Understanding what is Pelvic Floor Muscles
Pelvic floor muscles are located at the end of tail bone until the pubic bone. It gives us ability to release urine, faeces and flatus. When the pelvic floor muscle contracts, it will lift up the internal organs which consisted of the bladder, uterus and rectum. To release urine and faeces, pelvic floor muscles need to relax.
Kegel’s Exercise Post Delivery
Our muscles consist of slow and fast twitching fibers and when we apply it into Kegel’s exercise, both slow and fast contraction need to be performed so that pelvic floor muscles can cope with their dual job. Below are the differences between slow and fast Kegel’s exercise.
Slow Kegel’s exercise: With holding time
Fast Kegel’s exercise: No holding time
After delivery, the pelvic floor muscles becomes weaker. A lot of mummy is afraid of contracting their pelvic floor muscles and some are even trying to avoid movement over that area as they are afraid of pain or tearing of stiches. Truth be told, it is completely safe to do your Kegel’s exercise after delivery. You can always start with a gentle contraction on the first week of delivery.
Below is the importance of Kegel’s exercise post-delivery:
- Stretching of skin to allow scar tissues to heal nicely
- To fasten up the healing process of scar tissues as contraction of pelvic floor muscles will increase blood flow and circulation
- Prevention of incontinence
- Core activation to prevent future musculoskeletal problems
Prepared by:
Kwa Hsiang Yee
Your Physio Connaught