Kay-gulls? Kee-gulls? How do you pronounce it, and are they the end-all-be-all solution to pelvic floor issues?
Yeah, not so much. Kegels can help, for sure, but as Dr. Abby Dunning says in this snack, “there’s a time and a place for them.”
So what can you do to get “better functional coordination” in the very complicated network that is the pelvic floor? Well, first, it’s important to know what you’re working with, says Abby. (NOTE: The best way to do this is work with a PT so you learn all the things correctly!) But one way to start is to pay attention to your breathing. Where is the expansion and contraction happening?
The pelvic floor needs to move, not just grip and contract, which is why Kegels or vaginal trainers alone aren’t really enough. Crunches don’t really do all the things either, and doing a ton of them can actually be more of a problem than a solution.
To learn more about how the pelvic floor works and get some info on how you can correctly engage it in exercise, have a listen, then find a pelvic practitioner near you (see resources below!). And as always, share the wealth (of information) by rating, reviewing, and sharing The Whole Pineapple podcast! (thewholepineapple.com).
Resources:
Pelvic Rehab: Find a pelvic rehab practitioner near you
Pelvic Floor Therapy: What to Expect
