Episode 38: How to Heal from Diastasis Recti: Interview with Shelley DiCecco
In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing my Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Shelley DiCecco. I met Shelley a month after having my first baby and she helped me in so many ways. She helped me heal from pain using the restroom after having a vaginal birth. She helped me heal from Diastatis Recti…twice, which is the focus of today’s episode.
In this episode we discuss:
Shelley’s background as a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Shelley is a PT at The Sports Rehabilitation Center
She also teaches entry level Physical Therapists at a medical school in Atlanta
What does a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist do?
My story with a Pelvic Floor PT:
Helped me heal from pain using the restroom after having a vaginal birth
Helped me heal from Diastatis Recti…twice, after both of my pregnancies
Part of the program was visits to see a PT regularly and doing exercises comprised of ab approximations for 30 minutes a day
What is Diastasis Recti?
When a PT is checking you for how wide a separation you have they should be checking in 3 places
Above belly button
At belly button
Below belly button
Just wearing a splint, brace, wrap or doing ab contractions will not bring the linea alba close together enough to heal. Doing ab contractions and crunches will actually make your DR worse
The only true way to FULLY heal from DR is to approximate your rectus abdominus muscles while you do rehabilitation exercise. How to do this:
Lay on the ground, push your fingers down into the sides of your belly, then squeeze your fingers and belly skin/muscles toward each other, then contract your abs in and hold for 10 seconds
Repeat this for 3 sets of 30
Exercises and activities to avoid when you have a Diastasis Recti:
Planks
Crunches
Ab exercises without doing an approximation first
Most mainstream forms of yoga and pilates
How to find a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
You may need a referral from your OB, midwife or other practitioner, depending on your state and insurance
Ask for a referral at your 6 week postpartum visit
Go to https://aptaapps.apta.org/APTAPTDirectory/FindAPTDirectory.aspx to find a Pelvic Floor PT in your area
How to get in touch with Shelley
Email: shelleydicecco@gmail.com