Pelvic Floor

[MrsVioletBottom]

Has anybody tried using Rose Kegel Exercise Weights? Just that really. I have very weak pelvic floor muscles, following 3 pregnancies. I have been struggling to improve this, so wondered if these weights were worth trying. They are quite expensive, so was hoping for some feedback, before buying.

Hi mrs violet. What problems do you have with pelvic floor. I have what is classed as a mild bladder prolapse and I’m watching this with interest to see if there are any recommendations.

Hi Tipsy sorry to hear you have problems too. I have trouble with leaking, if I sneeze suddenly, laugh, jump, hold on too long, before going for a pee. Any sudden movement really.

I desperately do not want this problem to escalate, hence this post.

I suggest before buying anything like that that you get a full physio assessment from a women's health gynaecological physio.

I had one and 6 months after starting I've gone from pissing myself stood up to being able to jump on a trampoline!

Needadvicetoleave what did this involve?

I’d recommend going to the Dr’s first and seeing what they can suggest. If they suggest this sort of thing then do it!

I found a women's health physio on the internet that came highly recommended. You need to make sure that it's the right type (e.g deals with incontinence not just pelvic girdle pain). She asked questions then did an internal examination- gloves, lube, all very professional. She had a productive and poke, and asked if it hurt, how I felt etc. She then made me do pelvic floor exercises whilst she had a finger inserted to test my strength.

She diagnosed me with a couple of issues and we made a plan to treat them, including exercises. I went away, did the exercises and returned a month later and she redid the examination. Then set new exercises etc. Repeat X5. By the end I was so comfortable with her I was stripping off as I walked in the treatment room and we chatted about kids/family/ life in general whilst she has her finger up me!

At first I was so embarrassed and nervous, but honestly, it was the best £200 I've ever spent. I've got my life back.

My issues were slightly different to yours- I had urge incontinence and painful intercourse but she deals with stress incontinence, separated tummy muscles and all sorts.

If you're in the greater Manchester area I'd thoroughly recommend her.

*For full disclosure, I had 4 months NHS physio first- it was 5 months from seeing my GP to first appointment and then it didn't even work, they diagnosed the wrong issue so we were treating it incorrectly.

Dr here- I'd heartily recommend pelvic floor physiotherapy. Your GP should be able to refer you (in most areas). If not, there are private physiotherapists specialising in this area.

They are physio's who specialise in pelvic floor/gynaecological musculoskeletal issues (and sometimes male incontinence too). Often recommended as 1st line for mild-moderate prolapse and in many cases prevents the need for surgery (or delays it) and can increase the likelihood of success if surgery is required both short-term and in-terms of risk of recurrence. It's not the right treatment for everyone, but is for many women.

Totally worth consulting a physio and also looking into local exercise groups that specialise in post natal recovery.... it’s never too late and a good class will really focus in on improving and strengthening pelvic floor and internal abs.

Thanks so much Tipsy and Jacks. This has been a revelation to me. I did not realise there was specialist physio, for these these types of problems.

I have just checked online, for such a physio and found one, local to me. I will definately make an appointment on Monday.

Join Mommastrong and do the programs Diastatis Recti, Core Camp, and Don't Be A Pisser. If that doesn't sort things then see a gynaelogical physio/women's health physio.
Don't go it alone. Seriously, try Mommastrong.

@needadvicetoleave I'm in greater Manchester and would be interested in knowing who you went to. I've had four babies one of which was 10lb8 and I really need to do something about my pelvic floor and also some pelvic girdle issues that need addressing.

Did somebody call..?

Please please make sure you do your kegels properly

The relaxing is as important as the squeezing, a high tone pelvic floor can be just as problematic

nutritiousmovement.com/1234-we-like-our-pelvic-floor/

(I see a women's physio and she is amazing - she actually trains other physios in post natal rehab. My issue isn't pregnancy related - I can't have kids - but I have a hypertonic pelvic floor, and she helps me with manual work and biofeedback for my vag of steel. Opposite issue, but a proper specialist makes the world of difference)

Also interested in the place in Manchester if you don't mind?!

Had baby 4 months ago, with an episiotomy and internal &a external tearing still quite sore, saw my gp who said the cut is fine but red and inflamed inside so checking for infections etc but she advised to do lots of pelvic floors to help with healing and I am now realising how weak they are 😩

I also have a hypertonic pelvic floor and all the insistence on squeezing really made things worse for me, physio was the best thing I did if only so I knew everything I was doing to improve things was working against me

Second and third what has been said about the relaxing, and only an assesment can determine this. The years I pissed away, literally, doing clench exercises that only worsened my condition, when what I need to do was relax.

This is useful. I had a terrible appointment re. this with my GP. So bad I now have panic attacks going to the surgery with my daughter and have a note on both our files to avoid her. Someday I'll get my shit together enough to do a full post on what she did. But she discouraged me from seeing a physio to help so I haven't up to now. She's sadly also the women's health person for the nearest private clinic, so worried about going there. £200 sounds really reasonable. What did that cover?

Why kegels are taught all wrong

mamasweat.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/pelvic-floor-party-kegels-are-not.html?m=1

I don't think I'm allowed to say on the thread directly but please pm me for her details.

It's Deborah Schofield at mummy massage and physio (also known as mummy not). She's on Google and Facebook. She has clinics in Altrincham and Rochdale, but worth the travel!

The £200 was the initial consultation (£52) then 5 follow up sessions, roughly a month apart at £31 each.

Oh yes, it was the relaxing I needed. But my tension was so deep I couldn't do it myself. She was literally massaging the inside of my vagina very very odd but worked miracles.

@Needadvicetoleave the Mummy MOT was developed by my physio Maria Eliot, she teaches the course to women's physios to run the programme in their own practices! I'm also originally from Altrincham

@needadvicetoleave thanks very much I live in Altrincham so that's perfect!

Hi - not sure if you will see this after so long but if so could you give me the details of the physio you saw please -

Hi,
Newbie here, just turned 50, no kids, but just had a partial bladder prolapse :'(

The dear NHS are suggesting a telephone consultation to deal with it.... so I was wondering if anyone knew of a good private women's health gynaecological physio in the Surrey/ Hants area?