I was worried that I would be diagnosed with DRAM or Divarication of Rectus Abdominis Muscles after I got pregnant. It is also known as Diastasis Recti in which the abdominal muscles separate because of the growth of the fetus inside the mother’s womb. Although it is normal during postpartum, I heard that some mothers are suffering from DRAM for a couple of months after giving birth. It was a good thing that I didn’t have to go through the same level of struggles thanks to the health experts of this specialised centre for postpartum in Singapore.
How I Knew I Had DRAM
DRAM or the divarication of recti is noticeable in moms because it occurs when there is an apparent bulge around the stomach. It is like the woman is still pregnant even though delivery has already passed. I experienced the same condition, however, I did not feel alarmed about it at first. I knew that it was going to be normal to experience it, so I didn’t make a fuss about it. I learned from my physician that my abdominal muscles would soon be back to normal after a few months. However, I noticed that my belly hasn’t returned to its normal shape yet, even though I have already lost weight. I also made sure that I eat right to prevent from gaining more belly fat. It turns out the reason why I still have a protruding tummy is that I already have Diastasis recti. My abdominal muscles were still separated.
I also tried to do some self-diagnosis and tried to do some steps on how to determine if I am suffering from DRAM. I lied down on my back with my knees bent and my feet touching the floor. I tried to crouch a bit while lying down and I ran down my hand on my belly towards my chest. This is when I felt that there is a separation in the abdominal muscles.
Visiting a Specialised Center for Postpartum in Singapore
To confirm my suspicions, I went to a specialised centre for postpartum at Orchard Road. They have specialists and health experts who could help me out my condition. My friend who is also a mom recommended me to go there because she also had the same condition and she got treated, thanks to their health experts. I decided to give it a shot and visited the said specialised centre.
When I got there, I was lucky to get an appointment with one of their consultants. They immediately arranged a schedule for me. When the day of my appointment came, I learned a lot from my consultant. She said the treatments that I should get for the divarication of recti are electromagnetic therapy, clinical yoga & pilates, exilis ultrasound & radio frequency, and shockwave therapy. I decided to go for the three treatments and excluded the exilis ultrasound because I heard that it would be most suitable for women in their 20s’ I was 35 during that time, so I want a more comprehensive treatment.
How I Benefited from their Treatments
Among all the treatments for fixing the divarication of recti, I enjoyed the clinical yoga & pilates the most. Even though I had to move around a lot each session. It was fun and challenging working out with my yoga instructor. Most of our exercises revolved around strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, thus there was a lot of floorwork. The instructor was encouraging and she knows when to stop the training. She is empathic with her patients. After finishing a few sessions, I noticed that I am no longer suffering from incontinence. Back pain was also becoming less frequent. It seems like it effectively helped strengthen my pelvic floor muscles. It also helped rebuild my abdominal muscles, so the bulge doesn’t seem too noticeable anymore.
Along with clinical yoga and pilates, I also got treated using their electromagnetic therapy. I was glad to know that this is a non-invasive procedure. I learned from my consultant that it may help reconstruct the weak abdominal muscles to prevent the further divarication of recti. It would aid in increasing the muscle mass of the abdominal muscles to make them stronger. It is also the most ideal treatment for diastasis recti.
The last treatment that I got was the shockwave therapy. Not only did it help break down the excess fat in my belly, but it also minimised the appearance of stretch marks. It made me feel more confident in my body because of the drastic improvement!
I highly recommend Orchard Clinic for their treatments for the divarication of recti. I am so thankful for their accommodating staff and expert treatments.
