How to recover from rectus abdominis muscle separation found during postpartum physical examination?

Postpartum rectus abdominis separation can be restored through abdominal breathing training, electrical stimulation therapy, core muscle group exercise, manual reduction, surgical treatment, and other methods. The separation of rectus abdominis muscle is usually caused by factors such as uterine dilation during pregnancy, changes in hormone levels, and weak abdominal wall muscles.

1. Abdominal Breathing Training

Bend your knees in a supine position, raise your abdomen when inhaling, contract your abdominal muscles when exhaling, and imagine your navel pressing against your spine. Repeat this exercise three times a day. This method improves mild separation by activating the transverse abdominis muscle and is suitable for separating mothers with a width of less than 2 fingers. Avoid holding your breath or exerting excessive force, and use Kegel exercises for better results.

2. Electrical stimulation therapy

stimulates the contraction of rectus abdominis muscle through low-frequency electrical current, promoting muscle fiber reorganization. Each treatment lasts for 20 minutes and is conducted 3 times a week. Suitable for separating patients within 3 fingers and should be used under the guidance of a rehabilitation therapist. May cause slight skin irritation, contraindicated for pacemaker wearers.

3. Core muscle group exercise

starts with low-intensity movements such as supine leg lifting and plank support, gradually increasing the difficulty to movements such as kneeling and abdominal contraction. Exercise 4 times a week for 20 minutes each time. During exercise, it is necessary to maintain normal breathing and stop immediately if lower back pain occurs. After 6 weeks postpartum, it can only be started after being evaluated by a doctor to avoid aggravating and separating abdominal movements.

4. Manual Reduction

The therapist uses manual techniques to push the separated rectus abdominis muscle towards the midline, combined with muscle activation training. Use medical restraint straps to fix for 6 hours during each treatment. Suitable for situations where more than 3 fingers are separated within 3 months postpartum. Attention should be paid to the strength of the technique, as excessive pressure may cause muscle damage.

5. Surgical treatment

For cases where more than 4 fingers are separated and accompanied by umbilical hernia, abdominal wall reconstruction or laparoscopic repair can be used. After surgery, abdominal straps should be worn for 4 weeks, and weight-bearing is prohibited for 3 months. Surgery may be related to complications such as scar adhesion and hematoma, and strict evaluation of surgical indications is necessary.

It is recommended that pregnant women avoid doing sit ups, twists, and other movements too early, and maintain correct standing posture in daily life to avoid abdominal protrusion. Pay attention to supplementing high-quality protein and vitamin C in diet to promote tissue repair. Postpartum restraint belts can be used moderately, but not exceeding 8 hours per day. If separation is accompanied by persistent lower back pain and difficulty in defecation, timely medical attention should be sought. For those who have not recovered within one year postpartum, specialized treatment should be considered.