Diastasis Recti: Surgery or No Surgery?

 

Tummy Trouble? Could it Be Diastasis Recti?

It could be Diastasis Recti, the division of the rectus abdominis muscle down the vertical center. Diastasis Recti can happen due to:

  • pregnancy
  • weight gain / loss
  • abdominal aortic aneurism
  • eating disorder
  • improper weight lifting
  • injury to the core

It can happen to men and women. It can appear from the outside like a big belly, a swollen midsection, or a visible muscular separation.

Should I just get a surgery to repair my Diastasis Recti?

Is there another way?

For reference, here is some of my story (also in chapter 2 of “Flatten my Postpartum Belly“)

 

I never want to tell anyone “Yes” or “No” on the surgery discussion.

I don’t think that’s my place.

Just like all body autonomy, I lean hard on the side of choosing for your own life and your own body.

But I will tell you that surgery has its own complications, such as:

  • a lot of pain in recovery
  • side effects from medicine
  • mental and emotional trauma possible
  • a lot of downtime
  • slow recovery

As you know, Diastasis Recti can cause:

  • tummy and back pain
  • digestive issues
  • feeling of core weakness
  • lack of protection for the internal organs
  • pelvic floor issues
  • bowel issues

But, there is never any harm in using The ABC Method for help with core stability, alignment, and strength for the center of the body. The way I teach is just to empower you to do what is right for your own core, not to force you through a series of exercises that may be counterintuitive.

You can also choose to repair your hernia surgically and use any of my tools to help recover the diastasis itself. In other words, using surgery does not always mean the full abdominoplasty with hernia repair. You can ask a general surgeon about just the hernia, and then use a method to help the muscles function again.

You could choose surgery down the line, after you feel you have completed most of the journey. Or, if you already chose surgery, and now you are struggling in recovery (as I did), you can use my methods to help with the recovery process and help get you back on your feet again.

If you choose to use my methods, whether before or after surgery, know that there is no “right” or “wrong,” no “timeline for recovery,” no “you have to be perfect...” none of that. There is only setting up a strategy and plan, and following it.

And, as always, before or after surgery, I recommend seeing a qualified physical therapist, as well.

What can I expect from a CarrieFit program?

Using the book, course, or class to help you with your Diastasis Recti or surgery / injury recovery is designed to help you realign, re-establish your breath and posture, re-stabilize your core muscles from the inside out, and strengthen the muscles that help you recover.

You may be surprised that CarrieFit programs are more mind-body and more internal than they are externally motivated. This inner work and inner guidance helps you translate how you feel on the inside to anything you are doing on the outside, whether it’s walking or working or going through daily activities. My work is to reset your mind and body to be more efficient in its personal strength and stability, so that your body works as a holistic piece, helping and healing itself.

Still need more help?

Contact Carrie HERE and make sure to check out all the free tutorials on YouTube.

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