191- Diastasis Recti (DRA) Rehab Beyond Core Strengthening // 3 Things You Need Besides Exercise to Actually Heal Your Core

191- Diastasis Recti (DRA) Rehab Beyond Core Strengthening // 3 Things You Need Besides Exercise to Actually Heal Your Core

Author: Dr. Desiree Cassell | Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Women’s Health Specialist, Strong and Fit Momma May 14, 2026 Duration: 26:54
If you’ve been doing all the “right” core exercises for your diastasis recti… but your core still feels weak, domes, bulges, or disconnected — you may be missing some major pieces of the puzzle. Because healing diastasis recti is about so much more than just strengthening your abs. In this episode, Dr. Des breaks down three often-overlooked areas that can make a huge difference in core healing: fascial and soft tissue mobility, breathwork, and rib cage mobility. We discuss why these pieces matter, how they affect pressure and core function, and why exercise alone may not fully address the problem. If you’ve felt frustrated by slow progress, lingering weakness, or confusion around what actually helps diastasis heal, this conversation will help you better understand what your body may truly need.   In This Episode, We Explore: What diastasis recti actually is Why strengthening alone sometimes falls short The role of fascia and soft tissue mobility in core function How breathing patterns impact pressure and healing Why rib cage mobility matters more than most women realize What true “core healing” actually looks like Common mistakes women make during recovery Why This Matters: Your core is not just muscles — it’s a coordinated system involving your diaphragm, abdominal wall, pelvic floor, fascia, posture, and breath. When one part of the system is restricted or not functioning well, the body often compensates with gripping, pressure, or instability patterns that can keep women feeling stuck. This whole-body approach to healing is exactly what we focus on inside the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App and RESTORE, where women are guided through breathwork, mobility, strengthening, and pressure management in a way that actually supports long-term function.   ✨ Learn more here: https://balancedmomtality.com/the-app   Want a Guided Healing and Rehab Program to Help You Reconnect and RESTORE? If you’re ready to rebuild your core and pelvic floor with a structured, step-by-step plan, check out RESTORE, my 12-week pelvic floor and core rehabilitation program inside the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App. Inside RESTORE you’ll learn how to: ✔ release tension and improve mobility ✔ reconnect breath and pelvic floor coordination ✔ strengthen your core safely ✔ progress back to lifting, running, and higher-impact activities All with guided lessons, workouts, and support from a pelvic floor physical therapist. Inside RESTORE you’ll get: ✔️ 12 weeks of progressive breathwork, mobility & strength ✔️ 5- and 20-minute workouts to fit your life ✔️ Deep pelvic floor education (with zero fluff) ✔️ Real-life tools to reduce pain, improve leaks, and feel like YOU again ✔️ Access to our private community and support Inside RESTORE, we cover: Breathwork + pelvic floor connection Mobility + posture Nervous system regulation Core control + strength building Real-life application to everyday movement And how to stop leaking, rushing to the bathroom, or feeling disconnected from your core You’ll walk away from RESTORE with clarity, confidence, and a body you trust again. JOIN RESTORE NOW FOR INSTANT ACCESS TO LESSONS AND EXERCISES!!  JOIN NOW AND SAVE %50!! https://pelvic-floor-core-more.passion.io/checkout/86181d29-9811-4a33-80df-a82de21fa8fe Or  💎 Learn More About RESTORE below, my 12-week program that walks you step by step through pelvic floor and core healing — so you can stop leaking, reduce prolapse symptoms, and feel strong again.  https://balancedmomtality.com/restore  💖 Or Want Personalized 1:1 Coaching and Support? Book a virtual or in-person women’s health coaching/pelvic floor physical therapy session tailored to YOU. 📧 Email: PTDes@balancedmomtality.com ✨ Next Steps: 📲 Download the Pelvic Floor, Core & More App →  for guided breathwork, mobility, and strength progressions you can do at home. - Download PCM App iTunes: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pelvic-floor-core-more/id6740750561  - Download PC

Navigating motherhood brings immense joy alongside unique physical challenges that often go unspoken. Pelvic Floor, Core & More | Healing Beyond Kegels is a space where those conversations happen, guided by Dr. Desiree Cassell, a pelvic floor physical therapist and women’s health specialist who is also a strong and fit mom herself. This podcast moves far beyond basic Kegel exercises, delving into the interconnected systems of the body that support a woman’s health through pregnancy, birth, and the many phases of postpartum life. You’ll find discussions on practical, functional core rehabilitation, preparing your body for birth with confidence, and navigating recovery with a focus on sustainable strength. Each episode integrates understanding of nervous system regulation and holistic self-care, recognizing that true wellness for moms is multifaceted. The aim is to provide actionable, evidence-based strategies that fit into a busy life, helping you move without fear of pain or dysfunction, and ultimately feel resilient in your own body. Tune in for a compassionate, expert-led dialogue that redefines postpartum care as a lifelong journey of healing and strength. This is the supportive resource you’ve been looking for, offering clarity and empowerment one episode at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pelvic Floor, Core & More | Healing Beyond Kegels: Core Rehab, Prenatal Fitness, Birth Prep, Postpartum Recovery, Nervous System Regulation, and Holistic Self-Care for Moms
Podcast Episodes
194- Thriving in the Chaos of Motherhood (Without Losing Yourself) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:10
Motherhood can feel beautiful, overwhelming, exhausting, fulfilling, and chaotic — often all at once. So many moms are carrying the mental load of everyone around them while quietly feeling disconnected from themselves,…
189- Why You Might Feel Worse Before You Feel Better in Rehab [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:58
Have you ever started doing the “right” exercises… only to feel more sore, more aware of symptoms, or more discouraged? It can be easy to assume something is wrong or that your program isn’t working — but that’s not alwa…