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crisic
Apr 24, 2012, 1:20 PM
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Hi, I have been climbing for a few years on and off so I am a recreational climber that get to climb up to 6b or 6c routes maximum.
However, after my second pregnancy I am left with a diastasis recti or abdominal separation of 2cm around the belly button area.
I have been doing pilates and this seem to improve the separation, however I am not sure whether climbing can deteriorate the condition and nobody and nowhere I seem able to find answers.
I went bouldering the other day, I did not seem to have any problem or pain, but I do not know if I can increase the separation. I know crunches is a no-no for diastasis recti, so I was avoiding any sort of overhang, but if I climb a vertical wall, can I make the separation bigger? if anybody has any info or knows about the problem I will really appreciate any advice.
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bsyed
Apr 25, 2012, 12:28 AM
Post #2 of 6
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talk to a physiotherapist and consult them on the best rehabilitation plan for your condition
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crisic
Apr 25, 2012, 9:57 AM
Post #3 of 6
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I should have clarified in my post that I have done that. Believe it or not they don't know that much about it. They just give you some core strengthening exercises, tell you not to do crunches and in doubt tell you not to do anything and send you away. I am looking for specialist advice with particular relation to climbing, that is why I am posting here.
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onceahardman
Apr 25, 2012, 11:02 AM
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PTs do know about diastasis recti, it just that there is very little we can do about it. All the abdominal muscles insert on the linea alba. No muscle fibers cross this midline structure. There is nothing to strengthen. When the linea alba separates during pregnancy, you get distasis recti.
Functionally, it doesn't seem to cause much trouble in most people, once the linea alba scars down following the injury.
If your concern is the appearance of it, I don't know what to tell you. Perhaps a plastic surgeon could help, but I really don't know.
Sorry I (we) couldn't be more helpful.
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crisic
Apr 25, 2012, 8:51 PM
Post #5 of 6
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Hello and thanks a lot for replying to the post.
I have no cosmetic concerns whatsoever, it does not look bad or anything. I am concern about functionality and prevention of possible problems.
I am aware I have maybe 2cm separation, (aparently is not too much), I have no back pain, no stomach pain, I am fit and well, but so far avoiding crunches type exercises, not sure about the obliques, I do them without twisting too much. My concern is, can I make it worse by climbing? or what sort of exercises or specific moves should I avoid.
If I strengthen my core with pilates and such, can I get to eventually do crunches and do all the exercises without problems or would they always be dangerous for me (danger for making the gap bigger)
I have an exercise bar above my door frame and there is a mirror in front, when I hang and lift my legs up, as to work conecting the abdominals a bulge seem to come up on the midline of my body. That is why I am concern, I don't mind the apearance as such, I mind whether would be detrimental to my abdominal wall.
I really appreciate any replies, is really helpful as so far everybody I have found, do not seem to know much. Also people say that they can reduce the gap doing transverse abs work, is that so?
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onceahardman
Apr 25, 2012, 10:14 PM
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I'm glad you are not concerned with the appearance. No one else will ever notice, and it is very rare for this to ever cause even the slightest functional problem. The only real potential problem is an intestinal hernia into the space. As stated, this is extremely rare. Don't worry.
The bit about transversus abdominus is personally interesting. Back when I was in PT school, we took a part of a course that dealt with PT during pregnancy, and this very subject came up. This section was taught by a clinician who told us to recommend transversus abdominus exercises. We later discussed the issue with the department chairman, who was very unhappy that the instructor taught us this way.
Transversus abd. does not cross midline. It does not cross the linea alba. Therefore (for an active, fresh, acute diastasis) strengthening it can ONLY pull the diastasis farther apart. It cannot do anything else. Muscle can only pull on its origin and insertion.
Once your diastasis has healed (maybe 4 weeks postpartum) train your abs as hard as you want, any way you want. You won't do any more harm once it is scarred down.
This is really nothing to worry about. Best of luck.
(This post was edited by onceahardman on Apr 25, 2012, 10:17 PM)
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