Diastasis Recti & Muscle Loss Richmond, BC
Rebuild core strength with the right plan.
Diastasis recti is a gap between the left and right abdominal muscles that commonly follows pregnancy; muscle loss (sarcopenia) is the gradual decline in muscle with age and inactivity. Physiotherapy, especially pelvic-floor physiotherapy, is commonly recommended first. EMSculpt can help strengthen muscle but does not close the gap. At RAAC in Richmond, BC, Dr. Jiang's team assesses first; results vary.
- 6-12 Mo
- Suggested wait after birth before body treatments
- Physio
- Physiotherapy is commonly recommended alongside
- 4 × 30 min
- Typical EMSculpt course, 2–3 days apart
- 6-12 Mo
- Suggested wait after birth before body treatments
- Physio
- Physiotherapy is commonly recommended alongside
- 4 × 30 min
- Typical EMSculpt course, 2–3 days apart
Is This Happening to You? Recognize the Signs
Muscle loss and abdominal separation affect more than just appearance—they impact your core strength and confidence.
If you checked two or more, a functional assessment is worth booking.
Why Does Muscle Loss Happen?
Muscle loss is a natural part of ageing (sarcopenia) but can speed up with pregnancy, poor nutrition and an inactive lifestyle.
Age-Related Sarcopenia
From about age 30, people gradually lose muscle mass unless they keep up resistance exercise and enough protein. The loss is faster with inactivity.
Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)
During pregnancy the abdominal muscles stretch and the connective tissue between them widens, which can leave a gap after birth. Many gaps narrow in the months after delivery.
Pelvic Floor Weakness
Often seen alongside diastasis recti, and linked to leaking urine or a feeling of heaviness. Persistent symptoms should be assessed by a doctor or pelvic-floor physiotherapist.
Hormonal Changes
Postpartum and menopausal hormone changes can affect muscle maintenance and recovery.
How Are Muscle Loss and Diastasis Treated at RAAC?
We combine device-based muscle stimulation with guidance on exercise, nutrition and physiotherapy, because strength is rebuilt by more than one thing.
Assessment first: we check the gap, muscle strength and symptoms, then suggest a plan that may include physiotherapy, device treatment, and referral if needed.
1Muscle Stimulation Devices
EMSCULPT®
Muscle Stimulation
Uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to cause strong, repeated contractions of the abdominal muscles, which can strengthen and tone the area. It does not close a diastasis gap.
EMSella®
Pelvic Floor Stimulation
A non-invasive treatment done while seated on a chair that uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate pelvic floor muscles. It is sometimes used for stress urinary incontinence concerns after medical assessment.
2Supportive Therapies
Dermal Fillers
In selected cases filler may be used to soften the look of contour changes while muscle rehabilitation continues. This does not treat the muscle gap.
Sculptra® Aesthetic
An injectable collagen stimulator that may support skin quality and volume in some areas over months. It does not repair the muscle.
How We Approach Muscle and Core
Functional Medicine Approach
Dr. Jiang looks at contributing factors such as hormones, nutrition and lifestyle alongside any device treatment.
Postpartum Awareness
We understand the changes pregnancy makes to the core and pelvic floor, and we recommend physiotherapy and medical review where appropriate.
Comprehensive Assessment
We look at muscle strength, the width of any gap and your symptoms before suggesting a plan.
Referral & Coordination
We suggest working with a physiotherapist and your family doctor, and refer you on when your symptoms need it.
Common Questions
Ready to Rebuild Your Core?
Book an assessment to review your core, muscle strength and symptoms, and plan next steps.
Related articles
- EMSella in Richmond, BC: Pelvic Floor Treatment for Bladder Leaks
How EMSella's HIFEM technology contracts the pelvic floor muscles while you sit fully clothed, who it may help with bladder leakage, what the research says and the session plan.
- EMSella Richmond: How HIFEM Works for Pelvic Floor
A science-based look at how Emsella's HIFEM technology works for pelvic floor strengthening at RAAC in Richmond, BC.
- EMSculpt: What the Research Shows and Who It Suits
What published studies report on EMSculpt (HIFEM), who is a good candidate, how it compares with other body-contouring methods, and what treatment and aftercare involve.
- EMSculpt: How It Works, Sessions and When Results Show
How HIFEM electromagnetic contractions work on muscle, what a session feels like, how many sessions are typical and when results usually show.
