Doctor Recommended

  Knowing about Rectus Diastasis and your postpartum recovery by: Robert Kessler, MD - Plastic Surgeon, Newport Beach CA The main muscles in the abdominal wall are called the Rectus Abdominus muscles. These muscles run from the rib cage to the pubic bone and define the contour of the abdomen. The muscles are segmental and in thin, athletic individuals they are seen through the skin as the classic “six pack”. These muscles run together in the center of the abdominal wall and are surrounded by a tissue layer called the Rectus Fascia. This is a fibrous structure which holds the muscles in...

by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT - Women's Health Physical Therapy, Los Angeles CA No woman is immune to the post-pregnancy baby belly blues. What once nurtured a growing baby is now achy and sore as well as flabby and toneless. But, for many women, it’s what’s going on inside the body during post-pregnancy healing that triggers not only discomfort but also a lack of confidence. Whether it’s the strain of pregnancy or the trauma of a vaginal delivery or c-section, our bodies undergo a tremendous amount of stress. But with so much focus on caring for a newborn and possibly the...

  by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT - Women's Health Physical Therapy, Los Angeles CA During pregnancy, the focus is often on doing the right things to deliver a healthy newborn. But what do moms do during pregnancy to prevent and relieve pain and complications after the birth? The fact is that the way you support your body during pregnancy can have a surprisingly big impact on how the body recovers during post-pregnancy healing.   Pregnancy Problems That Trigger Post-Pregnancy Healing Pain & Complications Back: The lumbar spine and associated muscles (the lower back) is a common source of discomfort for pregnant...

    by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT - Women's Health Physical Therapy, Los Angeles CAPregnancy is a period of significant change in a women’s body. The growing fetus leads to an altered posture and over-stretched abdominal muscles.  Due to the growing fetus, the belly is pulled forward, creating increased sway (Lordosis) in the lower back. The hip flexor and lower back muscles tighten as they are placed in a shortened position due to postural changes that are occurring. Postural changes may also lead to pain in the neck, shoulders, back, hips and elsewhere. In order for pregnant women to maintain their...