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In short
- What it is: the separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen.
- Who it affects: very common after pregnancy, but it also appears in men and women after major weight changes.
- Treatment: specific physiotherapy in mild cases; surgery when the separation is significant or does not improve.
- Who: Dr. José Cutillas Abellán, general and digestive surgeon, who sees patients in English, Spanish and French.
- Price: consultation and assessment, 85 €.
- Where: Ananda Centro Médico Estético, Av. Nuestra Señora de Atocha 17, bajo, 30007 Murcia, Spain.
- Appointments: message us on WhatsApp in English on +34 658 65 25 47.
What is diastasis recti?
Diastasis recti is the separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the midline (the linea alba). When they separate, the abdominal wall loses firmness and a bulge in the tummy appears that does not improve with diet or exercise.
It is very common after pregnancy, but it can also appear in men and women after major weight changes or because of a weak abdominal wall. It is not only an aesthetic issue: it can cause discomfort and is sometimes associated with an umbilical hernia.
Most common symptoms
- A bulging abdomen that does not reduce with exercise or diet.
- A lump or ridge along the midline when sitting up from lying down or straining.
- A feeling of weakness or lack of support in the abdomen.
- Discomfort or lower back pain.
- An associated umbilical hernia in some cases.
How is diastasis recti treated?
It depends on how far apart the muscles are and on your symptoms. In mild cases, specific physiotherapy for the abdominal wall can help. When the separation is significant or does not improve, the treatment is surgical: the rectus muscles are brought back together to restore firmness and function to the abdomen.
- Personal assessment: Dr. Cutillas studies your case and tells you whether you need surgery or not.
- Technique adapted to each case: Dr. Cutillas has experience in minimally invasive surgery and explains in consultation which technique is most suitable for you.
- Hernia repaired at the same time: if there is also an umbilical hernia, it can be corrected in the same operation.
- Follow-up: Dr. Cutillas stays with you throughout your recovery.
Your doctor: Dr. José Cutillas Abellán
Medical Director of Ananda Centro Médico Estético in Murcia city and specialist in General and Digestive Surgery, with extensive experience in abdominal wall conditions and other digestive problems.
- Personal care and a private consultation, with no waiting lists
- In Murcia city, with no need to travel to other cities
- Sees patients in English, Spanish and French
- Individual assessment before proposing any treatment
Frequently asked questions about diastasis recti
What is diastasis recti?
The separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline. The abdominal wall loses firmness and a bulge appears in the tummy that does not improve with diet or exercise.
How do I know if I have diastasis recti?
One clue is noticing a lump or ridge in the middle of the abdomen when sitting up from lying down. Dr. Cutillas makes the diagnosis by examining you in consultation and, if needed, with an ultrasound scan.
Does it only appear after pregnancy?
No. It is very common after pregnancy, but it can also appear in men and women after major weight changes or because of a weak abdominal wall.
Can exercise or physiotherapy fix it?
In mild cases, specific physiotherapy can improve it. When the separation is significant or does not improve, the effective treatment is surgery, which brings the rectus muscles back together.
Is it the same as a hernia?
No, but they often go together. If there is an umbilical hernia as well as the diastasis, it can be corrected in the same operation.
Who performs the treatment?
Dr. José Cutillas Abellán, specialist in General and Digestive Surgery and medical director of Ananda Centro Médico Estético in Murcia city. He sees patients in English, Spanish and French.
How much does the consultation cost?
The consultation and assessment with Dr. Cutillas costs 85 €. He studies your case and explains the treatment options.
Where is the consultation?
At Ananda Centro Médico Estético, Av. Nuestra Señora de Atocha 17, bajo, Murcia city. Appointments Monday to Friday; message us on WhatsApp in English on +34 658 65 25 47.
More information in English
- Hernias: inguinal, umbilical and abdominal wall
- Gallbladder removal: keyhole and Da Vinci robotic surgery
- Digestive surgery in Murcia: all conditions and Dr. Cutillas’s private consultation
Diastasis recti repair in Murcia for patients from Alicante, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa
Many of Dr. Cutillas’s English-speaking patients live in Murcia city, the golf resorts near the airport (Corvera, Altaona, Sucina), the Mar Menor (Los Alcázares, San Javier, La Manga), Cartagena, Camposol and Mazarrón, and the Costa Blanca: Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and Alicante.
Ananda Centro Médico Estético is in Murcia city, about 25 minutes by car from Región de Murcia International Airport (Corvera), around 45 minutes from Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, and about an hour from Alicante. If you are coming over from the UK for a few days, it is easy to fit your appointment into your stay.
Does your tummy still bulge even though you exercise?
Ask for your assessment with Dr. Cutillas at Ananda Centro Médico Estético in Murcia city. The consultation costs 85 € and is the first step to knowing whether you have diastasis and which treatment you need.
