Are planks (or any otherabdominal exercise) contraindicated for rectus diastasis?
I have a new Mom taking my core conditioning class. She is an ER doctor and did some research and told me that planks, crunches, etc. because they elevate the intraabdominal pressure and push on the weak spot. Can someone validate that for me? I had a severe case of rectus diastasis that had to be corrected with surgery and mesh.
When I worked more with postpartum women I had them focus on the drawing in and stabilizing before adding any movements. Crunches can be contraindicated, but some people do them by wrapping a towel around the back, and holding each end with the opposite hand to “pull” the muscles together. (I hardly do crunches with my regular clients anymore so it is not an issue with me). I have not heard that for planks, it seems to me unless they do a plank incorrectly, that the pressure would work in such a way as to draw the muscles closer together. Of course you should consult with her ob/gyn first, but it sounds to me like she is reluctant to do these moves, so why push them on her?