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Women's Health

Read our latest blogs on women's health!

Questions? Contact Dr. Croal or Dr. Rubatt today!

Diastasis Recti Abdominis aka "Split Abs"

3/8/2018

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 What is DRA?
·      DRA, also known as “split abs,” is a condition where the linea alba, the area between your rectus abdominis, splits. This most often occurs during pregnancy.
 
What happens if the abs are split?
·      Difficulty controlling posture
·      Increased risk for injury
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How do you test for DRA?
·      Lay flat on your back, knees can be straight or bent. Gently lift your head
·      Note the degree of separation of the abdominal muscle above and below the belly button
·      A palpable midline gap of more than 2.5 cm (1inch)  or any visible bulging on exertion is considered as a diastasis.
 
When can DRA become an issue?
·      Not always painful at first
·      May present as low back, pelvic or hip pain
·      Can contribute and be affected by poor posture
·      Difficulty bracing through the midsection or feeling weak in the core
·      Pain with sex
·      Urinary or bowel problems (incontinence, constipation, etc)
 
What should you do if you have DRA?
·      Postural Training
·      Postural control
·      Training SPECIFIC core muscles (transverse abdominis, pelvic floor) 
·      Perform daily activities with active abdominal “bracing”
·      Stretching

Seek Physical Therapy to help set up a personalized program to progress your core strengthening!

Both Dr. Lauren and Dr. Sarah are trained in rehabilitation of DRA! 
​Schedule your appointment today!
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    Dr. Lauren Croal

    Dr. Croal specializes in women's health. She is YOUR physical therapist for pelvic floor issues, incontinence, pregnancy, post pregnancy, or general muscular issues.  She is a certified yoga instructor, dry needling specialist, and does CrossFit.

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    Dr. Sarah Rubatt

    Dr. Rubatt has over two years of experience treating both women and men with pelvic health issues.  She specializes in treating incontinence (of bladder and bowel), pelvic pain, pain in pregnancy, pain post pregnancy, and general muscular issues.  She is a dry needling specialist.
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