Journal of Novel Physiotherapies
Open Access

Abstract

Kegels are not for everyone and even when indicated are often not done properly! Specialized Physiotherapy is becoming more established in the literature as a first-line of defense against Incontinence and pelvic pain. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can be caused by: â�?¢ Hypotonicity (Weak pelvic floor muscles): Contributing to stress incontinence, urge incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. â�?¢ Hypertonicity (Tight pelvic floor muscles): Contributing to urinary and fecal urgency, urge incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia, pudendal neuralgia, interstitial cystitis and chronic prostatitis. Kegels are not always indicated for pelvic floor problems. They do more harm than good, and often are not performed correctly. The Cochrane Collaboration 2014 concluded that Physiotherapists with specialized training in pelvic floor rehabilitation (using internal examination) should be the first line of defense, before surgical consultation, for stress, urge and mixed incontinence in women. Many people with pelvic pain have pelvic floor dysfunction, but specifically hypertonic muscles, or muscles that are too tight. When these muscles have too much tension (hypertonic) they will often cause pelvic pain or urgency and frequency of the bladder and bowels. Kegels are only indicated when the pelvic floor muscles are low-tone (hypotonic) and contribute to stress incontinence and organ prolapse. Specially trained physiotherapists diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction by using internal and external â�?�?hands-onâ�? or manual techniques to evaluate the function of the pelvic floor muscles. Doing an internal evaluation is essential to determine if patients should or shouldnâ�?�?t be doing Kegel exercises.

Biography

Email: nelly@pelvichealthsolutions.ca