Abdominal Muscle Separation (DRAM) Treatment in Richmond
Noticing a gap or a dome down the centre of your tummy after pregnancy can be worrying, but abdominal muscle separation is common and very treatable. With the right rehabilitation, the abdominal wall can be reconnected and strengthened.
Our women’s health specialist guides you from prevention during pregnancy through to full postpartum recovery.
What Is DRAM?
Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle, known as DRAM, is a largely preventable condition that can develop during pregnancy. As the bump grows, the rectus abdominis stretches and the linea alba, the fascia down the midline, widens and thins to make room for the baby.
It is very common, affecting up to 70 percent of pregnant women to some degree, and can cause the abdominal contents to dome when you cough, laugh or curl up.
How It Is Treated
Research shows that wearing a compression garment after birth and rehabilitating the deep and surface abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis, the obliques and the transverse abdominis, improves symptoms such as back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction.
The first three months postpartum are the most important window for healing. As oestrogen and progesterone fall, the fascia becomes firmer and stronger, making it the ideal time to reconnect and support the abdominal wall again.
Prevention and Recovery
Where to Find Us
New mothers across Richmond and the surrounding boroughs come to us to rebuild their core after birth. We are based at Lawton Gate House, 7 Hill Street, Richmond, TW9 1SX, a short walk from Richmond Station and easily reached from Twickenham, Kew, Sheen, Teddington, Kingston and Barnes.
Meet Our Women's Health Physiotherapist
Breanna Walker is a Women’s Health Specialist with particular experience in pregnancy-related abdominal muscle separation.
She has helped many women through prevention during pregnancy and rehabilitation afterwards, drawing on her Australian Physiotherapy Association Women’s Pelvic Health Level 1 to 3 training and the Women’s Health Through The Life Stages course.
As an APPI Pilates instructor and retired elite gymnast, Breanna has a deep understanding of deep abdominal and core control, which is central to reconnecting the abdominal wall. She is HCPC registered under PH154328.
