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DIASTASIS recti

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DIASTASIS recti

Schedule Now

WHAT IS DIASTASIS?

  • Diastasis refers to the separation of the left and right walls of your abdomen (in the area of “the six-pack”) causing a bulging belly, pushing outward, apparent when straining or lifting the head or upper body while lying on the back. It is present in women as well as men It is medically referred to as Diastasis recti.
  • It can bulge out from top to bottom, or appear rounded and wide.
  • In the extreme, the diastasis can cause a stretch and separation which causes the encasement of some organs (peritoneum) beneath to protrude through the gap in the walls.

HOW DOES IT DEVELOP?

  • In woman resulting from one or more pregnancies; the pressure of the fetus inside the uterus continuously rests against the back wall of the abdomen and pushes outward, overstretching and thereby weakening the center wall.
  • It can also be present in men or women from too many sit ups, weightlifting, obesity, or frequent or rapid changes in weight,
  • Any other causes which increase pressure inside the body, weakening the anterior (front) abdominal wall.

WHY IS THERE A CONCERN?

  • Some people are unhappy with the appearance of a bulging belly
  • Others have associated lower back pain.

HELPFUL HINTS

Straining, including when lifting can increase the problem. Also, straining due to constipation exacerbates the problem. Swimming. Some yoga positions (like downward dog), and doing anything on your hands and knees.

Stress and strain due to crunches, pushups, press-ups, and front planks, make abdominal separation worse.

HOW CAN BALTIMORE HOLISTIC PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP MANAGE A DIASTASIS (BULGING BELLY)?

  • Gently manipulating the tissue away from the back wall of the abdomen
  • Instructing in an exercise program for core strengthening

As noted by many studies, physical therapy is the go-to conservative treatment.  But, only recently, has there been a breakthrough which identifies the area of restrictions (pulling) in the back wall of the abdomen. Because of this breakthrough, a new treatment has been developed.

It has been found that over time, the back wall of the abdominal cavity binds against in inside of the back of the body (in front of the spinal column). Because of that, it tugs on the front of the body, stretching and pulling the attachments away from the middle of the abdominals. This causes a separation from side to side, allowing the insides to protrude outward when straining.

Fortunately, I was instructed by one of the authors of this study, Brandi Kirk, PT. She demonstrated the technique which released the restrictions and allows the front of the abdomen to return to a more normal position, closing the gap in the front of the abdomen.

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(410) 665-3223

What Our Patients Have To Say

5/5
“I have been going to Susan S. for physical therapy for probably 10 years now. She has helped me after an auto accident, a fall at work and a fall at home….Recently, I have been on several rounds of antibiotics for a recurring sinus infection… She worked her magic on my sinuses and now I can actually breathe and don’t feel like I’m in a fog. I highly recommend Susan and her staff. It’s always a pleasant experience and I leave feeling better every time I go!”
Elaine G.
“Last year, I had surgery which left a large vertical scar on my abdomen. Dr. Schehr worked on the scarred area allowing me to stand straighter and feel more flexible . That made me feel better overall and I was able to move as I did before the surgery. Dr. Schehr has what I call a ‘gift’ in that she is able to read a person’s body and knows what needs to be done to make the patient/client feel and look better and to alleviate any aches or pains they may be experiencing. She’s easy to talk to with any concerns that one may have and really listens to what you say. I truly feel if I didn’t see Dr. Schehr that I, as a senior citizen, would not look as good as I do nor would my body feel and move as good as it does.”
Joyce K.
“I have received physical therapy from Susan for close to 20 years. I’ve stayed with her because she gets results and has always helped me. Her Hands-On approach makes all the difference! When she invented Refacee®, I had enough confidence her in her to try it. What a difference it has made: my hair has filled in, deep lines have become minimal, and my eyes look brighter. I think the woman is brilliant!”
Lynn Z.
Seventy is the new fifty and I’m living proof of that thanks to the revitalizing Refacee® technique given by Dr. Susan Schehr. Not only do I look better, after a session, I feel better as well which is such a nice plus!”
Sher E.
“Thank you all for your kindness, concern, and expert care! The trips to your office were well worth the drive; thanks to your help, I’m feeling so much better.”
Wanda F.
My sinus infections are gone! I never needed surgery although I had a consultation with a ENT and they advised I get the painful septum surgery due to my severely deviated septum which caused headaches and terrible sinus infections. After my first visit I could breath again... and I haven’t had a sinus infection in 7 years! This sinus and headache therapy has allowed me to sleep much better which translates in my overall health being better and feeling well consistently. I highly recommend Susan if you are experiencing pain like I was! Thank you Susan!
Ian B.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

A:  Firstly, I don’t believe in doing what didn’t work before. Many physical therapy practices approach a problem by going to the painful region. Oftentimes, this is a very temporary fix. By taking a holistic, hands-on approach, I understand that your pain may be coming from another part of the body, or even have multiple sources, including posture. By individualizing your treatment, I concentrate on healing and re-balancing the body, to manage your pain and lessen the chance of it returning. Then, I teach you how to manage your posture and movement.

A: Treatments for headaches or other pain from a recent problem will generally benefit from 2 treatment sessions for the first 2 weeks, then 1 session per week. Older conditions will benefit from 2 treatment sessions for the first week and then 1 session per week. Wellness sessions to rebalance and optimize the body for healthy aging range from a single session every month to once every six months and will be recommended on an individual basis.

A: An initial evaluation will take 1 hour. (Scar adhesion or sinus treatments only require 45 minutes.) Most follow-up treatments will be done in 30 minute sessions; multiple body areas may require 45 minutes

A: Any heavy exercise or recreational program should be done prior to the physical therapy or wellness session and then not for 24 hours after, in order for the body to adjust itself to the changes in muscle balance.

A: I will teach you techniques to perform on yourself if there is a flare-up and instruct you on proper body mechanics and ergonomics.

A: It is a facial aesthetics program of wrinkle reduction and facial rejuvenation using hands-on physical therapy and osteopathic techniques which may reduce the signs of aging in the face and neck. A FREE HEALTHY AGING CONSULTATION is available. See Refacée®

A: Wellness programs for healthy aging are not covered by most insurances, but may be reimbursable through a Healthcare Savings Account (HSA). A written bill and receipt will be provided upon your request. Although I do not participate in or bill insurance directly, I will provide a bill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement, upon request. As there are many types of insurance plans with each provider, it is your responsibility to understand the terms of your insurance. *Those with Medicare Part B insurance from CMS will only be allowed to be part of the Healthy Aging program, NOT for physical therapy treatment. Please see Payment Terms and Policies.

A: Appointments may be made in the following ways: Please call 410-665-3223 Email: Dr.Susan@baltimoreholisticpt.com

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Monday 7:30am-7:00pm
Tuesday 7:30am-7:00pm
Wednesday 7:30am-7:00pm
Thursday 7:30am-7:00pm
Friday 7:30am-12:00pm
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In order to accommodate the needs of my many current patients, Baltimore Holistic Physical Therapy will no longer accept new patients until further notice.