Why Incisional Hernia and Diastasis Recti Often Occur Together—Tupler Technique® Answers

TLDR: Incisional hernias and diastasis recti are deeply connected. A diastasis recti creates a weak, overstretched abdominal wall, which dramatically increases the risk of an incisional hernia forming at a surgical scar. The Tupler Technique® explains that surgery alone often fails to prevent recurrence because it doesn’t address this underlying weakness. By healing the connective tissue and strengthening the deep core muscles, the Tupler Technique® provides a solution that addresses the root cause of both conditions, leading to more effective and lasting recovery.

It’s a frustratingly common scenario: a patient undergoes abdominal surgery, and months or even years later, a bulge appears at the incision site. This is an incisional hernia, and it often leaves people wondering, “Why did this happen?” The answer, in many cases, lies in a related but often undiagnosed condition: diastasis recti. These two conditions are not just coincidentally linked; they are anatomically and functionally intertwined. The Tupler Technique® provides a clear explanation for this connection and, more importantly, a proven method for addressing both.

The Anatomical Connection: A Weakened Foundation

To understand why incisional hernias and diastasis recti are so often seen together, we need to look at the anatomy of the abdominal wall. The rectus abdominis muscles, the “six-pack” muscles, are held together by a band of connective tissue called the linea alba. A diastasis recti is the stretching and weakening of this linea alba, which causes the muscles to separate.

This separation creates a fundamental weakness across the entire abdominal midline. The abdominal wall is no longer a strong, cohesive unit. Instead, it is a compromised structure that is less able to withstand the normal pressures of daily life. Now, introduce a surgical incision. The incision itself creates a point of weakness. When that incision is made in an abdominal wall that is already compromised by a diastasis, the risk of a hernia is magnified exponentially.

Think of it like this: a healthy abdominal wall is like a strong, tightly woven fabric. A diastasis recti is like that fabric being stretched and thinned out in the middle. A surgical incision is like a cut in that fabric. If you cut the fabric where it is already thin and weak, it is far more likely to tear further and allow the contents behind it to push through. This is exactly what happens with an incisional hernia.

The Pressure Problem: Nowhere for it to Go

Intra-abdominal pressure is a normal part of life. Every time you cough, sneeze, lift something heavy, or even stand up, the pressure inside your abdomen increases. In a healthy core, this pressure is distributed evenly across the strong, supportive abdominal wall.

With a diastasis recti, however, that pressure is no longer managed effectively. The weakened linea alba cannot provide the necessary resistance, and the pressure is funneled to the weakest points. If you have had abdominal surgery, the weakest point is often the surgical scar. The constant, repetitive force of intra-abdominal pressure pushing against the incision site is what eventually leads to the development of an incisional hernia.

This is why traditional core exercises like crunches and sit-ups can be so detrimental for individuals with a diastasis. These exercises dramatically increase intra-abdominal pressure and direct it outward, further stretching the linea alba and putting immense strain on any surgical scars.

The Tupler Technique® Solution: Addressing the Root Cause

The Tupler Technique® is uniquely effective because it does not just treat the symptoms; it addresses the root cause of the problem. The program is designed to heal the weakened connective tissue of the linea alba and strengthen the deep core muscles, thereby restoring the integrity of the abdominal wall.

Here’s how it works:

1. Healing the Connective Tissue: The Tupler Technique® exercises, combined with the Diastasis Rehab Splint®, are designed to reposition the abdominal muscles and take the stretch off the linea alba. This allows the connective tissue to heal in a shortened, stronger state.
2. Strengthening the Transverse Abdominis (TVA): The program focuses on strengthening the TVA, the body’s natural corset. A strong TVA provides support to the abdominal wall from the inside out, helping to manage intra-abdominal pressure and protect the surgical repair site.
3. Re-educating the Muscles: The Tupler Technique® teaches you how to use your core muscles correctly in all your daily activities. This prevents you from inadvertently putting pressure on your abdominal wall and reduces the risk of both the diastasis and the hernia worsening.

By addressing the diastasis, the Tupler Technique® effectively removes the primary risk factor for incisional hernia recurrence. It transforms the abdominal wall from a weak, compromised structure into a strong, functional, and supportive core.

A Proactive Approach to a Common Problem

If you have been diagnosed with both an incisional hernia and a diastasis recti, it is essential to understand that these two conditions must be treated together. Surgery may be necessary to repair the hernia, but without a dedicated program to heal the diastasis, you are likely to find yourself back in the same situation down the road.

The Tupler Technique® offers a proactive, evidence-based approach that empowers you to take control of your core health. It provides the tools and the knowledge you need to heal your body, prevent future injury, and build a foundation of strength that will last a lifetime.