Abdominal Muscle Separation (Ab separation)

After bub is born, the body undergoes a process of natural healing over the first 12 weeks, during which we typically see a narrowing of the abdominal separation and a re-firming of the linea alba. This can be assisted with appropriate exercises, and the use of an abdominal support. For some women, no further treatment is required, and abdominal function returns to normal from this point. For others, abdominal separation may remain and they may require more extensive abdominal re-training to assist in reducing their abdominal separation and restoring their abdominal function. Our best window of opportunity for addressing abdominal separation is in the first year post-partum, and particularly in the first 12 weeks post-partum, so it is ideal to see your Women’s Health physiotherapist early in your recovery to ensure optimal results! If you are more than a year post-partum then don’t despair, we can still assist you with improving your abdominal function to help you achieve your goals!