A few weeks ago and nearly two years after giving birth to Maëva, I have been diagnosed with Diastasis Recti (otherwise known as abdominal separation or ‘split abs’). I also have an umbilical hernia.

Abdominal separation occurs principally in pregnant or postpartum women and is defined as a distance of 2.7cm or more between the left and the right abdominal muscle. It’s a quite common condition. While the umbilical hernia (intestine or other tissues bulging through a weak spot around the belly button) is a bit less common.

From what I read, Diastasis Recti should lessen within the first few months after childbirth. If not, the condition can lead to back pain. Constipation. Bloating. And more. Umbilical hernias can be painful and usually require surgery (for adults). In my case, the hernia is small. And there is no need for an immediate surgical treatment. In some cases, however, abdominal hernias can be dangerous.

Anyway. I am not a doctor. And I don’t want to say too much about things I don’t fully understand. What I do understand is that, since nearly two years, I am suffering from intestinal problems and back pain. And that these issues might be linked to my abdominal separation. At least to some extent. So, I want to raise awareness.

A few weeks ago, I decided to get in touch with Emma from Bactive.me?. Emma is a personal trainer and specialised in pre and post natal exercises. She was recommended to me and kindly agreed to help me talk about the topic.

Together with Ally and Hannah, Women’s Health Physios at Optimal Therapy, we came up with the idea to organise a free coffee morning for those who want to learn more about Diastasis Recti, or ‘split abs’.

Emma, Ally and Hannah will share some information about Diastasis Recti and show you several exercises that can help improve the condition.

If you want to join us, please fill in the registration form below.

The info morning will be free of charge but places will be limited. So please RSVP to secure your space.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the 10th!

Emma said goodbye to the corporate world after the birth of her second daughter to spend more time with her children. She has always been passionate about fitness so becoming a personal trainer was the obvious next career move.

Emma, like most women, experienced the frustrations of getting back into shape after child birth, so she decided to focus her training and education on Pre and Post natal exercise. Emma then expanded her qualifications to encompass people with specific medical conditions and injuries. This allows Emma to work with a wide variety of people, something on which she thrives.

Her past experience in corporate HR and Sales, along with her advanced training enables her to motivate her clients to lead healthier lives. Motivation, fun and variety are the key elements to working with Emma. She has a Level 3 Gym Instructor & Nutrition certification and is qualified in a range of areas such as:

• Pre and Post natal workouts and exercise
• Exercise referral for specific medical conditions such as Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Asthma, Back pain, Recovery after surgery, Diabetes, and Obesity (if you have a specific condition please contact us for further advice)
• Boxercise
• Pilates – using the STOTT technique
• Group Exercise (indoors and outdoors)
• One -2- one sessions (indoors and outdoors)

Alexandra qualified in 1998 from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom (UK). She worked within the National Health Service for 5 years and then served as a Military Physiotherapist in the British Army for 7 years. During her time with the British Military Alexandra worked all around the world providing treatment and rehabilitation in sometimes challenging environments. Alexandra has worked in Dubai since 2011.

Alexandra has a special interest in both Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation and Womens Health. She has completed a post graduated diploma in Sports Physiotherapy at Bath University in the UK. She has previously been the Physiotherapist for the Great Britain (GB) Long Course Triathlon Team, the British Army Rugby and Cricket teams and has treated numerous GB athletes at the ‘Team Bath’ Sports Injuries Clinic in the UK. Alexandra has provided physiotherapy care for Disabled Military athletes competing in the Safaricom Marathon in Kenya as part of the Military ‘BattleBack’ project.

Alexandra is continuously developing professionally completing courses and conferences throughout the year to continually maintain an up to date knowledge base. Alexandra has two small children but in her spare time is a keen runner and has completed the London Marathon and several triathlons.

Hannah is a UK Chartered physiotherapist who qualified with a B.Sc. Physiotherapy from Manchester University in 2002.  Following 2 years in the National HealthService she joined the British Army and served as a physiotherapist for 10 years in Her Majesties Armed Forces providing physiotherapy in challenging environments around the world.  Whilst serving Hannah completed a Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Medicine at Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK.

She has significant experience in the management and rehabilitation of sports and trauma related injuries and gait dysfunctions.

Hannah also has additional training in spinal manual therapy, acupuncture, pre and post natal rehabilitation and clinical Pilates.  Whilst in the British army, whilst based in Cyprus, Hannah brought Clinical Pilates to the skeptical male population developing a high level conditioning program with her rehab team which was designed for Search and Rescue helicopter crew to reduce common injuries.

Hannah is qualified in the field of Women’s Health and is experienced in treating conditions such pelvic floor weakness, Diastasis Recti and back and pelvic pain. She predominantly works with ladies who want to return to exercise or participate in competitive sport post pregnancy.  Hannah achieved her qualification through the Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy group. A UK based Professional Network affiliated to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

While her two small children keep her busy, she is in her spare time a keen skier, swimmer and runner. She has completed the London and Limassol Marathons as well as several triathlons.