Our Women, Our Pelvic Floor/Kegel Muscles

PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT FOR THE ABOVE CONDITIONS MAY INCLUDE:

Some people when they are stressed, the body tends to respond by increasing tension in the body which continues to build up in the body and consequently the body becomes unable to relax/let go of that tension. One can unknowingly hold the pelvic floor muscles in a sustained state of tightness/tension and the physical manifestations can be bladder problems such as getting a sudden very strong urge that communicates to the bladder that one needs to go to the toilet and NOW!, pain with sexual intercourse, constipation, etc.

Using breathing exercises to help relax the tight pelvic floor/Kegel muscles.

Internal massage of the pelvic floor/Kegel muscles.

Teaching proper technique for moving stool.

Teaching control of intra-abdominal pressure, e.g. tummy flattens instead of bulging when coughing.

Strengthening exercises for the weak pelvic floor muscles.

Stopping the flow of urine midstream is intended to help give an idea where these muscles are.

It is NOT intended for women (and men) to use this as an exercise. Strengthening the pelvic floor/Kegel muscles is more involved. It includes being able to recognise which muscles need to be activated; the front pelvic floor/Kegel muscles could be helpful for someone who when she coughs/ sneezes/laughs gets a pee (urine) accident whereas the back pelvic floor/Kegel muscles could be helpful for someone who struggles to control gas from the back passage following birth trauma involving injury to tissue related to the anus, or just someone who was too aggressive with sexual toys in the anal area.

The pelvic floor muscles need a variety of coordinated contraction/ relaxation action in a variety of functional activities.

If you are concerned that your pelvic floor may not be working well, consult with your medical professional and/or request for a screening Female Pelvic Floor Questionnaire.