Are Kegel’s for Everyone!?
The term “Kegel” is widely used to define a pelvic floor contraction. For those who don’t know, the pelvic floor is the group of muscles that sits under your pelvis and acts to control bladder/bowel function and also helps to stabilize the pelvis by working with your core and glute muscles.
Many women and men are familiar with the Kegel exercise to strengthen the pelvic floor but did you know that pelvic floor exercises are not for everyone?! Many people who are experiencing bladder urgency, frequency or leakage are prescribed kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. However, it is actually very common for someone’s pelvic floor to be overactive, therefore, kegel exercises are not ideal. An overactive pelvic floor can present similarly to an underactive or weak pelvic floor and can cause symptoms such as urgency, frequency and leakage of urine.
Over-activity of the pelvic floor means that the muscles are higher in tone and is may be difficult for an individual to fully relax those muscles. Many factors can contribute to over-activity of the pelvic floor such as, postural patterns, trauma, stress, high intensity exercise, bladder/bowel dysfunction, injury and pelvic surgery.
What are some of the symptoms of an Overactive Pelvic Floor:
- Not being able to feel yourself do a “kegel” or pelvic floor contraction
- Bladder / bowel dysfunction (urgency, frequency or incontinence)
- Feeling of incomplete emptying during urination
- Painful intercourse
- Stress incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing or laughing)
How can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy help with an overactive pelvic floor?
- A Pelvic Floor Physio can help to teach strategies to lengthen and relax the pelvic floor
- Once the muscle fibres are lengthened and in an optimal position, kegel exercises can be taught and strengthening can begin!
In summary, pelvic floor exercises are not for everyone, as some individuals may have an over-active pelvic floor. If you are experiencing any symptoms pertaining to pelvic floor dysfunction it is advised you seek guidance from a pelvic floor physiotherapist who can help guide treatment to optimise your pelvic health!