In today’s world where more value is placed on strengthening exercises; it can be hard to step back and focus on releasing and relaxing. You may be wondering why you are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction when you are practicing kegels every day. Just doing kegels is not always the answer to pelvic floor problems. Many women and men that are experiencing pelvic floor issues actually have overactive or tense pelvic muscles. And kegels or tightening exercises can make matters worse even during pregnancy and post-partum.
But how do you know if your pelvic floor muscles are too tight? Here are some signs and symptoms:
Poop Problems: Constipation, straining during bowel movements, sensation of incomplete emptying, painful voiding movements and/or hemorrhoids.
Peeing Problems: Straining or difficulty starting your stream, bladder pain or burning, splayed or weak stream, and/or having the urge to go again minutes after just urinating.
Sexual Health Problems: Pain with or after intercourse and/or burning or rawness at the opening.
Pain: Vaginal pain, pain with sitting, pain with pelvic exams, symptoms worse after tightening exercises, and/or unable to relax muscles after a kegel.
In order for the pelvic floor muscles to be healthy, happy and work effectively; they need to be able to relax and release as well as engage and contract. “Just do kegels” is not always the answer!
If kegels aren’t cutting it for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our pelvic health Physical Therapists for an individualized assessment to see what else may be able to help.
About the author:
Krista Becker, PT, MPT is a western North Dakota native. She holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Mary. For the last 12 years, her career has focused on outpatient orthopedics and geriatrics with a special interest and additional training in women’s health. She holds a Kinetacore Level I Functional Dry Needling certification.