Pelvic Floor Exercises

What are pelvic floor exercises?

Pelvic floor muscles require lifelong, regular, and proper exercise, rather than being something that is only needed before or after childbirth. Pelvic floor training is conducted by a pelvic floor physiotherapist following a comprehensive assessment.

Pelvic floor training is an integral part of pelvic physiotherapy. Its primary goal is to preserve the function of a healthy pelvic floor, prevent pelvic floor dysfunctions, and treat already existing issues.

A progressive pelvic floor training program, mastered with a physical therapist and performed regularly, aids in the conservative treatment of stress and mixed urinary incontinence, fecal and flatus incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunctions.

Did you know?

Complex pelvic floor training is not just about Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises focus primarily on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. In contrast, comprehensive pelvic floor training goes far beyond simple strengthening; it also plays a key role in muscle relaxation, endurance development, and the coordinated function of the pelvic floor with breathing exercises and other muscles of the body.

The role of pelvic floor exercises

According to domestic and international professional guidelines, complex pelvic floor training is the first-line therapy for stress and mixed urinary incontinence, as well as for grade I-III pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic floor exercises are highly recommended for the following:

  • Prevention
  • Adjunctive therapy for stress urinary incontinence
  • Adjunctive therapy for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB)
  • Fecal and flatus incontinence
  • During the second and third trimesters to prevent/reduce stress incontinence and to lower the risk of grade 3-4 perineal tears
  • Postpartum recovery programs following both vaginal birth and cesarean section
  • Treatment of grade I-III pelvic organ prolapse (uterine prolapse, cystocele, rectocele)
  • During and after menopause
  • Before and after radical prostatectomy to achieve a faster recovery
  • Before and after pelvic surgeries (hysterectomy, sling surgeries, cyst and fibroid removal, endometriosis surgery)
  • Management of pelvic pain
  • Adjunctive therapy for sexual dysfunctions

Starting and performing pelvic floor exercises

Before starting pelvic floor training, the physical therapist assesses the strength, relaxation capacity, endurance, and resting tone of the pelvic floor muscles via palpation and/or utilizing a biofeedback device. Furthermore, they check for any potential injuries to the pelvic floor muscles and, in women, monitor for signs of pelvic organ prolapse during increases in intra-abdominal pressure.

Proper execution of pelvic floor exercises is verified and confirmed by the physical therapist through palpation and/or a biofeedback device. Individual goals, conditions, and symptoms determine the intensity and frequency of the training. Pelvic floor exercises can be performed in various body positions, which also vary by individual and specific condition.

Pelvic floor training is beneficial when conducted in one-on-one sessions and/or small group settings. Individual sessions guarantee fully customized, personal care.