Diastasis recti is one of the most common problems women face after pregnancy, but it is often missed or ignored. This condition happens when the belly muscles, called the rectus abdominis, pull apart and leave a gap down the middle of the stomach. It is usually caused by the stretching and pressure of pregnancy. When this separation happens, it can lead to core weakness, low back pain, poor posture, and even pelvic problems. Many moms are told this is something they just have to live with, but that is not true.
At Live LOUD Chiropractic in Lafayette, CO, we help women with diastasis recti using gentle chiropractic care and functional rehab exercises. Our goal is to help moms reconnect with their core, rebuild strength, and restore healthy movement so they can feel strong and confident again. In this blog, we will explain what diastasis recti is, what causes it, and why combining chiropractic adjustments with customized rehab is one of the best natural ways to heal and recover fully after pregnancy.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) occurs when the connective tissue (linea alba) between the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis (six-pack muscles) stretches and thins. This commonly happens during pregnancy to accommodate the growing uterus. After delivery, many women continue to have a visible abdominal separation, often seen as a coning or bulging down the midline of the abdomen, especially during movement or lifting. But diastasis isn’t just cosmetic.
Diastasis recti affects how the core system works and can lead to a variety of issues, including:
- Weakness in the core and pelvic floor
- Low back or hip pain
- Poor posture and spinal instability
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Incontinence or leaking with movement, sneezing, or exercise
- Difficulty regaining strength after pregnancy
Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short
Many women are told that DRA will heal on its own or are given basic exercises like crunches or planks too soon. Others are advised to avoid movement altogether. The truth is, healing diastasis recti requires a coordinated approach; one that addresses spinal alignment, breathing mechanics, core coordination, and functional strength.That’s why at Live LOUD Chiropractic, we go beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and offer a comprehensive care plan that combines chiropractic adjustments with targeted rehab to restore proper function from the inside out.
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Diastasis Recti
Chiropractic care is an important part of postpartum healing. After pregnancy, the body goes through big changes in alignment and nervous system function. Gentle adjustments help restore balance so the core can recover more effectively. Chiropractic care realigns the pelvis and spine. During and after birth, the pelvis, lower back, and ribcage often shift out of place. These changes put strain on the abdominal wall and slow healing. Adjustments bring the body back into balance, creating a stronger foundation for recovery.
Chiropractic adjustments improve breathing mechanics by freeing the ribs and upper back. This allows the diaphragm to work the way it should, making it easier to breathe deeply and manage abdominal pressure during healing. Chiropractic care also supports nervous system function. The nervous system controls how muscles fire and coordinate. When communication between the brain and body is clear, the right muscles engage at the right time. This helps restore core strength, stability, and long-term healing from diastasis recti.
The Power of Combining Chiropractic and Rehab
Rehab is where real rebuilding begins. After chiropractic care restores alignment and improves nervous system function, we guide patients through safe, progressive movements designed to reconnect the deep core muscles, including the transverse abdominis, diaphragm, and pelvic floor. These exercises focus on proper breathing mechanics and pressure management, building strength from the inside out while restoring healthy movement patterns like lifting, carrying, and squatting. A strong rehab plan also helps prevent future issues such as hernias, prolapse, or ongoing back pain. Every program is fully customized based on your stage of recovery, birth experience, and movement goals.
The true power comes from combining chiropractic care and functional rehab. On their own, each approach provides benefits, but together they create a complete system that addresses the structural, neurological, and functional components of healing. This integrated approach helps women heal diastasis recti more effectively, avoid surgery or unnecessary interventions, and rebuild lasting core stability. It also supports a safe return to exercise, improved confidence, and better overall movement. Whether you are six weeks or six years postpartum, it is never too late to reconnect with your core, restore strength, and feel like yourself again.
Why Choose Live LOUD Chiropractic?
At Live LOUD Chiropractic in Lafayette, Colorado, we are passionate about helping women recover after pregnancy in a way that feels natural, supportive, and empowering. Our care blends gentle chiropractic adjustments, core and pelvic floor rehab, functional strength training, and nervous system support to create a complete approach to postpartum healing. We focus on the whole person, not just the symptoms, so you feel seen, understood, and guided every step of the way.
Recovering from diastasis recti is about more than closing the gap. It’s about restoring balance, rebuilding confidence, and returning to the activities you love without fear or pain. Whether you are weeks or years postpartum, it is never too late to begin the process. If you are ready to reconnect with your core and feel strong again, we invite you to schedule a consultation and start your journey to lasting recovery.
