“You have to be proactive with using your splint,” says Julie Tupler RN, the founder of the Tupler Technique®, and creator of the Diastasis Rehab Splint®. Wearing a splint is one of the 4 steps of the program and a vital part of closing a diastasis in the
Tupler Technique®. She defines being “proactive” as three things:
- Getting the right size to begin with and making sure it stays the right size while doing the program
- Putting the splint on correctly
- Wearing the splint all the time
If the splint is not the right size, it will not be effective. The pad size is the most important measurement. It needs to come from one side seam to another side seam. If the circumference size is close to the smaller size you can stretch the arms out a bit to have it fit you. The arms of the splint should attach on the side of the splint and not the back. In only a couple a weeks after wearing the splint the arms will become longer and then they will attach in the back. You need to be proactive and make the arms shorter! Take the velcro off the end of the arms, cut the arms that are too long around 2 inches and then sew the velcro back on. Click here for info on getting the right size.
Most everyone puts the splint on wrong! It is so important to stand in front of a mirror when putting on the splint. The most important aspect of putting on the splint that requires you to be proactive is moving the muscle and connective tissue with your hand and then holding it in that position while attaching the arms of the splint in the right place as shown in the instructional DVD.
Lastly you must be proactive about wearing the splint ALL the time. You must remember that the splint, like a cast, needs the connective tissue to continuously be in a narrow position in order for it to heal. Also the muscles must be close together in order for them to move in the right direction (front to back) when doing the exercises.
“I continued to wear the splint 24/7 until my diastasis was closed and now I only wear the splint during my daily exercise routines as it makes me mindful of using my transverse while exercising. This program requires both commitment and consistency, but I can assure you guys that it is well worth the effort,” says Morris Arnold a client of the Tupler Technique®.
“My ugly gut is gone! I look better and I feel better. I have almost no lower back pain,” Arnold added.
Tupler recommends every one who is interested purchasing a Diastasis Rehab Splint® and the Tupler Technique® Program visit the website. There are all sorts of support options from working with Julie in person or via skype or with her six week online support program. Click here for work with Julie options.