Service · Diastasis recti recovery
Core Recovery
- Recommended course
- 5–6 sessions
- Cadence
- 2–3 per week
The essentials
What is Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)?
Diastasis recti is when the muscles in your abdomen separate, causing a gap or a bulge in the middle of your stomach. About half (50%) of new mums will experience diastasis recti after pregnancy. It is one of the most common, and most under-discussed, post-natal recovery issues in Singapore.
After childbirth, the muscles in the abdomen can weaken and separate due to the stretching that occurs during pregnancy. This separation is often caused by the growing uterus putting pressure on the abdominal muscles and the connective tissue between them. As a result, the muscles may not fully come back together after childbirth, leading to diastasis recti.
Diastasis recti can complement a post-natal massage recovery plan rather than replace it. Most mums book the HIFEM programme once the initial confinement and Jamu post-natal massage phase is complete.
Self-assessment
Signs of Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)
Five signs that suggest it's worth coming in for a proper assessment.
- 01
A visible bulge or ridge in the midline of the abdomen.
- 02
Lower back pain that hasn't shifted in the months after delivery.
- 03
Especially noticeable when the abdominal muscles are engaged, or when sitting up from lying down.
- 04
A feeling of weakness or instability in the core.
- 05
Difficulty with movements like sitting up, standing, or lifting the baby.
Our protocol
How We Treat Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)
Our HIFEM technology offers a non-invasive and highly effective solution for diastasis recti repair. By delivering focused electromagnetic energy to the abdominal muscles, HIFEM stimulates powerful contractions, strengthening the weakened muscle tissue and promoting the natural healing process.
This targeted approach helps to close the abdominal gap and restore core stability, resulting in a firmer, more toned abdomen. The clinical changes typical mums notice across a course include:
- Stronger core and abdominal stability.
- Reduced abdominal separation gap or bulge.
- Improved core strength and functionality, with greater ease in lifting, bending, and exercising.
- Enhanced posture and reduced strain on the lower back and pelvis.
- Reduced back pain and daily discomfort.
- Enhanced confidence and well-being.
The mechanism
How It Works
Our treatment uses high-intensity electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) to stimulate deep muscle contractions in the abdominal area, contractions far more powerful than what one can achieve through regular exercise alone. These supramaximal contractions activate and strengthen the core muscles, especially those affected by pregnancy.
As the muscles respond to the stimulation, they begin to rebuild and grow stronger. This process assists in closing the abdominal separation caused by diastasis recti, improving core strength, stability, and overall posture across the weeks of the programme.
Most individuals require approximately 5 to 6 sessions to experience visible and functional improvements. To maintain results, follow-up sessions every 2 to 3 months are recommended. Many mothers report feeling more supported in their core, with reduced discomfort and improved confidence following the treatment programme.
A useful side benefit
HIFEM for Diastasis Recti, and beyond
Muscles play an important role in raising overall metabolic rate. When the muscle content increases, basal metabolic rate increases too, helping to metabolise calories faster. This contributes to the level of weight loss many mums want to achieve without traditional exercise.
“The more muscle you have, the greater heat consumption you will generate.”
Increasing muscle content helps you burn energy while sleeping, even when you are not exercising, which is why HIFEM tends to compound over the months following the active course.
Before the session
Preparation & Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with our experienced specialists. We assess the degree of separation, discuss your goals, and tailor a personalised treatment plan to address your specific needs. The plan covers expected number of sessions, cadence, and any complementary therapies that would help.
During the session
Treatment Techniques
During your HIFEM sessions, you'll recline comfortably as the HIFEM device delivers electromagnetic pulses to your abdominal muscles. These pulses trigger intense muscle contractions, equivalent to performing thousands of sit-ups in one session, without the need for physical exertion. The intensity is calibrated to your tolerance and increases as the muscles condition.
After your course
Results & Follow-Up
With regular HIFEM sessions, you can expect to see gradual improvement in your diastasis recti condition. Most patients notice increased abdominal strength, reduced abdominal separation, and improved core stability over the course of treatment. Our team provides guidance and support throughout your journey to ensure optimal results and long-term satisfaction. Follow-ups every 2 to 3 months keep the gains in place.
In their words
What Mums Say About Our Treatments
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“Diastasis recti repair massage at BMB Paragon. Felicia was absolutely exceptional, incredibly skilled and intuitive to all the areas that needed extra attention. I left feeling completely rejuvenated.”
Felicia's client
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“Completed 6 session LPG treatment with Margie within 1 month. Tummy reduced from 36.5 inch to 35 inch with waistline toned up. Highly recommend for postpartum mummies within the 6 month golden period.”
Margie's client
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“Amazing post partum massage experience with Sue. She is skilled, attentive, and made me feel completely at ease during all the sessions.”
Sue's client
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions of Diastasis Recti treatment do I need?
Most clients see optimal results after 6 sessions, typically done over 2 to 3 weeks. Depending on the severity of the abdominal separation and individual goals, your therapist may recommend additional sessions to enhance or maintain results.
How frequently can Diastasis Recti treatments be undertaken?
We recommend doing the treatment 2 to 3 times per week with at least 48 hours between sessions to allow the muscles to recover and adapt. Consistency is key to achieving long-lasting core strength and visible improvements.
Is Diastasis Recti treatment painful?
Not at all. Most clients describe the sensation as intense muscle contractions, similar to a strong workout but without the physical effort. There is no downtime and you can return to your daily activities immediately after the session.
What are the possible side effects?
Side effects are generally mild and temporary. You may feel muscle soreness, much like post-exercise fatigue, for a day or two after the treatment. Redness or warmth in the treated area is rare but may occur and typically resolves quickly. The treatment is non-invasive and safe, with no reported long-term side effects when administered correctly.
What are the contraindications?
Prior to treatment, a client consultation will be conducted, including a complete medical history and exam. Patient considerations include but are not limited to:
- Pregnancy (including breastfeeding women)
- Cardiac pacemakers or implanted defibrillators
- Implanted neurostimulators, electronic implants, and active implants
- Pulmonary insufficiency
- Metal implants (including metallic IUDs)
- Drug pumps
- Haemorrhagic conditions
- Heart disorders
- Malignant tumours
- Fever
- Epilepsy
- Open wounds or lesions in the treatment area
- Existing keloids in the treatment area
- Herpes simplex
- Diabetes
- Breast tissue or breast implants
Ready when you are
Book a Diastasis Recti Recovery Consultation
WhatsApp our team on +65 8368 2756 to schedule your assessment at Orchard (Paragon) or Johor Bahru. We'll measure the separation, walk you through the HIFEM protocol, and recommend a session count tailored to your recovery.