How to Check for Incisional Hernia with Diastasis Recti Using the Tupler Technique®

TLDR: Wondering if the bulge on your abdomen is an incisional hernia, a diastasis recti, or both? This guide provides a step-by-step method to self-check for these conditions using the principles of the Tupler Technique®. You will learn how to visually inspect your abdomen, feel for a hernia at your surgical scar, and measure the width and depth of your diastasis recti. Understanding the specifics of your condition is the first step toward effective treatment. While this self-check is a valuable tool, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis and to create a safe and appropriate treatment plan.

After abdominal surgery, you may notice a bulge or a feeling of weakness in your belly that doesn’t seem to go away. It’s natural to wonder what’s going on. Is it an incisional hernia? Is it diastasis recti? Or could it be a combination of both? Knowing how to check for these conditions is the first and most crucial step in taking control of your core health. The Tupler Technique® provides a simple and effective method for self-assessment that can empower you with the knowledge you need to seek the right treatment. This guide will walk you through the process of checking for both an incisional hernia and a diastasis recti, so you can better understand your body and start your journey toward healing.

Why It’s Important to Self-Check for Incisional Hernia and Diastasis Recti

Understanding the condition of your abdominal wall is empowering. A self-check can help you identify the presence of an incisional hernia, a diastasis recti, or both, which is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows you to have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider. Instead of just saying “my belly bulges,” you can describe what you feel and where you feel it. Second, it helps you to understand why you may be experiencing symptoms like back pain, abdominal weakness, or a persistent bulge. Finally, it is the first step in seeking the appropriate treatment. The approach to healing a diastasis recti is different from managing a hernia, and if you have both, you need a comprehensive strategy that addresses both conditions, like the Tupler Technique®.

Preparing for Your Self-Check

To perform the self-check, you will need a comfortable place to lie down. Find a quiet space where you can relax and focus. You will be using your fingers to feel your abdominal muscles and connective tissue, so make sure your hands are relaxed. It’s best to do this on an empty stomach and bladder.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check for an Incisional Hernia

An incisional hernia is typically located at or near the site of a previous surgical scar. Here’s how to check for one:

1. Visual Inspection: Stand in front of a mirror and look at your abdomen. Examine the area around your surgical scar. Do you see a bulge? Does the bulge become more prominent when you cough or bear down slightly?
2. Palpation (Feeling the Area): Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Gently place your fingers on and around your surgical scar. Press lightly. Do you feel a soft lump or a hole? A hernia may feel like a squishy protrusion that you can push back in (this is called a reducible hernia).
3. The Strain Test: While still lying down, place your fingers over the scar and lift your head and shoulders slightly off the floor, as if you were about to do a crunch. This engages your abdominal muscles and can make the hernia more noticeable. Feel for a bulge or a gap in the muscle wall.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check for Diastasis Recti with the Tupler Technique®

The Tupler Technique® provides a specific method for checking the severity of a diastasis recti. You will be measuring both the width of the separation and the condition of the connective tissue.

1. Positioning: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place the fingers of one hand, palm down, on your midline at your navel.
2. The Head Lift: Relax your abdominal muscles and lift your head slightly off the floor. Do not lift your shoulders. This will engage your rectus abdominis muscles.
3. Measuring the Width: You will feel the two strips of muscle come together around your fingers. How many fingers can you fit in the gap between the muscles? This is the width of your diastasis. You should check the width at, above, and below your navel, as the separation can vary.
4. Checking the Connective Tissue: Now, assess the condition of the connective tissue (the linea alba). How far down can you press your fingers into the gap? If the tissue feels shallow and firm, that’s a good sign. If it feels deep and soft, like you can press your fingers far into your abdomen, the connective tissue is weak.

Interpreting Your Findings: What Do Your Results Mean?

If you feel a distinct bulge or hole at your surgical scar, you may have an incisional hernia. If you can fit two or more fingers in the gap between your abdominal muscles, you have a diastasis recti. It is very common to have both, especially after a midline incision. The presence of a diastasis recti can make an incisional hernia more pronounced and more difficult to manage.

It is important to remember that this self-check is a preliminary assessment. It is not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis. However, it provides you with valuable information to take to your doctor.

Next Steps: When to See a Doctor

After performing your self-check, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to confirm your findings and discuss treatment options. If you suspect you have an incisional hernia, it is important to have it evaluated by a doctor, as some hernias can become incarcerated or strangulated, which is a medical emergency. If you have a diastasis recti, a trained Tupler Technique® professional can help you to develop a safe and effective treatment plan.

By learning how to check for an Incisional Hernia & Diastasis Recti, you are taking the first step on the path to a stronger, healthier core. This knowledge is power, and it is the foundation upon which you can build a successful recovery.