That persistent tummy bulge after pregnancy — the one that doesn't respond to exercise — is likely diastasis recti. Up to 60% of women develop abdominal muscle separation during or after pregnancy. The right rehabilitation closes the gap and restores genuine core strength. The wrong exercises make it worse.
The rectus abdominis — your "six-pack" muscles — are joined at the midline by a band of connective tissue called the linea alba. During pregnancy, the growing uterus stretches this tissue, causing the two muscle bellies to separate. This separation is called diastasis recti (DR).
A gap of more than 2 cm (roughly 2 finger-widths) is considered clinically significant. Left unaddressed, DR causes persistent lower back pain, poor posture, abdominal weakness, a visible "doming" or "coning" when you lift, and pelvic floor dysfunction. The good news: with the right program, the majority of cases improve significantly.
Our physiotherapists specialise in postpartum core rehabilitation. Treatment is staged — we begin with deep stabiliser activation before progressing to functional movement, ensuring the repair is genuine and lasting.
We measure gap width and depth, assess linea alba tension and function, and evaluate your whole-body movement patterns — not just the gap number.
Retraining the transverse abdominis, diaphragm, and pelvic floor to work together — the foundation of all safe DR rehabilitation.
A carefully graded program that closes the gap while building genuine core stability — modified based on your current stage and daily life demands.
Many women breathe and hold themselves in ways that continuously stress the linea alba. We correct these patterns as part of rehabilitation.
Safe return to gym, yoga, running, and lifting — with clear guidance on what to progress when. No more guessing what's safe.
Our complete DR program — assessment via video, guided exercise sessions, and weekly check-ins — available via Google Meet worldwide.
Mild to moderate DR typically shows meaningful improvement within 8–12 weeks of consistent targeted rehab. Severe or long-standing cases may take 4–6 months. The goal isn't just closing the gap — it's restoring functional core strength, which takes consistent work.
Not at all. We regularly treat women who are years or even decades postpartum. The linea alba retains the ability to improve with the right loading and exercise — even if the gap has been present for a long time.
Yes — we will tell you exactly which exercises are safe, which need modification, and which to avoid. You don't have to stop moving; you need to move differently and progressively.
DR develops due to pregnancy, not delivery mode. C-section mothers can and do develop DR. Additionally, C-section scar tissue can affect deep core muscle function — we address both in our postpartum rehabilitation program.
A 15-minute assessment tells you exactly whether you have DR, how significant it is, and what your specific program should look like. Book a free initial consultation at our Somajiguda clinic.
© 2026 Ataha Wellness — Diastasis Recti Treatment, Somajiguda, Hyderabad
