Pregnancy-Related Diastasis Rectus Abdominis: Bridging the Gap

DESCRIPTION OF SESSION

BACKGROUND

The current scientific literature base on the topic of pregnancy-related DRA is evolving, but gaps and discordance still exist. The lack of coherence in this literature base has many implications for best conservative management of pregnancy-related DRA. This presentation will draw on recent controlled studies and practice-based research to facilitate the operationalization of cohesive evidenced informed approach to pregnancy-related DRA.

RELEVANCE TO PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE

The current scientific literature base on the topic of pregnancy-related DRA is evolving, but gaps and discordance still exist.  The lack of coherence in this literature base has many implications for best conservative management of pregnancy-related DRA. It will be proposed during this course that a broader primary health care perspective is important to ensure provision of evidence-based conservative care for pregnancy-related DRA at the first point of care in the health care system.

3 REASONS TO SIGN UP

• Reason One: Learn current up to date perspectives regarding pregnancy-related DRA
• Reason Two: Enhance your confidence working with women in the perinatal care period.
• Reason Three: Gain some related clinical pearls regarding caring for women pre and post natally.

UPON COMPLETION OF THIS WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

1. Discuss the epidemiology of diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) throughout the different phases of pregnancy and the relationship between linea alba (LA) and other structures forming the abdominal manometric system such as the pelvic floor muscles (PFM).
2. Identify scientific update on evidence (both evidence-based and practice-based inquiry) pertaining to the management of pregnancy-related DRA, including points of congruence and incongruence and review considerations related to appraising different forms of scientific evidence and literature.
3. Provide current evidence-informed and integrative conservative care principles for pregnancy-related DRA from a primary health care perspective, with an emphasis on the roles of physiotherapists.    

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Sinéad Dufour is Assistant Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Health Science at McMaster University. She teaches and conducts research in both the Schools of Medicine and Rehabilitation Science. She completed her MScPT at McMaster University (2003), her PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science at Western (2011), and returned to McMaster to complete a post-doctoral fellowship (2013). Her current research interests include: conservative approaches to manage pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy-related pelvic-girdle pain, and interprofessional collaborative practice models of service provision to enhance pelvic health. Sinéad stays currently clinically through her work as the Director of Pelvic Health Services at The World of my Baby (the WOMB) in Milton, Ontario.