Background & Purpose: The presence of diastasis recti abdominus (DRA) in peripartum and postpartum women has been noted in the literature. Despite the lack of evidence related to incidence and prevalence of DRA, there is a great deal of anecdotal discussion and concern among women of child bearing age. While DRA typically peaks in the third trimester of pregnancy, it often persists many years after child birth. These patients may experience physical, emotional and social impairments related to this diagnosis. Currently, surgical abdominoplasty is the recommended medical treatment for this patient population. Although the issues related to DRA are multi-faceted, non-surgical treatment options are not well documented in the literature. This case study describes the effects of DRA on quality of life in a thirty-six year old female and the subsequent physical therapy management of this patient. Case Description: A thirty six year old female was referred to a hospital based outpatient physical therapy clinic with a diagnosis of DRA. She has a history of two vaginal deliveries without complication, the most recent birth in 2001. Her chief complaints were inability to participate in an active lifestyle due to fatigue, weakness, and abdominal, lumbar and lower extremity pain. She reported an inability to perform abdominal curl ups and noted a gradual decline in function over the past 6 years. Objective findings consisted of pain with palpation of the abdominal midline, impaired core muscle performance, impaired lower extremity flexibility and decreased SF36 scores. The patient's goals were to improve activity level, increase abdominal strength and return to an active lifestyle. Interventions consisted of core strengthening and stabilization exercises, aerobic activity and neuromuscular re-education. Patient education focused on the importance of training the transverse abdominis muscle and avoiding strengthening of the rectus abdominis muscle, which could potentially increase abdominal separation. Outcomes: The patient received twelve visits over a 6-week course of treatment. She returned to walking two miles, three times per week, had 0/10 pain and significant improvement in both physical (32% to 111% improvement) and social (43% to 91% improvement) SF36 scores. Discussion: This case illustrates 1) the negative impact of DRA on physical function and quality of life 2) the importance of physical therapy referral for patients diagnosed with DRA and 3) the need for further research on incidence, prevalence and non-surgical treatment options for patients with DRA. It validates the need for additional education for healthcare providers regarding DRA and identifies physical therapists as the healthcare provider of choice for non-surgical intervention for this patient population.