Conditions We Treat
Massage for Diastasis Recti in NYC
Abdominal separation after pregnancy or surgery can cause weakness, low back pain, and core instability. Our licensed medical massage therapists specialize in helping clients speed their recovery through targeted soft-tissue therapy that works alongside their physical therapy.
- Available in FiDi & Midtown West – open 7 days a week
Causes
What’s Going On With Diastasis Recti?
- Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles along the midline, most often seen after pregnancy, abdominal surgery, or long-term core imbalance.
- About 20–30% of postpartum women continue to show separation beyond the early postpartum period. While mild cases often resolve naturally, persistent diastasis can last a year or more. It can also appear in men and athletes from chronic overuse or poor breathing mechanics (Nature, 2024; Springer, 2024; StatPearls–NIH 2023).
- Separation can weaken the abdominal wall, reducing spinal support and contributing to low-back pain, ribcage and pelvic imbalance, and posture changes.
- These compensations can eventually show up as secondary symptoms in the neck, shoulders, hips, knees, or even feet.
At Bodyworks DW, we treat diastasis recti as part of a whole-body recovery process. We use progressive, clinically informed techniques to rebalance the fascia and abdominal wall while retraining core stability and breathing patterns for lasting improvement.
Related conditions: Also see our Postnatal Massage and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction pages.
How we treat
How Bodyworks DW Treats Diastasis Recti
The rectus abdominis muscles meet along the midline (linea alba). When this connective tissue weakens and separates, it reduces core stability and can contribute to low back or pelvic pain. Here you can clearly see the fascial connections to the shoulder as well. Anatomy Plate (Grant, 1962)
Whole-Body Evaluation
We begin with a gentle assessment of back extensor and pectoral tension, breathing mechanics, and posture to understand how your body has adapted to the separation.
Targeted Deep Tissue & Myofascial Work for Core Connection
We use clinically appropriate myofascial techniques on the abdominal wall, diaphragm, and surrounding structures to reestablish fascial continuity. Each stroke is intentionally directly towards the diastasis separation to avoid further pulling the tissues apart.
Progressive Plan That Builds on Each Session
Over subsequent sessions, we include work on the hips, ribcage, and low back to reintegrate the core with the rest of the body, teaching simple exercises and breathwork for long-term recovery.
What to Expect
A Progressive Plan
Session 1
Fascial release and breathing retraining to reduce tension and promote abdominal engagement while creating slack on the diastasis.
Sessions 2–4
Add focused work on ribcage and pelvic alignment to rebalance the pressure system and improve coordination between breathing and movement.
Sessions 5–8+
Reinforce functional movement and posture patterns for lasting strength and stability through the core and spine.
Ready to start feeling better?
Book a session
Care
Home Care That Helps Between Sessions
We’ll teach you safe, effective self-care practices—like ribcage breathing, gentle core activations, and supported pelvic tilts—that help restore tension balance in the abdominal wall without straining the separation. And that work in conjunction with your specialist PT.
Testimonial
What Our Clients Say
Pricing & wellness wallets
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New here? Select “New Client Massage” to get $25 off your first visit.
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No prepay—card on file to hold; pay after your session.
New here? Choose “New Client Massage” when booking to get $25 off your first visit.
Senior Therapist
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60 minutes
$160
/ with Senior Therapist
90 minutes
$230
/ with Senior Therapist
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch
Can massage help close a diastasis recti gap?
Massage can’t “close” the gap directly, but it can improve fascia elasticity, circulation, and muscle recruitment—helping your body reengage the deep core effectively and reducing related pain. And allowing you to accelerate your recovery program with your PT or specialist.
Do I need a doctor’s note for diastasis recti massage?
No. Under NYS Title VIII licensure (see NY Board of Education FAQ #28), massage therapists can assess whether your symptoms are safe for massage. We refer out only when necessary.
What makes Bodyworks DW’s approach different?
Our therapists address the entire core system, not just the abs. We rebalance the hips, ribcage, and breathing mechanics to help your body naturally reintegrate strength and alignment. Restoring better mobility in other joints in the body takes pressure off of the abdominal wall allowing your abs to “turn on” in ways they previously have been unwilling to.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients feel progress after 1–3 sessions, with significant improvement in stability and comfort within 6–8.
Are there precautions for diastasis recti massage?
Yes — recent injuries, acute inflammation, fever/illness, or medications affecting tissue integrity require caution.
Full list: NYS Massage Therapy Precautions