The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Exercises

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Happy Monday Ladies!

I am slowly returning back to creative writing for the blog. And to say the least, I would like to dedicate the first 2022 blog post to be about Pelvic Floor Exercises in women's health and for postpartum recovery. 

To be quite honest, pelvic floor exercises should be taught right around the same time as menstruation health because this will be a vital window for young girls and women to know how to heal, support, and exercise the pelvic region as well as become familiar with the organs and muscles involved in the reproductive system. 

Yet, our health education system lacks to share this knowledge with women which can increase delay in care and/or have certain symptoms worsen if not address early on. The reason I bring this up is because during my postpartum recovery I wished the OB/GYN and/or Nurse would have informed me to engage in pelvic floor exercises for healing after giving birth to my son. I knew after giving birth things would heal slowly from the cervix, uterus, and vaginal area, but I was not expecting for certain things to pop up and cause further discomfort and pain.  I thought to myself it was part of the healing process while I was placing my son's care first, but eventually I realized I needed further follow up after the 6 weeks postpartum appointment. 

May I also say, it's also unrealistic to get one postpartum follow up with the OB/GYN after giving birth, it should be at least a minimal 3 postpartum visits  to check on the mother's recovery physically and mentally.  I might want to look into this policy further because it's a crucial time for women to have follow ups available for prosper recovery. Okay, now that I vented a little, let's get to the main point of this blog post. Today, I like to share why women can benefit from pelvic floor exercises early on. 

Pelvic floor muscle exercises can help with the following:

  • improve bladder and bowel control
  • reduce the risk of prolapse (especially after giving birth!!) 
  • in women, this may feel like a bulge in the vagina or feeling of heaviness, discomfort, pulling, dragging, or dropping (make sure you f/u up with a OB/GYN right away to find out if you do have a prolapse and what organ is involved as well as the level of prolapse you are experiencing.)
  • Improve recovery from childbirth and gynaecological surgery 
  • Improve sexual sensation or orgasm potential (who wouldn't want this!!) 
  • Help strengthen pelvic floor muscles to reduce pain 
  • (I also believe it can help with pelvic trauma healing because you are using your own body movement and breath work to release the pain your holding emotionally) 
  • It can also be practice during menstruation cycle and paying attention to your relaxation phase during a kegel exercise can be a great way to help reduce pain and tension during your period. 
Now that you know a little bit about the benefits, it's important to know as women we have different levels of pain tolerance during birth and/or surgery recovery as well as everyone experiences their period differently and should choose what feels right for you during this time. Remember if you pain lingers or you feel any type of symptom that is prolonging or worsening in the pelvic region make sure to follow up with your provider such as OB/GYN, Midwives, Nurse Practitioners they can always further evaluate and make recommendations. 

Below are a few examples of some pelvic floor exercises, but if you need assistance with these exercises or don't how to engage the muscles or  technique a physical therapist can help assist you in these areas to help engage those pelvic floor muscles and get you on your way to strengthening your muscles while at the same time supporting your recovery. Remember not all exercises can be applied to everyone, so if you need some support in this area have a conversation with your medical provider to get a referral for a pelvic floor therapist. 

  
Also like to share this great resource below: 


Covered by most insurances









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