Do crunches make diastasis recti worse?

Question

Hello. I had a consultation with a highly reviewed Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills today who told me that doing crunches will not make a torn fascia or diastis worse. I've also been told that by several primary care physicians. I'm tired of the misinformation so which is correct because every website out there says crunches are bad for you yet this plastic surgeon says to crunch away. I need answers. Thanks!

Adam Kinal, MD · Answer

There are different stages and severity of diastasis recti due to how many children you have had. The more births you have had, the wider the gap, and the more difficult it can be to correct by exercise alone. If performed incorrectly, some sit-ups may make the bulge appear worse.Putting strain on the middle or midline of the abdominals may hinder correcting the issue. Other core strengthening exercises may be better for you, such as lunges or standing pelvic tilts. Standing exercises put less stress on the middle of the abdominals.If you are adamant about crunches, try a lower abdomen crunch, such as a reverse crunch which is diastasis friendly.Once again, depending on the severity of the pooch, surgery may be the best option to flatten the stomach. Some patients struggle with looking pregnant months to years after giving birth, and surgery is the only solution. While performing diastasis recti-friendly exercises, you may want to wear a binder for extra support in the core. I recommend getting more consultations and asking more questions so you can feel satisfied with the correct solution.Good Luck.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Helpful5906,
Normal rectus (6 pack) muscle anatomy--the rectus muscle originates from the lower ribs, and runs straight down the right or left side of the abdomen and inserts on the pubis (pelvis) bone). The right and left muscles run side-by-side, with minimal or no gap between then.
In pregnancy, the abdominal wall including your six pack muscles stretches, and after your child/children are born, the stretched gap between the six pack muscles does not resolve...instead of running side-by-side, there is now a gap between the muscles. Your intra-abdominal contents (your intestines, and the fat surrounding them) can now bulge forward through the gap, producing an abdominal bulge.
The primary problem is related to stretching that occurs from pregnancy (or in less likely circumstances, extensive weight gain). Crunches should not cause or worsen the existing gap in your six pack muscles--crunch away!
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Leland Webb, MD · Answer

I would have to agree with the surgeon you spoke with. I do not think they’re doing core workouts or crunches will make your problem worse. There is no evidence to suggest that case. However, sometimes people have improvement with these core exercises, and sometimes people don’t. Often this becomes a permanent anatomic change in someone’s abdomen, and therefore the only fix is likely surgical intervention. Understand that this spread is actually not a danger to you, but more of a cosmetic bulge that is often undesirable. We are happy to help you in any way we can.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Crunches will not make your diastasis worse, but nor will it correct it.  Diastasis can occur for many reasons.  One of the most commonly known is pregnancy, but weight gain or trauma can also cause it.  Surgical intervention will repair the abdominal wall separation, and this can be done as part of a tummy tuck.

Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Diastasis recto is not torn fasciae, it’s stretched. Best way to treat it is to plank, crunch, make core stronger. Lots of muscle building machines did studies to show improvement of diastasis with use of machines that build up your six pack. Planking is great for this - imagine you're sucking the belly button to your spine. Of course the only sure way to repair would be to surgically reapproximate the muscles during tummy tuck.

Do crunches make diastasis recti worse?

Answers (5)

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