Dear Dr. Oz: Diastasis and (Gasp!) Crunches??

To honor all the “flat belly” New Years resolutions out there, I thought I would post a letter I wrote to Dr. Oz a few years ago. It is a cautionary tale that still applies today: Diastasis and crunches do not mix! I have updated the letter a little with some links to other blogs and vlogs, and new information.

Dear Dr. Oz,

Your show is always full of encouragement toward healthy living and healthy choices. As a fellow health practitioner I appreciate the information, enthusiasm and motivation you give your viewers. I am a physical therapist and educator who specializes in returning women to fitness after pregnancy.

I was glad to see you offering your viewers conservative, exercise-based options for closure of a post-partum abdominal separation, aka Diastasis, by inviting your trainer to give some tips ( http://bit.ly/6J8W2w). Often women are told their only available option is expensive surgery, and it is usually not covered by insurance.

I did however have a concern I wanted to share with you about the information provided for women with a post-partum Diastasis. The Crunches and rotational crunches recommended in the segment will actually make a Diastasis worse. This is because the connective tissue at the linea alba (center line of the six-pack) is designed to expand and allow for a growing baby. However, this flexible tissue is also the insertion site for eachof the abdominal muscles. A strong abdominal contraction such as a crunch will create a pull at this insertion that cannot be matched if this tissue has been separated during the pregnancy. It will result in pulling the opening further apart. Rotational activities have a similar result due to the pull of the obliques against the weakened area.

In the exercise demonstration segment, you can see Annie’s belly rise with each crunch repetition. This reinforces opening the Diastasis with each rep, instead of closing it. As you know, an unresolved Diastasis can result in hernias, contribute to incontinence, and reduce the supportive role abdominals have for low backs and posture.

The vulnerability of this midline connective tissue is a great reason not to encourage crunches during pregnancy, too. This will help reduce the possibility of abdominal disruption or separation in the first place.

There are other specific exercise options for Diastasis closure, and recent investigations have looked at the integrity of that abdominal connective tissue as a determinant for conservative care vs. the need for surgery. Correcting postures that contribute to pulling the separation apart and improved breathing patterns to activate the deep core can also help maintain closure.

Thank you for alerting women to the condition and how to test for it on themselves,  a truly valuable first step that you and the trainer provided. Conservative Diastasis resolution is possible with good education and appropriate training.

All the best-
Julie Wiebe, PT
Julie Wiebe
Physical Therapist
Clinician/Educator
www.juliewiebept.com
Twitter @juliewiebept
Facebook.com/JulieWiebePT
You Tube http://bit.ly/u80mbB

Related Post

14 thoughts on “Dear Dr. Oz: Diastasis and (Gasp!) Crunches??”

  1. Susan says:

    Thank you for taking action, and writing a beautiful response to Dr. Oz. I do hope you mailed it to him. Susan

    1. Julie Wiebe says:

      I did! Would love to be able to open a dialogue with him! Thanks Susan! Julie

  2. Barbara says:

    Great post! I love your videos.

  3. Kathik says:

    Have you seen the “superkegel” episode? Hoping he got lots of feedback about that. YIKES

    1. Julie Wiebe says:

      Yes, I saw the “superkegel” exerpt! A perfect way to teach women to overuse every other muscle but the pelvic floor. Also, what I call an “outside-in” approach. I want to see folks connect from the pelvic floor out to the other postural muscles, because we have a few great studies that have shown the pelvic floor turns on first in the deep core. Hoping to keep gently nudging for better information for women on these topics. Thanks for weighing in! Julie

  4. Well written article and a necessary education piece for the general public. I couldn’t have said it better myself!

    1. Julie Wiebe says:

      Thanks Marianne! Julie

  5. Julie,

    Great job as always! I’m going to share on all of my blogs!

    -E

  6. Sherrie Palm says:

    I was freaking out about the misinformation given on the pelvic organ prolapse OZ piece including the superkegel. Was five pieces of medical misinformation in that episode-only good thing I could say was it got the word out about POP a bit.

    This is a great piece on DRA Julie!Keep up the great work!
    Sher

    1. Julie Wiebe says:

      Sherrie! Thanks for weighing in. I know, bummer that is the only good to come out of it!! He has such a great platform to educate. Commented on that one here: http://interiorfitness.com/blog/dear-dr-oz-pelvic-organ-prolapse/ I have another Dr Oz piece on the way….stay tuned.

      Julie

  7. Sarah Ashford says:

    I am a PT student, will be graduating in December. This article and many of the other articles and resources provided on this website are very helpful for not only women but it seems to be applicable for many other patient populations. I look forward to searching this website more. Thank you!

    1. Julie Wiebe says:

      Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate the feedback and a big YES! These ideas translate into multiple populations. I teach con ed courses and practitioners from many different specialties (ortho, sports med, neuro, peds, women’s health, etc) have applied the info in their area of practice which is really exciting. Come on back for more, doors always open :)! Julie

Comments are closed.

This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

back to top