How to determine if the rectus abdominis muscles have closed

Apr 16, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
If the rectus abdominis muscles have not closed, it can lead to loose abdominal skin and excess fat. You can also lie flat and perform a sit-up motion, using your fingers to feel the space between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscles; if there is a deep, longitudinal groove, it indicates that the muscles have not closed. An abdominal ultrasound can accurately determine whether the rectus abdominis muscles have closed, and can clearly show the distance and severity of diastasis recti.

To determine whether the rectus abdominis muscles have closed, one can generally rely on clinical symptoms, physical examination, and ultrasound imaging. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Clinical Symptoms

Rectus diastasis is usually caused by abdominal distension during pregnancy, which stretches the abdominal wall and separates the rectus abdominis muscles to both sides. If the rectus abdominis muscles have not closed, the abdominal skin may appear loose with excess fat. The greater the degree of separation, the weaker the abdominal wall muscles become, making it more difficult for the lower abdomen to regain a flat appearance.

2. Physical Examination

A physical examination at a hospital under professional guidance may involve lying down and performing a sit-up motion while using fingers to palpate the area between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscles. If a deep vertical groove is felt, this indicates that the rectus abdominis muscles have not closed properly.

3. Ultrasound (B-mode)

Abdominal ultrasound can accurately assess whether the rectus abdominis muscles have closed. It also allows clear visualization of the muscle structure and, through echo localization, enables measurement of the distance and severity of rectus diastasis.

In addition, CT scanning is another method used for evaluation. Patients are advised to complete relevant examinations at a hospital and, under medical guidance, receive targeted management or treatment accordingly.


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