMA
Picture

Mauricio Bara
Phsiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MAURICIO
If you are unsure about which appointment type is right for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly reception staff by calling 07 3706 3407 or emailing [email protected].

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In the spirit of reconciliation Articulate acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
articulate. physiotherapy

Shop 3 | 48 Esher St | Tarragindi | Qld | 4121

Phone 07 3706 3407

Fax 07 3036 6644

Email [email protected]

Monday - Thursday 5:00am - 7:00pm
Friday 6:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 7:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday 7:00am - 11:00am

Please note our admin hours are 8am - 5pm Mon - Friday and 8am - 1pm Saturday. Please leave a message if no one answers the phone and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Areas we service

Annerley | Camp Hill | Coorparoo | Dutton Park | Ekibin | Fairfield | Greenslopes | Holland Park | Holland Park West | Macgregor | Moorooka | Mt Gravatt | Nathan | Robertson | Salisbury | Stones Corner | Tarragindi | Wellers Hill | Yeerongpilly | Yeronga

​
If you are looking for a physio near me, or Pilates near me we would love to help!
  • HOME
    • Our Team >
      • Mauricio Bara
      • Yulia Khasyanova
      • Bethany Kippen (nee Bethany Dick)
      • Emma Cameron
      • Sarah Battersby (nee Sarah Dinsey)
  • BOOKINGS
  • SERVICES
    • Physiotherapy Services & Pricing >
      • Physiotherapy FAQs
      • Dry Needling
      • Real Time Ultrasound
      • Telehealth Online Physiotherapy
      • Pregnancy Physiotherapy
      • Mastitis Physiotherapy
    • Postnatal Physiotherapy
    • Physiotherapy for Teenagers
    • Dance Physiotherapy >
      • Pre-Pointe Assessments
    • Exercise Physiology
    • AxIT Objective Strength & Power Testing
    • Chronic Disease Management Plan Physiotherapy
    • DVA Physiotherapy
    • Workcover Physiotherapy
    • NDIS Physiotherapy
    • CTP Physiotherapy
  • PHYSIO LED PILATES
    • Clinical Exercise Class Timetable & Pricing
    • Prenatal Pilates 8 Week Course >
      • Prenatal Pilates FAQs
    • Mums & Bubs Postnatal 8 Week Block >
      • Mums & Bubs Pilates FAQs
  • GENERAL PILATES
    • Reformer Pilates Timetable
    • Pilates FAQs
    • Memberships
    • Pilates Pricing & Passes
    • Pilates Privates
  • CONDITIONS WE TREAT
    • Women's Health Conditions >
      • Abdominal separation (rectus diastasis or DRAMS)
      • Menopause
      • Pelvic Girdle Pain Physiotherapy
      • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Physiotherapy
      • Pregnancy-Related Issues >
        • Pregnancy-Related Back Pain
        • Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)
        • Pelvic Girdle Pain (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
        • Postural Changes During Pregnancy
        • Prenatal and Postnatal Exercise Guidance
    • Sprains and Strains >
      • Groin Strains
      • Hamstring Injuries
      • Repetitive Strain Injury
      • Ligament Sprains
      • Muscle Strains
    • Foot and Ankle Pain >
      • Ankle Osteoarthritis
      • Plantar Fasciitis
      • Achilles Tendinopathy
      • Morton's Neuroma
      • Metatarsalgia
      • Stress Fractures
      • Sesamoiditis
      • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
      • Heel Spurs
      • Hammer, Claw & Mallet Toes
      • Flat Feet
      • Bunions
    • Calf Pain >
      • Calf Strain
      • Shin Splints | Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS)
    • Knee Pain >
      • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
      • Chondromalacia Patella
      • Iliotibial Band Syndrome
      • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
      • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries
      • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries
      • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injuries
      • Jumper's Knee (Patellar Tendinopathy)
      • Meniscal Tears
      • Osteoarthritis of the Knee
      • Knee Gout
      • Knee Dislocations
      • Knee Bursitis
      • Baker's Cyst
      • Quadriceps Tendon Tear
      • Ligamentous Laxity or Hypermobility of the Knee
      • Knee Hypermobility
    • Hip Pain >
      • Labral Tears
      • Gluteal Tendinopathy
      • Hip Bursitis
      • Piriformis Syndrome
      • Femoroacetabular Impingment Syndrome | FAI
      • Snapping Hip Syndrome
      • Greater Throcanter Pain Syndrome | GTPS
      • Hip Adductor Strain
      • Hip Fractures
      • Hip Flexor Strain
      • Osteoarthritis of the Hip
    • Back Pain >
      • Herniated Discs
      • Sciatica
      • Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
      • Sacroiliitis and SIJ Pain
      • Kyphosis
      • Facet Joint Syndrome
      • Spinal Stenosis
      • Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
      • Degenerative Disc Disease
      • Ankylosing Spondylitis
    • Neck Pain >
      • Whiplash Treatment
      • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
      • Cervical Instability
      • Cervical Myelopathy
      • Torticollis
      • Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome
      • Cervical Radiculopathy
      • Cervical Stenosis
      • Cervical Spondylosis
      • Cervical Disc Herniatiion
      • Atlantoaxial Instability
      • Cranio-Cervical Instability
    • Headaches and Migraines >
      • Cervicogenic Headache
    • TMJ and Jaw Pain
    • Wrist Pain >
      • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
      • DeQuervain Tenosynovitis
    • Tennis Elbow
    • Shoulder Pain >
      • Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Disorders
      • Brachial Plexus Injuries
      • Frozen Shoulder
      • Shoulder Impingement
      • Shoulder Dislocations
      • Rotator Cuff Injury
      • SLAP Tears (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tears)
      • Glenohumeral Joint Instability
      • Winged Scapula
      • Calcific Tendinitis
      • Shoulder Bursitis
    • Bursitis
    • Fracture Rehabilitation
    • Growth related conditions >
      • Scheuermann's Disease
      • Sever's Disease
      • Osgood-Schlatter Disease
      • Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome
    • Performance Enhancement
    • Sports Injuries >
      • Cycling
      • Rock Climbing
      • Endurance Running
      • Sprinting
      • AFL
      • High Jump
      • Athletic Throwing
      • Cricket
      • Golf
      • Gymnastics
      • Hockey
      • Netball
      • Rowing
      • Rugby League
      • Rugby Union
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Strength Athletes
      • Swimming
      • Tennis
      • Touch Football
      • Volleyball
      • Water Polo
      • Artistic Swimming
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Beach Volleyball
      • Boxing
      • CrossFit
      • Diving
      • Futsal
      • Karate
      • Kickboxing
      • Long Jump
      • MMA
      • Powerlifting
      • Sailing
      • Skiing
      • Snowboarding
      • Squash
      • Surfing
      • Triathlons
      • Weightlifting
      • Wrestling
      • Yoga
      • Pickleball
    • Chronic Pain >
      • Fibromyalgia
      • CRPS
      • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalmyelitis
      • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
    • Arthritis >
      • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      • Spondyloarthropathies and Ankylosing Spondylitis
      • Shoulder Arthritis
    • Osteoporosis
    • Hypermobility >
      • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
      • Marfan Syndrome
      • Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
      • Stickler Syndrome
      • Joint Hypermobility Syndrome
    • POTS
    • Hypotension
    • Balance and Coordination >
      • Vestibular Disorders
      • Postural Disorders
    • Healthy Aging
    • Concussions
    • Neurological Conditions >
      • Peripheral Neuropathies
      • Parkinsons Disease
      • Stroke Rehabilitation
      • Alzheimer's Disease
      • Multiple Sclerosis
      • Guillain-Barre Syndrome
    • Post-Surgical Rehab >
      • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction
      • Osteochondral Grafting or Microfracture Surgery
      • High Tibial Osteotomy
      • Patellar Tendon Repair
      • Quadriceps Tendon Repair
      • Total Knee Replacement
      • Meniscus Repair
      • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair
      • Patellar Tendon Transfer
      • Pelvic Fracture Fixation
      • Hamstring Tendon Repair
      • Total Hip Replacement
      • Neck of Femur Fracture Fixation
      • Labral Repair
      • Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Reconstruction
      • Clavicle ORIF
      • SLAP Lesion Repair
      • Distal Biceps Tendon Repair
      • Proximal Humerus ORIF
      • Rotator Cuff Repair
      • Shoulder Reconstruction
      • Subacromial Decompression
      • Artificial Disc Replacement
      • Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
      • Spinal Fusion
      • Scoliosis Repair
      • Discectomy
      • Laminectomy
      • Flatfoot Reconstruction
      • Lisfranc Injury Repair
      • Triple Arthrodesis
      • Anterior Ankle Impingement Surgery
      • Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair
      • Fracture Fixation
      • Ankle Ligament Repair
      • Bunionectomy
      • Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
      • Scaphoid Fracture Fixation
      • Radial Head Replacement
      • Carpal Tunnel Release
      • Tendon Release
      • Fixations Following Fracture
  • CAREERS
  • BLOG
  • REFERRAL FORM
  • CONTACT US
  • GIFT VOUCHERS