Diastasis Recti in Men: Possible Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Tips

Julie Tupler, RN was featured in a Doctors Health Press article. Make sure to read 'Diastasis Recti in Men: Possible Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Tips' by clicking here!

Here is a snapshot summary of the article:

Diastasis recti in men

  • Diastasis recti is a condition in which the two sides of the rectus abdominis (the six-pack muscles) separate.
  • It is more common in women after pregnancy, but it can also occur in men.
  • The most common causes of diastasis recti in men are:
    • Excess weight or obesity
    • Incorrect exercise
    • Medical conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
  • Symptoms of diastasis recti in men include:
    • A bulge in the abdomen
    • Constipation
    • Urinary incontinence
    • Lower back pain
    • Difficulty breathing
  • Diastasis recti can be diagnosed by a doctor during a physical exam.
  • There is no cure for diastasis recti, but it can be treated with a combination of exercises and lifestyle changes.
  • Exercises for diastasis recti in men should focus on strengthening the core without putting too much strain on the abdominal muscles.
  • Lifestyle changes that can help improve diastasis recti include:
    • Losing weight if necessary
    • Avoiding exercises that put stress on the abdominal muscles
    • Eating a healthy diet
  • Diastasis recti can be a frustrating condition, but it is possible to improve with time and effort.

Here are some additional tips for men with diastasis recti:

  • Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about the best exercises for you.
  • Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
  • Listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard.
  • Be patient. It takes time to heal from diastasis recti.

With consistent effort, you can improve your diastasis recti and get back to feeling your best.

Back to blog

About Julie Tupler RN

Julie Tupler, RN, is a registered nurse, certified childbirth educator, certified personal trainer, and creator of the Tupler Technique® Program, which she developed in 1990. For more than 30 years, she has been teaching and developing the Tupler Technique® Program for the treatment of diastasis recti in women, men, and children. Through Diastasis Rehab, Julie teaches clients and professionals how to use the Tupler Technique® to help address abdominal separation with a non-surgical, research-based approach. She is also the author of multiple books on maternal fitness and diastasis recti, including Maternal Fitness, Lose Your Mummy Tummy, Together Tummy, and Will You Be My Belly Buddy?