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