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

There's a lot of noise out there about "bouncing back" after having a baby, often centered on intense workouts and restrictive diets. Pelvic Floor, Core & More | Healing Beyond Kegels cuts through that clutter with a different, more sustainable approach. Hosted by Dr. Desiree Cassell, a pelvic floor physical therapist and women's health specialist, this podcast is a resource for mothers at any stage-whether you're preparing for birth, navigating the early postpartum months, or years beyond and still dealing with the lingering effects of pregnancy. The conversations here move far beyond basic Kegel exercises, diving into practical core rehabilitation, nervous system regulation, and holistic self-care strategies that fit into a real, busy life. You'll hear about functional movements that build strength without fear, ways to prepare your body for labor with confidence, and compassionate guidance for the long journey of postpartum recovery. Dr. Cassell brings her professional expertise and personal experience as a strong and fit momma to every episode, offering actionable advice that prioritizes feeling capable and healthy over adhering to punishing routines. This is a space where the complexities of the female body are honored, not rushed, providing a sense of community and grounded knowledge for anyone looking to heal and thrive through motherhood.
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
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…
181- You’re Not Starting Over — You’re Starting From Experience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:14
If you’ve ever felt like you keep having to “start over” with your body, your workouts, or your healing… this episode is for you. So many women feel frustrated when symptoms come back, routines fall off, or progress does…