When you hear “diastasis recti,” your mind likely jumps to pregnancy and postpartum recovery. And you’d be right – it’s incredibly common in women after childbirth. However, here’s a surprising truth that often gets overlooked: diastasis recti in males is a real and often undiagnosed condition. Yes, ab separation in men can be experienced, leading to a host of uncomfortable symptoms including low back pain and impacting their core strength and function. Many men notice abdominal bulging or midline doming during certain movements before realizing it may be related to diastasis recti.
At IMPACT Physical Therapy and Sports Recovery, with several Chicagoland clinic locations and one in Champaign ,IL, we’re dedicated to bringing awareness to conditions that affect everyone, regardless of gender. Let’s break down what diastasis recti looks like in men, why it happens, and how targeted core strengthening and rehab can help. Understanding how the condition develops can help men identify early signs and seek appropriate care sooner.
Diastasis recti is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (your “six-pack” muscles) down the midline of your abdomen. This separation occurs at the linea alba, a connective tissue band that runs vertically from your sternum to your pelvis. When this tissue stretches and weakens, the muscles move apart, creating a gap. In women, the pressure of a growing uterus is the primary culprit. But for men, other factors come into play. This separation often becomes more noticeable during core exercises or activities that increase abdominal pressure.
While not as prevalent as in women, ab separation in men is far from rare. Many men attribute these changes to aging or weight gain without realizing there may be an underlying muscular separation. Often, men may not even realize they have it, mistaking the symptoms for general core weakness, a “dad bod,” or just part of aging.
Several factors can contribute to the stretching and weakening of the linea alba in men:
These influences often occur gradually, making the condition easy to overlook until symptoms become more noticeable.
The most common sign of diastasis recti in men is a “doming” or “ridging” that appears down the midline of the abdomen, especially when trying to engage the core (like doing a crunch). This presentation can be especially visible during sit ups, planks, or when rising from a lying position. The good news is that for many men, diastasis recti can be significantly improved with targeted physical therapy. At IMPACT Physical Therapy and Sports Recovery, we specialize in core rehab programs designed to safely and effectively address ab separation.
Other symptoms can include:
These symptoms may appear mild at first but can gradually affect daily movement and exercise tolerance.
Self-Check for Diastasis Recti in Men:
If you find a gap of two finger-widths or more, it’s a strong indicator of diastasis recti. This quick assessment can help men identify whether an abdominal separation may be present before seeking a professional evaluation.
The good news is that for many men, diastasis recti can be significantly improved with targeted physical therapy. Strengthening the deep core muscles helps restore support to the abdominal wall and reduce excessive pressure on the separation. At IMPACT Physical Therapy and Sports Recovery, we specialize in core rehab programs designed to safely and effectively address ab separation.
Our approach typically includes:
These strategies are designed to rebuild coordination across the entire core system and support long term recovery.
Surgery is rarely the first line of defense for diastasis recti in men and is usually considered only in severe cases or when accompanied by an umbilical hernia that requires repair. Conservative physical therapy is almost always recommended first. Most cases respond well to structured rehab,
If you’re a man experiencing persistent core weakness, back pain, or a noticeable abdominal bulge, don’t dismiss it. Most individuals respond well to conservative care when guided by a trained physical therapist. Diastasis recti is a condition that deserves attention and proper treatment. Ignoring it can lead to further complications and limit your physical capabilities. Don’t guess, get assessed! If you suspect you have male abdominal separation or are struggling with core weakness, the experienced team at IMPACT is here to help. We have pelvic health specialists in South Loop, Lakeview, Hinsdale, Naperville, Orland Park, and Champaign. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and start your personalized core rehab program towards a stronger, healthier you.
