Discover the Tupler Technique® recommendations for postpartum splinting to heal diastasis recti. Learn why the Diastasis Rehab Splint® is different from other binders, how it works to close the gap, and how to use it effectively for a stronger core and flatter stomach.
TLDR: Splinting is a crucial component of healing diastasis recti, but not all splints are created equal. The Tupler Technique® recommends the Diastasis Rehab Splint®, a non-restrictive device that approximates the abdominal muscles to help the underlying connective tissue heal. Unlike compression binders that can weaken muscles, this splint works with targeted exercises to strengthen your core. Consistent wear, combined with the 4-step Tupler Technique® program, provides the optimal environment for closing the gap and restoring core function.
In the journey of postpartum recovery, many women are introduced to the idea of belly binding or wrapping. With a market flooded with options from waist trainers to medical-grade binders, it can be confusing to know what, if anything, is truly beneficial for healing diastasis recti. The Tupler Technique® has a very specific and research-based approach to splinting that is designed to facilitate healing, not just compress your midsection. Understanding the purpose and proper use of a splint is a game-changer in your recovery. It’s not about squeezing yourself into a smaller size; it’s about creating the ideal environment for your muscles and connective tissue to heal and strengthen.
The Purpose of Splinting in Diastasis Recti Recovery
The primary goal of splinting in the Tupler Technique® is to “approximate” or bring the separated rectus abdominis muscles closer together. Think of it like a cast for a broken bone. The cast holds the bones in place so they can heal correctly. Similarly, the Diastasis Rehab Splint® holds the muscles in a better position, which takes the stretch off the weakened linea alba. When the connective tissue is no longer being constantly pulled and strained, it can begin to heal and regenerate. This healing process is what ultimately allows the gap to close and the abdominal wall to regain its integrity. Before you begin splinting, it's important to know your starting point by performing a
Self-Check for Postpartum Diastasis Recti at Home with the Tupler Technique®.
Splint vs. Binder: Why the Tupler Technique® is Different
It is crucial to understand the distinction between a supportive splint and a compression binder or waist trainer. Most belly wraps on the market are designed to compress the entire midsection. While this can provide some temporary support and a slimmer appearance under clothes, it can be detrimental to long-term healing. These compression garments can act as a “crutch,” preventing your deep transverse abdominis (TVA) muscle from engaging properly. Over time, this can lead to further muscle weakness. The Diastasis Rehab Splint®, however, is not a compression device. Its purpose is purely to position the muscles, while the Tupler Technique® exercises work to strengthen them.
Introducing the Diastasis Rehab Splint®
The Diastasis Rehab Splint® is specifically designed to work as part of the 4-step Tupler Technique® program. Here’s what makes it unique: * **Non-Restrictive Design:** It is a lightweight, non-restrictive device that allows for a full range of motion and does not interfere with breathing. It is designed to be worn comfortably under your clothes all day. * **Targeted Approximation:** The splint is worn across the midsection, directly over the separated muscles. It provides a gentle, continuous force to hold the muscles in an approximated position, creating the optimal environment for the linea alba to heal. * **Adjustable:** The splint is fully adjustable, allowing you to achieve the right amount of tension to bring the muscles together without being uncomfortably tight.
How to Use Your Splint for Maximum Effectiveness
To get the best results from splinting, it must be used correctly and consistently. * **Consistent Wear:** For the first six weeks of the Tupler Technique® program, it is recommended that you wear the splint 24/7, only taking it off to shower. This continuous approximation is key to giving the connective tissue uninterrupted time to heal. * **Proper Placement:** The splint must be positioned correctly over your abdomen to provide the best approximation of the muscles. It should be centered over the widest part of your diastasis. Be sure to follow the fitting instructions carefully. * **Combine with Exercises:** The splint is one part of a four-part system. It is most effective when used in conjunction with the Tupler Technique® exercises. The splint positions the muscles, and the exercises strengthen them in that corrected position.
The Synergy of Splinting and Exercise
Splinting and exercise have a powerful synergistic relationship in the Tupler Technique®. The splint acts as an external support system, holding the muscles in place so that when you perform the TVA-strengthening exercises, you are reinforcing that corrected alignment. This is a core principle of the
Postpartum Core Strengthening After Diastasis Recti: Tupler Technique® Routine. The exercises build the strength, and the splint protects that progress, preventing the muscles from separating again during daily activities. This combination is also beneficial for those recovering from a C-section, as it provides support to the incision area while rebuilding core strength, a topic we cover in our
C-Section Recovery & Postpartum Diastasis Recti: Tupler Technique® Approach.
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