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Muscle & Core Concerns

Diastasis Recti & Muscle Loss in Burnaby

Rebuild core strength with the right plan.

Diastasis recti is a gap between the left and right abdominal muscles, common after pregnancy; muscle loss is a gradual decline with age and inactivity. Pelvic-floor physiotherapy is commonly suggested first. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby, BC, EMSculpt can help tone muscle but does not close the gap, and a physician assesses first.

6-12 Mo
Suggested wait after birth before body treatments
Physio
Physiotherapy is commonly recommended alongside
Non-Surgical
Device options; severe cases may need surgery
Self-Assessment

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.

The Science

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.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Hormonal Changes

Postpartum and menopausal hormone changes can affect muscle maintenance and recovery.

Our Solutions

How Are Muscle Loss and Diastasis Treated at Skin Art MD?

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

Core strength

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.

For:Strengthening abdominal muscles, often alongside physiotherapy.
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EMSella®

Pelvic Floor Stimulation

Chair-based

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.

For:Pelvic floor weakness after a doctor has assessed symptoms.
Learn More

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.

Learn More

Sculptra® Aesthetic

An injectable collagen stimulator that may support skin quality and volume in some areas over months. It does not repair the muscle.

Learn More
Why Skin Art MD

How We Approach Muscle and Core

MD
Physician-led
3
Languages: EN · 中文 · 粤语
Metrotown
Burnaby clinic
1

Contributing Factors Reviewed

A physician looks at contributing factors such as hormones, nutrition and lifestyle alongside any device treatment.

2

Postpartum Awareness

We understand the changes pregnancy makes to the core and pelvic floor, and we recommend physiotherapy and medical review where appropriate.

3

Comprehensive Assessment

We look at muscle strength, the width of any gap and your symptoms before suggesting a plan.

4

Referral & Coordination

We suggest working with a physiotherapist and your family doctor, and refer you on when your symptoms need it.

Muscle & Core FAQ

Common Questions

It is a gap between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle, common after pregnancy. Lying on your back and lifting your head, you may feel a gap above or below the belly button, or see doming. A physiotherapist or doctor can measure it properly.
We generally suggest waiting about 6-12 months to allow natural recovery, and starting with physiotherapy. Device treatments are assessed after that. If you have urine leakage earlier, see your doctor.
No. EMSculpt can strengthen and tone abdominal muscle, which may improve function and appearance, but it does not close the gap. It is usually used alongside physiotherapy. A typical course is 4 sessions of about 30 minutes, a few days apart, and changes are usually noticed 2–4 weeks after the last session.
Many cases are managed without surgery. Abdominoplasty with muscle repair is usually considered for severe cases with significant symptoms or when skin excess is large. A surgeon or your doctor can advise.
Yes. Men also lose muscle with age, and can use these treatments alongside resistance exercise and good nutrition to support core strength. These are cosmetic muscle-toning treatments, not a treatment for age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), and they do not replace exercise.
Muscle gains need to be maintained with exercise and nutrition, and treatment effects fade without that. Some people have periodic maintenance sessions. Results vary. Maintenance, when used, is often every 3–6 months.
It stimulates pelvic floor muscles and may help some women with stress urinary leakage. Because incontinence has several causes, see your doctor or a pelvic-floor physiotherapist for assessment first.
Electromagnetic muscle stimulation is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a pacemaker, defibrillator or other electronic implant, or metal implants near the treated area. A hernia or recent surgery in the area needs medical clearance first. Tell us your health history before treatment.
Most people describe strong, rhythmic muscle contractions, like a very hard workout, rather than sharp pain. You lie down while the applicator works, and the intensity is built up to your tolerance. A session is about 30 minutes per area. Some people feel muscle soreness or fatigue afterwards, much like after exercise.
Possibly, once you have fully healed. A caesarean is abdominal surgery, so the scar and muscle need time to recover, and your surgeon or family doctor should clear you for normal activity first. Breastfeeding and any abdominal separation also affect timing. A physician reviews your recovery before planning, and physiotherapy often comes first.
The abdomen and buttocks are common areas, and other areas may be discussed at assessment. Each area is planned and treated separately. EMSculpt tones muscle and is not a weight-loss treatment. Pelvic floor concerns are addressed separately with EMSella, after a medical assessment.

Ready to Rebuild Your Core?

Book an assessment to review your core, muscle strength and symptoms, and plan next steps.

Book Assessment+1 (604) 639-2581

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