Should I wear a brace or binder if I have ab separation or core weakness postpartum? My quick answer? Most likely not.
Now, of course, there are times when a brace might be beneficial early postpartum with a large diastasis. But for most of the women I work with, I’m not recommending a brace or binder – instead, a week or so postpartum we’re already beginning very gentle inner core exercises (that can even be done safely post cesarean!). These exercises will actually get your muscles working FOR you which will HELP with core HEALING.
Braces and binders have their place, but unless you’re in a lot of pain or are having trouble moving, braces actually give your muscles an out. The external stability they provide means your muscles don’t have to work as hard. While this might be helpful in extreme cases, the goal for almost all my patients is to get their core muscles working FOR them postpartum, and a brace is unnecessary.
If you NEED a binder postpartum, how long should you keep wearing it? Only as long as you absolutely have to.
I’ve had women who are still wearing a brace several months later, and when they walk into my clinic for the first time, we get rid of that thing immediately. 😉
You don’t need a brace long-term. You need a PT. ☺️ The brace isn’t going to do anything to help you heal long-term. If anything, it might delay your healing.
Are you wondering if you might have diastasis, or know you have it and want to begin healing today? Download our FREE beginner’s guide to diastasis healing at the link in my bio! I’ll show you a few great exercises so you can start your healing journey TODAY!
