If you have been following me since I was pregnant, you will see one of my first posts was about how I bravely kinesiotaped my stomach during pregnancy! I have a background in Kinesiology & Rehab and had taken courses on taping techniques, so I was able to apply this knowledge to help heal my diastasis recti.
Find my old post here!
What is Kinesiotape?
Kinesiotape is a soft, flexible fabric tape that is applied to the skin in a particular fashion to aid in movement and provide other health benefits. “The Kinesiotaping method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion”. (source)
Should you use Kinesiotape for your Diastasis Recti?
Yes! But…be sure to check with a professional first. Some people, such as those with diabetes, circulation problems, open wounds, sensitive skin, or those who have allergies to tape or adhesive should NOT use Kinesiotape.
How will this help my Diastasis Recti?
By encouraging the rectus abdominis (6 pack muscles) to move towards the midline instead of moving apart during everyday movements you essentially can prevent your diastasis from getting worse during pregnancy and encourage healing postpartum.
I’ve tried it on myself. I feel it helped tremendously. It also helps for many other injuries I have encountered throughout the years that have caused hip, knee, and shoulder pain if applied correctly. There is research and evidence behind the use of Kinesiotape, and I feel it is a very low-risk intervention that is worth a try.
Watch my taping session with a client below!
One note…It does help if you apply the tape while slightly contracting your transverse abdominis. To do this feel like you are trying to pull your bellybutton to your spine. But sometimes this can cause the tape to feel too tight when you relax and then becomes uncomfortable while pregnant. If taping postpartum, then YES apply over contracted muscles. → I was under pressure during this video, so be kind!