Many people overlook the importance of pelvic floor muscles. However, these muscles are crucial for the functioning of your bladder, uterus, and bowel. Weak pelvic floor muscles may contribute to urinary incontinence and pelvic discomfort. Fortunately, there are effective ways to strengthen these muscles and restore your pelvic floor health.
What are pelvic floor muscles?
Your pelvic floor is made up of muscles and tissues that support vital organs like the bladder, bowel, and reproductive system. These muscles keep your organs in place while allowing flexibility for essential functions like urination, bowel movements, and sexual activity.
Alongside other core muscles in your torso, your pelvic floor absorbs external pressure from lifting, coughing, and similar activities. Moreover, the pelvic floor muscles control bowel and bladder functions. This control is essential for maintaining continence and overall pelvic health.
What are the important functions of pelvic floor muscles?
The pelvic floor muscles play five essential roles in the body:
1. Support Internal Organs
These muscles provide support for your bladder, uterus, rectum, and other abdominal organs. They protect these structures from gravity and external pressure caused by lifting, coughing, or physical strain.
2. Stabilise the Core and Lower Back
As part of your core, the pelvic floor works with your abdominal and back muscles to stabilise your lower back and pelvis. This stability helps with posture, balance, and overall movement.
3. Control Bladder and Bowel Functions
Pelvic floor muscles regulate the openings of the urethra and rectum. They prevent involuntary leakage of urine, gas, or stool by tightening and relaxing as needed.
4. Enhance Sexual Function
Healthy pelvic floor muscles may enhance sexual sensation and comfort. However, if these muscles are weak, they can lead to discomfort or pain during intercourse.
5. Boost Blood Circulation
These muscles act as a natural pump, helping blood flow back toward the heart. Good circulation supports tissue health, reduces swelling, and prevents fluid buildup in the lower body.
How do I know if my pelvic floor is weak or tight?
Here are common signs that may indicate an issue with your pelvic floor:
- Urine leakage when laughing, sneezing, coughing, or exercising.
- Urgent or frequent trips to the toilet, sometimes without making it in time.
- Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel completely.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, leading to accidental leakage.
- Passing gas uncontrollably.
- Possible prolapse Symptoms.
- In women, a prolapse may feel like a bulge in the vagina or a sensation of heaviness, pulling, or discomfort.
- In men, it may feel like a bulge in the rectum or a false urge to use the bowels.
- Pelvic pain or discomfort that worsens with movement.
- Painful sex or discomfort during intimacy.
Ways to support pelvic floor muscle strength
To strengthen your pelvic floor, you can do so effectively through Kegel exercises and advanced treatments like VTone. Let’s explore these methods:
1. Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises are one of the most popular and effective ways to strengthen your pelvic floor. They target the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and rectum. By regularly practicing Kegels, you can support pelvic floor strength and reduce the likelihood of urinary leakage.
How to Perform Kegel Exercises
- Identify the Right Muscles: The first step is to locate your pelvic floor muscles. A simple way to do this is by trying to stop your urine midstream. The muscles you use for this action are your pelvic floor muscles.
- Get Comfortable: Find a comfortable position, whether sitting or lying down. Relax your body to focus on the pelvic area.
- Contract and Hold: Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles and hold the contraction for about five seconds. Make sure to avoid tightening your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.
- Relax: Release the contraction and rest for five seconds.
- Repeat: Aim for 10-15 repetitions, three times a day. As you get stronger, you can gradually increase the duration of each hold. If you’re unsure, consider seeking guidance from a qualified pelvic floor physiotherapist.
2. VTone Therapy (electromagnetic support option)
Sometimes, Kegels alone aren’t enough. If you struggle with weak pelvic muscles, VTone offers an advanced solution.
How to Perform VTone
- Personalised Consultation: The process begins with a consultation. During this session, your concerns will be assessed to determine if VTone is suitable for you.
- The Procedure: During the session, The VTone therapy uses mild electromagnetic pulses to support pelvic floor muscle engagement to engage the pelvic floor muscles. This stimulation may help support muscle tone and function over time.
- Aftercare and Recovery: After the procedure, no special aftercare is required. You can resume your normal activities immediately, making VTone a convenient option for busy individuals.
How VTone works
During a VTone session, a gentle applicator is placed in the vagina. The device emits electrical impulses that stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. This stimulation causes the muscles to contract and relax, mimicking the effects of Kegel exercises but with greater intensity and precision.
VTone is designed to be non-invasive. Some individuals describe the sensation as mild muscle contractions. Each session typically lasts about 30 minutes, and you can resume your daily activities immediately afterward. Many individuals report feeling improvement after a series of sessions, though results can vary.
What makes VTone unique is how it works without requiring any effort from you. It’s especially useful for individuals who struggle with severe pelvic floor weakness or can’t perform Kegels properly.
VTone: A supportive option for pelvic floor wellness in Australia
If you’re looking to restore your pelvic floor health, VTone is a supportive option. This non-invasive treatment may support pelvic muscle conditioning, especially when other methods are limited.
One of the best aspects of VTone is that it requires no medications, anesthesia, or incisions. This makes it a safe and accessible option for everyone. You can enjoy the benefits of pelvic floor strengthening without the risks associated with surgical procedures.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, VTone could be a suitable support option. To learn more, book a consultation online or over the phone with Jennifer Carly Aesthetic in Gawler, South Australia.
To learn more about VTone and whether it may be suitable for you, book a consultation today. You can easily do this online or over the phone – 0415 823 112 with Jennifer Carly Aesthetic in Gawler, South Australia. We are ready to assist you and answer any questions you may have.
