Key Takeaways
- Jamu massage may help ease muscle tension and provide comfort during postpartum recovery but it cannot repair diastasis recti or close abdominal separation on its own.
- Diastasis recti treatment focuses on improving abdominal muscle coordination, core strength and function.
- Both may complement each other, but they serve different purposes.
- The right approach depends on your symptoms, healing progress and recovery needs.
After childbirth, you may turn to Jamu massage to support your recovery, especially if your abdomen still looks or feels different after pregnancy. But if you’re dealing with diastasis recti, can traditional postpartum massage actually help?
What Is Jamu massage?
Jamu massage is a traditional postpartum treatment that aims to support recovery after childbirth through massage, herbal applications (tapel) and abdominal binding (bengkung).
A typical session usually begins with tapel being applied to the abdomen, followed by a relaxing soft tissue massage. The highlight of Jamu massage is the bengkung at the end, where the abdomen is tightly wrapped.
What is diastasis recti?
Diastasis recti is the separation of the left and right sides of your rectus abdominis muscles, commonly known as the six-pack muscles. During pregnancy, the connective tissue between them stretches, allowing the muscles to move further apart.
Common signs of diastasis recti include a persistent belly bulge, a ridge or doming along the middle of your stomach, and reduced core strength after delivery. You can check for it yourself by lying on your back, placing your fingers near your belly button, and gently lifting your head and shoulders. Then, look for a gap as you gently press your fingers down. Do note this is not a definitive diagnosis.
Does diastasis recti need to be fixed?
Not everyone with diastasis recti needs treatment. If it’s just a mild abdominal separation (under 2 to 3 centimeters), it may improve naturally after childbirth, especially during the first few months of recovery.
However, if the separation affects your core strength or causes difficulties with everyday activities, such as lifting your baby, getting out of bed or standing for long periods, diastasis recti treatment may help. The goal isn’t simply to close the gap, but to strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve core support.
Does Jamu massage help diastasis recti?
Jamu massage may help relieve muscle tension and provide temporary comfort, but there’s not enough evidence to show that it can close the abdominal separation. This is because massage and bengkung only provide external support, but it cannot bring separated muscles back together permanently or restore core strength by itself.
Diastasis recti requires rebuilding abdominal muscle strength and function through targeted core exercises and guided rehabilitation.
Is it safe to start diastasis recti treatment after birth?
It’s generally safe to begin gentle diastasis recti treatment, provided you focus on low-load movements rather than intense abdominal exercises. Follow these guidelines to support your recovery:
- Check with your doctor before starting, especially if you had a C-section or experienced complications during childbirth.
- Start gently and begin with breathing techniques and simple core exercises to activate your abdominal muscles.
- Stop or modify any movement that causes pain, abdominal doming or bulging along your midline.
- Increase the intensity of your exercises as your strength improves.
The right time to begin depends on your delivery and recovery, so consider working with a women’s health specialist to ensure your exercises are suitable for your needs.
Can I do Jamu massage and diastasis recti treatment together?
Yes, the two actually work well together because they serve different purposes that complement each other. Many mothers start with Jamu massage for relaxation and physical comfort, then incorporate diastasis recti treatment to rebuild abdominal muscle strength and function when they are ready for gentle exercise.
If you choose to have a Jamu massage, let your practitioner know about your delivery and any abdominal separation or pain. Avoid deep abdominal massage or bengkung that feels too tight or causes discomfort. It’s also best to check with your doctor before starting.
Final Thought; Is jamu massage enough for diastasis recti?
Jamu massage may offer relaxation and comfort during postpartum recovery, but there is limited scientific evidence that it can close the abdominal muscle separation caused by diastasis recti. While traditional massage may be part of your recovery routine, it should not replace appropriate assessment and targeted rehabilitation.
If you are experiencing persistent abdominal bulging, core weakness or discomfort after pregnancy, consider exploring professional diastasis recti treatment to find an approach suited to your needs. With the right guidance, you can work towards improving core function and supporting your postpartum recovery.
