Physical therapy for diastasis recti in McLean, Virginia

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Meet with the best diastasis recti physical therapists in McLean, Virginia

McLean, Virginia, Luna employs physical therapists specializing in treating patients with diastasis recti after pregnancy. With effective strategies and a tailored exercise plan, women with diastasis recti can correct the condition once and for all, returning to the activities and life that they love.

Best of all, with Luna, patients can receive physical therapy for diastasis recti in the comfort of their homes. Our physical therapists come to you — it’s physical therapy, delivered.

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What is diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti is also known as abdominal separation. It occurs when the space between the left and right abdominal muscles are separated by more than 2.7 cm. Typically, the condition is only present in pregnant women and newborns, especially premature newborns.

Though the condition usually isn’t painful or life-threatening, it can lead to greater complications, including chronic low back, pelvic, or hip pain, constipation, and urinary incontinence. It can also make additional pregnancies more difficult, as it weakens the abdominal muscles.

For this reason, most patients with this condition wish to correct it. Fortunately, it’s never too late to do so — and it doesn’t require surgery, just strict adherence to a personalized physical therapy regimen.

Source: BabyCenter

Diastasis recti symptoms

Diastasis recti is characterized by a “pooch” or bulge in the stomach, which becomes more distinct when the abdominal muscles are contracted. This can lead to other symptoms, including chronic lower back pain, poor posture, constipation, urinary incontinence, and bloating.

In addition, diastasis recti can make later pregnancies more difficult, as it tends to result in weakened abdominal muscles.

The most common symptoms of diastasis recti include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Hip pain
  • Poor posture
  • Constipation

Source: Healthline

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What causes diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti is caused by excessive pressure in the abdominal muscles, typically as the result of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles and surrounding connective tissue are stretched by the uterus. At the same time, pregnancy hormones such as relaxin and estrogen relax the muscles and allow them to be stretched even further.

When newborn babies have diastasis recti, it’s almost always because they were born premature and their abdominal muscles didn’t have time to fully develop. In most of these cases the condition will correct itself with time.

The most common causes of diastasis recti include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Premature birth
Source: Healthline

Physical therapy for diastasis recti in McLean, Virginia

Physical therapy is the leading treatment for diastasis recti. While individual physical therapy routines are tailored to each patient, a typical regimen will include postural training, stretching, bracing, and education.

Postural training is one of the most important components of curing diastasis recti, as proper posture will help patients stabilize their core and prevent further damage. Combined with careful stretching of the abdominal muscles and bracing of the low back and abdomen, patients can successfully strengthen their core and regain full function.

Source: Move Forward PT
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Frequently asked questions

Where are Luna therapists seeing patients?

Your neighborhood in the McLean area is within our reach for in-home physical therapy appointments. Wherever you reside, we bring physical therapy to you, aiming to maximize your convenience and comfort during the PT process.

Is physical therapy covered by insurance?

Luna is in partnership with numerous insurance plans, simplifying the benefits verification process for you. When you choose Luna, your co-pay will always align with the specified amount in your insurance plan for a PT clinic visit. We accept all major insurances and Medicare.

Is there a waiting list for new patients?

Certainly not—we're all about making it convenient for patients to begin their physical therapy journey! New patients are always welcome, and for most, the initial at-home physical therapy session can be arranged within 48 hours of enrollment. Our therapists maintain extended availability from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm, seven days a week. Check Availability.

Who are Luna’s physical therapists?

Luna's therapists are highly experienced, with a minimum of 3 years in the field, often with extensive additional experience. Each therapist undergoes a meticulous interview and background check process. We partner only with therapists who are deeply committed to delivering exceptional care to their patients.

We’ve got your back. Book a PT today.