It’s important to note after child birth and again at menopause and with natural aging we lose strength in our pelvic floor, the result of this is what the pad adverts call the oops moment, it means when we cough, laugh or sneeze we put pressure though our abdominal region and push down the bladder which can open the urethra and give us leakage (stress incontinence) but this can also happen in exercise or simply when you stand from a seated potion.
The pelvic floor is responsible to support the bladder, uterus and bowl. When the Pelvic floor is strong it stops the organ sagging and the opening to the vagina, rectum and urethra remains tight.
The First way to stop pelvic floor weakness is by strengthening the pelvic floor and supporting the bladder to stop it moving and leaking. A strong pelvic floor muscle this will support the bladder, uterus and bowl and help with lower back pain.
Other factors that will weaken a pelvic floor chronic coughing, lifting heavy objects and being overweight. A weak pelvic floor can lead to painful sex, gas incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. So, if you feel you have a weak pelvic floor its never to late to start the exercises below.
One: Body Weight Sumo Squats
These work the largest part of the pelvic floor muscle, stand with your feet shoulder width apart, point your toes out wards and bend at the knees to a 90% angel keeping a straight back while pushing the bum and hips back into a seated position and hold for three seconds and return to the start position. This will not only work your pelvic floor but also the Glutes, Quadriceps and Hamstrings. Do three sets of 12 to 16 reps
Two: The Bridge
Lay down on your back with your feet and palms of your hands flat to the floor, fold your knees to a 90% angle and raise your hips up while squeezing your glutes. With your body weight on your shoulder and upper back you will fill your abs and pelvis stretching. Hold for three seconds and return to the start position. Do three sets of 12 to 16 reps.
Three: Kegels (pelvic floor crunches)
This is by far is the best exercise you can do for the pelvic floor strength this involves contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor. The easiest way to locate the correct muscle is to stop a flow of urine mid flow, once you can recognise the correct muscle you can do this anywhere. Now you can locate the right muscle contract and lift the pelvic floor and hold for between 5 and 10 second then release do this 10 times, three times per day.
Don’t despair if you do not have the time to do the exercises above, we at Body Lipo Lincoln can help, The Emsella is an advanced medical device which simply looks like a chair. The Emsella uses electromagnetic technology to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles – this stimulation tightens the pelvic floor muscles, helping to alleviate incontinence. If like most of us you struggle to do your pelvic floor crunches daily, fear not – just 1 session on the Emsella chair is the equivalent of 11,200 pelvic floor crunches!
Ready to take the next step…
Should you wish to book a consultation, the cost is £50 which is redeemable against your treatment plan. To Book your consultation you can click the link below or call 01522 523777 in office hours.
