Frequently Asked Questions- General
Q:  " I had my children years ago, am I too old for The Tummy Team Program?"
A:   No, it is never too late to rebuild your core!  A diastasis can be repaired no matter how long it has been since it was created.  We have had men and women in their 60's and 70's with significant improvement and report new core strength, relief of low back pain, improved pelvic floor strength, improved intestinal function and closed diastasis, a flatter tummy and a smaller waist.

Q:   "I am not sure if I have a diastasis, but I know my abdominals and back are weak.  Will The Tummy Team program be right for me?"
A:  Yes.  You may have a diastasis and not know it.  Most people are completely unaware of this condition and the symptoms it causes.  However, our program addresses much more than simply diastasis repair, we help you rebuild your internal core and train you to use it in all aspects of your life.  If you relate to any of the symptoms stated on the home page or under the Physical Therapy tab you will  greatly benefit from The Tummy Team Program. 

Q: " I do not live near The Tummy Team.  Who can help me?"
A: Unfortunately, it is difficult for me to effectively work with clients that I can not see personally.  There are other professionals that may be close to you.  Check out www.diastasisrehab.com for someone near you.

Q: "How long will it take to heal my diastasis?"
A: It is different with every person. It depends on two things: 

1.The depth and width of the diastasis: A diastasis where the connective tissue is very weak and the
depth is deep will take a longer time than a wide diastasis where the connective tissue is shallower when
checking.
2.The consistency with The Tummy Team Program.

For example, a 3 finger diastasis with shallow connective tissue will take approximately 6 weeks to heal. 

Q: "Once I close my diastasis can I do s sit-ups, crunches or the Pilates 100’s? "
A: No.  The shearing and pressure that these movements place on the connective tissue is counterproductive to any of the strength benefits.  The internal core (Transverse Abdominis) cannot be held fully engaged at the spine and remain there when doing these exercises. Working the core means bringing the transverse to the spine and holding it there. If you can’t do that with any exercise then you will be making the diastasis larger (if you have one) or creating one if you don’t have one.

Q: "Will The Tummy Team Program help with my low back pain?"
A: Most likely.  The number one response of clients in our program is relieved low back pain! One of the functions of the recti abdomis muscle is to support the back. When the muscles separate it weakens the support for the back and causes back problems. Healing the diastasis is just one of the things that we do to alleviate low back pain.  There are many reasons back pain improves.  Come see us, we will show you!

Q: "The Tummy Team used to offer Group Classes.  Are there going to be any group classes in the future?"
A: We do not offer group rehab workshops anymore.  Even though many people had incredible success in the large group setting, it seemed to become increasingly difficult to meet the specific needs of each individual in that setting.  The Tummy Team is continually refining its focus to best meet the needs of each client and to do so we feel each rehabilitation process needs to be individualized.  We offer core rehabilitation programs that includes treatment of diastasis recti, low back pain, postural imbalances, core weakness and much more in private sessions and semi-private sessions of 2-4 clients at a time.  Contact us at 360-253-2229 to schedule an appointment.

Q: "Are there DVD's or other ways to do the program at home?"
A: The rehabilitation program we instruct in is very individualized and difficult to learn as you would a simple fitness program.  For this reason, we do not sell DVD's or promote other remote options of rehab.  We feel it is best to work in person with our hand on our clients to be sure they are doing the program effectively.

Q: "Do you take medical insurance?"
A: Due to the extensive time consumption and restrictions of the current medical insurance system, The Tummy Team has chosen to not accept medical insurance. Instead we offer our highly skilled professional services far below market billing standard to allow us to serve more clients more effectively. Upon request, we will provide medical receipts for clients who choose to seek reimbursement from their insurance or health savings accounts. Our reasonable prices are always listed on our site and we also offer a few spaces a month at a discount for those in financial need. 

Standard Market Billing for Physical Therapy is $225-$260/hour. The Tummy Team bills $120/hour.

Frequently Asked Questions- Pregnancy Related
Q: " At what stage of my pregnancy to I start The Tummy Team Program?"?
A: We recommend you start sometime in the 2nd trimester, after nausea has passed and you have a bit more energy. You want at least 6 weeks before you due date to train your abdominals and pelvic floor physically for labor, delivery and recovery.  The more time you have the stronger you will be, if you are starting late, even one session prior to delivery is beneficial.

Q: "When do I start the core exercises after delivery?"
A: Be mom first!  Enjoy your baby.  It is safe to slowly start back as soon as 24-48 hours after delivery.  We give you a very safe plan for post partum in our program.  You will start pulling yourself back together quickly so you can connect and care for yourself and baby as soon as possible.

Q:" Can I get pregnant again with a diastasis?"
A: It is recommended to make your diastasis smaller before getting pregnant again, however, if you do get pregnant and have a diastasis, it is best to start doing the exercises right away to keep the diastasis from getting larger.

Q: "What if I have a  c-section?"
A: If it is a planned c-section, the stronger your abdominal muscles are prior to delivery the faster you will recover. Also, strengthening your abdominals during pregnancy will give you the “muscle memory” to make it easier to do the exercises after the birth. After a c-section birth it is important to engage the transverse muscle as a forward forceful pressure on the stitches can undo the stitches. It will be a bit uncomfortable as you will feel a little pulling on the stitches. Once the stitches have healed you we will educate you on scar mobilization. Tissues are meant to move freely. We like to prevent any adhesion of the scar so it improves the movement of the underlying layer of tissue.