What are common signs of an incisional hernia with diastasis recti?

A bulge near a surgical scar that appears with effort and reduces at rest, discomfort or pressure after activity, and visible midline doming during sit-up-type movements.

How can I protect my abdomen during a cough or sneeze?

Seated or side-lying if possible, hands supporting the abdomen, and exhale on the reflex to avoid outward pressure spikes.

Which daily habits make the biggest difference?

Exhale-to-engage before effort, log-roll transitions, hip hinging for lifts, no straining on the toilet, and pausing any task that causes doming.

When should I see a doctor or surgeon?

If the bulge becomes painful or non-reducible, is associated with GI symptoms, fever, or skin changes, seek prompt medical attention.

Signs of Incisional Hernia with Diastasis Recti: Tupler Technique® Checklist

September 25, 2025

Is that midline bulge just diastasis recti, or could an incisional hernia be involved? Use this practical Tupler Technique® checklist to spot common signs, protect your abdominal wall during daily life, and understand when to get medical input. The goal is simple: fewer flare-ups, better pressure control, and safer movement patterns—every day.

Jump To:

Common Signs to Watch For
Your Tupler Technique® Safety Checklist
Self-Check: What You Can Monitor
The Stoplight System: Green, Yellow, Red
Everyday Protection Strategies
When to Seek Help
Related Reading
FAQs

Common Signs to Watch For

Bulge near a surgical scar that appears with effort and reduces at rest.
Pressure, ache, or dragging sensation after activity or at day’s end.
Visible doming along the midline during sit-up-type moves.
Sensitivity over the incision region when coughing or lifting.
Clothing imprint signs: waistband marks over a recurrent bulge. Important!

Your Tupler Technique® Safety Checklist

Exhale before effort; then gently draw belly inward (no rib flare).
Use hand support at the abdomen for cough/sneeze; avoid breath-holding.
Log-roll for bed and floor transitions; avoid jackknifing up.
Hip hinge to pick up items; keep loads close; use your legs.
Pause any task that causes doming; modify position or intensity.
Use comfortable approximation during practice to reduce lateral splay.
Track symptoms daily: bulge frequency, discomfort, end-of-day fatigue.

Self-Check: What You Can Monitor

While diagnosis is medical, you can track patterns:

Bulge behavior: Does it appear with strain and reduce when lying down?
Provokers: Which tasks trigger it (lifting, coughing, sit-ups)?
Doming test: Any forward abdominal peak during effort? If yes, reduce load.
Midline depth/width: Note changes over weeks with consistent practice.

The Stoplight System: Green, Yellow, Red

Green (Go)

No doming, no pain, no persistent bulge after task completion.

Yellow (Modify)

Occasional mild bulge that reduces with rest or better breath strategy.
Fatigue by day’s end—cut volume or split tasks into chunks.

Red (Stop & Consult)

Bulge becomes painful, non-reducing, discolored, or associated with nausea/vomiting.
Sudden escalation of symptoms or bowel changes—seek urgent care.

Everyday Protection Strategies

Bathroom mechanics: Footstool, exhale, relax pelvic floor—no straining.
Breath cadence: Inhale to prepare, exhale to move; keep chest quiet.
Posture breaks: Reset ribs over pelvis every 30–60 minutes.
Training snacks: 30–60 seconds of TA practice sprinkled through the day.
Recovery: Hydrate, nourish, and sleep to support fascia remodeling.

Need a structured pathway? Start with the free Introductory Workshop and learn the week-by-week plan.

When to Seek Help

Any rapidly worsening pain, fixed bulge, fever, or GI changes needs prompt medical attention. A collaborative plan with your provider plus the Tupler Technique® creates the safest long-term path.

FAQs

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