Divarication (diastasis) of the rectus muscles

Divarication, also known as diastasis, is a condition that affects the appearance of the abdominal wall. The rectus muscles, commonly associated with the ‘six-pack’ look in athletic individuals, extend from the rib cage down to the pelvis at the front of the abdomen. These muscles are separated by a narrow tendon that runs along the middle, creating a visible line.

In some people, this tendon can stretch and widen, often due to factors such as pregnancy or weight gain. When the abdominal muscles contract—for example, during coughing or lifting heavy objects—the stretched tendon can bulge, forming a sausage-shaped swelling along the midline of the abdomen, usually between the chest and the belly button.

It’s important to note that divarication is not a hernia. There are no holes or tears in the abdominal wall muscles or tendons. For most individuals, this is primarily a cosmetic issue and does not cause pain. Unlike hernias, divarication does not pose risks like strangulation or damage to internal organs because the abdominal wall remains intact.

If the appearance of divarication is concerning, there are several options to improve it:

• Weight Management: Losing weight, if necessary, can help reduce strain on the      abdominal wall.
• Exercise: Strengthening the rectus muscles through targeted exercises can improve      muscle tone.
• Surgical correction: Some individuals opt for surgery, typically performed by plastic surgeons, to repair the condition. However, surgical outcomes vary widely. Recurrence rates reported in scientific literature range from 0% to 40% (as noted in "Surgical Techniques for Repair of Abdominal Rectus Diastasis: A Scoping Review", Jessen ML, Őberg S, Rosenberg J, Journal of Plastic and Hand Surgery, 2021; 5(4):195-201).

We specialise in the treatment of hernias. As divarication of the rectus muscles is not a hernia, we do not offer surgical treatment for this condition.