Many people are surprised to learn that their incisional hernia—a bulge or opening at the site of a previous surgical incision—is often linked to a condition they’ve never heard of: diastasis recti. This separation of the abdominal muscles can weaken the core and set the stage for hernias, especially after abdominal surgeries like C-sections, laparotomies, or appendectomies. Understanding the connection between incisional hernia & diastasis recti is the first step to healing the whole core and avoiding complications.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is a condition where the connective tissue (linea alba) between the rectus abdominis muscles (the “six-pack” muscles) stretches and thins out, creating a gap. This weakens your abdominal wall and core, and often results in a bulging belly or poor posture. It’s common in postpartum women, but men and post-surgical patients are also at risk—especially after abdominal operations.
What Is an Incisional Hernia?
An incisional hernia occurs when part of an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall at the site of a previous surgical incision. This weakness can develop from stitches not healing well or underlying poor core strength due to diastasis recti. Symptoms often include a noticeable bulge, discomfort, and sometimes pain or pressure, especially when lifting or straining.
How Incisional Hernia & Diastasis Recti Are Related
When the abdominal wall is compromised by diastasis recti, it lacks the structural support needed to keep organs in place—making herniation more likely. An incisional hernia is often a symptom of that weakness. If the diastasis is not addressed, repairing the hernia alone doesn’t solve the core issue. In fact, hernias often come back because the tissue remains weak and unsupported.
Traditional Repair vs. Functional Treatment
Surgical repair is the standard treatment for an incisional hernia. But surgery doesn’t always address the diastasis. Without strengthening the connective tissue and re-aligning the abdominal muscles, the surgical site remains vulnerable.
In contrast, a functional approach like the Tupler Technique® strengthens the entire core—closing the gap and restoring integrity to the connective tissue—before or even instead of surgery.
Why the Tupler Technique® Should Be Considered First
The Tupler Technique® is a research-based, non-surgical program that:
- Repositions the abdominal muscles with a splint
- Retrains the transverse abdominis to function correctly
- Strengthens and shortens the stretched connective tissue
- Reduces intra-abdominal pressure
- Improves core strength and prevents future hernias
In many cases, people experience a reduction in their hernia bulge, better core function, and fewer symptoms without needing surgery.
Next Steps: Healing from the Inside Out
If you’re dealing with an incisional hernia and have also been told you have a diastasis—or suspect you might—your first step is to get educated. Avoid high-pressure core exercises, and don’t rush into surgery without understanding your full picture.
Join the free Introductory Workshop to learn how to start healing your core and improving your hernia symptoms naturally and safely. You’ll be empowered with tools that work from the inside out—giving your body the support it needs to repair itself.
