Diastasis Recti Abdominis - Current Concepts for Effective Assessment and Management

Overview

This online course on diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) delivers an evidence-informed, clinically practical approach to assessment and management. Designed primarily for postpartum care, but highly relevant to broader populations including men and children, this course challenges outdated beliefs and introduces modern, research-aligned frameworks for care.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of DRA as a midline separation of the rectus abdominis along the linea alba (distinct from hernia), while exploring the complexity of abdominal wall function, neuromuscular adaptation, and intra-abdominal pressure management.

The course critically examines common clinical assumptions, such as the role of “doming,” isolated core activation, and inter-rectus distance (IRD) measurement, while introducing emerging concepts like the anterior abdominal support theory and double door hypothesis. Emphasis is placed on functional, progressive loading strategies that restore strength, performance, and confidence.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Define diastasis recti abdominis and differentiate it from hernia

2. Critically evaluate common myths and misconceptions surrounding DRA management

3. Interpret the clinical relevance and limitations of inter-rectus distance (IRD)

4. Understand the role of rectus abdominis and lateral abdominal muscles in abdominal wall function

5. Reframe “doming” and “coning” as adaptive pressure management strategies

6. Apply holistic, biopsychosocial assessment principles in DRA care

7. Design progressive, functional rehabilitation programs using 3D loading principles

8. Integrate strength, endurance, and power training into abdominal rehabilitation

9. Address psychosocial and aesthetic concerns in patient-centered care

10. Communicate effectively with patients to reduce fear and improve outcomes

Audience

This course is designed for healthcare professionals involved in rehabilitation and movement-based care, including:

• Physiotherapists

• Pelvic health therapists

• Chiropractors

• Athletic therapists

• Kinesiologists

• Fitness and exercise professionals working with postpartum or core rehabilitation populations

Why This Course Matters

Diastasis recti remains widely misunderstood, often leading to overly cautious or ineffective treatment approaches. Many clinicians and patients operate under fear-based assumptions, such as avoiding abdominal loading or misinterpreting normal physiological responses as dysfunction.

This course equips clinicians with:

• Clarity on what truly matters in DRA assessment and treatment

• Confidence to move beyond outdated, low-load protocols

• Practical tools to implement progressive, functional rehabilitation

• Evidence-informed reasoning to support clinical decision-making

By shifting the focus from structural “fixes” to functional capacity and patient goals, clinicians can deliver more meaningful, empowering care.

Participant Feedback

“You’re amazing and I appreciate you! Doing great stuff for the industry and empowering humans to move more and get back to doing what they love! Thanks Antony!”

“Thank you. Certainly going to think differently when working with my patients”

“Thanks, always love hearing your thoughts, and encouragement to really work so individually with each person!”

“You’re always a mover and a shaker when it comes to changing how care is provided for those with DRA – keep shaking Ant!”

“Thanks so much this was very insightful”

“Thank you, what a wonderful and insightful webinar!”

“Thank you Antony! This was such great information. Can’t wait for you to come to Canada”

“Keep doing what you are doing! It’s so helpful for all of us!”