Pelvic Floor Strengthening

Pelvic floor strengthening, often referred to as Kegel exercises, is a series of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor

What is:

Pelvic Floor Strengthening

Pelvic floor strengthening, often referred to as Kegel exercises, is a series of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. These muscles support the uterus, bladder, small intestine, and rectum. Strengthening these muscles can be beneficial for various reasons, including improving bladder and bowel control, reducing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse, and enhancing sexual function. Here's how to engage in pelvic floor strengthening effectively:

Understanding the Pelvic Floor Muscles

Identification: The first step is to correctly identify your pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles you use to stop urinating midstream or to prevent passing gas.

  • Testing: Try stopping urination midstream to get a feel for these muscles. (Note: Doing this regularly is not recommended, as it can lead to urinary issues.)
  • Identification: The first step is to correctly identify your pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles you use to stop urinating midstream or to prevent passing gas.

Basic Kegel Exercises

  • Position: You can do Kegel exercises in any position—sitting, standing, or lying down.
  • Technique: Contract your pelvic floor muscles, hold for three to five seconds, and then relax for three to five seconds. It's important to breathe normally during the exercises.
  • Frequency: Aim for at least three sets of 10-15 repetitions a day.

Advanced Techniques

  • Holding Time: Gradually increase the duration of each contraction.
  • Repetitions: Increase the number of repetitions as your muscles get stronger.
  • Variation: Try doing the exercises in different positions.
  • Functional Kegels: Practice contracting the pelvic floor muscles during daily activities, like when coughing, sneezing, or lifting objects.

Additional Tips

  • Consistency: Regular practice is key to effectiveness.
  • Avoid Overdoing It: Just like other muscles, the pelvic floor can become fatigued with overexertion.
  • Correct Technique: Avoid tightening your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks instead of your pelvic floor muscles.
  • Empty Bladder: Perform the exercises with an empty bladder.

When to Expect Results

  • Improvement can often be felt within a few weeks, but it may take up to three months to see significant changes.

How to Treat: 

Pelvic Floor Strengthening

Treating issues related to weakened pelvic floor muscles typically involves a combination of exercises, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical or surgical interventions. The appropriate treatment approach depends on the specific issue being addressed, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or sexual dysfunction. Here's a general outline of how to treat weakened pelvic floor muscles:

Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

  • Regular Practice: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises is the first line of treatment.
  • Technique: Focus on contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, avoiding the use of abdominal, buttock, or thigh muscles.
  • Consistency: Doing these exercises regularly is crucial for effectiveness.

Physical Therapy

  • Specialized Physiotherapy: A physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation can provide tailored exercises and techniques.
  • Biofeedback: This can help in identifying the correct muscles and ensuring proper exercise techniques.

Lifestyle Modifications

  • Weight Management: Reducing excess weight can decrease pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.
  • Dietary Changes: Avoiding foods and drinks that irritate the bladder can be beneficial, especially for urinary incontinence.
  • Regular Exercise: General physical activity can improve overall muscle tone, including the pelvic floor.

Behavioral Techniques

  • Bladder Training: For urinary incontinence, learning to delay urination can be helpful.
  • Scheduled Toilet Trips: Going to the bathroom at set times can reduce the urge incontinence.

Medical Devices

  • Vaginal Pessaries: These devices can provide support for pelvic organ prolapse.
  • Urethral Inserts: Useful for managing stress incontinence in women.

Medications

  • Some drugs can help manage overactive bladder symptoms by relaxing bladder muscles or improving bladder control.

Surgical Options

  • Sling Procedures: Used for stress urinary incontinence to support the urethra.
  • Prolapse Surgery: In cases of significant pelvic organ prolapse, surgery might be necessary to repair and support the pelvic organs.

Alternative Treatments

  • Acupuncture and Yoga: Some find these beneficial as complementary therapies, but they should not replace conventional treatment.
  • Powerform V: induces deep pelvic floor muscle contractions to deliver the equivalent of 15,000 kegel exercises in just 30 minutes.

Monitoring and Follow-up

  • Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

When to Seek Medical Advice

  • If you experience pain during exercises, worsening symptoms, or no improvement despite regular exercises, consult a healthcare provider.
  • Professional evaluation is essential to rule out other conditions that might mimic or complicate pelvic floor dysfunction.

Each individual's situation is unique, so it's important to develop a treatment plan in consultation with healthcare professionals who can provide personalized advice based on specific needs and health conditions.

Why Aesthetica?

Expert Care: Our healthcare professionals are experts in diagnosing and treating a range of concerns, offering both understanding and specialised knowledge.

Advanced Treatment: We utilise the latest in medical research and therapies to provide effective treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Personalised Plans: Each treatment journey is customised, considering your unique health background, preferences, and goals.

Supportive Environment: We offer a safe space to discuss your concerns, alongside resources and support for the emotional aspects of Pelvic Floor Strengthening.

Here to help

Contact Aesthetica

For enquiries or to book an appointment, please reach out to us.

Office
​Exeter Castle Castle Street, Exeter, EX43PU
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