 Exercise - Kegel Exercises for Pre-op and Post-Op |
From the Fitness After Hysterectomy Articles List |
 Related Articles
Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor
Advertisement
What are kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic organs. They can help you prevent or control urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor problems. To perform kegel exercises properly, first find the right muscles. According to the Mayo Clinic web site, here’s how:
 |
 Quote: |
 |
|
“Insert a finger inside your vagina and try to squeeze the surrounding muscles. You should feel your vagina tighten and your pelvic floor move upward. Then relax your muscles and feel your pelvic floor return to the starting position. You can also try to stop the flow of urine when you urinate. If you succeed, you've got the basic move.”
|
After that, the exercise itself is simple, and you can do it just about any time and anywhere without anyone knowing you’re working out.
First, empty your bladder. Then contract your pelvic floor muscles and hold for five seconds. Relax for five seconds, then repeat. Just do a few repetitions at first, and work your way up to holding for ten seconds at a time and doing ten repetitions three times per day.
For maximum benefit, try to isolate your efforts to the pelvic floor muscles only. Don’t tense up surrounding areas, like your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Breathe normally while doing your kegels.
Daily kegel exercises make for strong pelvic muscles to support the bladder, and they are recommended for all women (hysterectomy or not).
And by the way, kegels can also enhance your activities under the sheets.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
Ken Sinervo, M.D.
1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220
Atlanta GA 30328
770-913-0001 |
Montgomery N Johns, M.D.
623 Jefferson Davis Ste 101
Fredericksburg VA 22401
540-373-3390 |
Lino Montilla, M.D.
3650 Joseph Siewick Dr. #203
Fairfax VA 22033
703-391-1500 |
Francisco Garcini, M.D.
1870 Silver Cross Blvd
Suite 210
New Lenox IL 60451
815-463-3000 |
Jennifer Cova, M.D.
7700 Washington Village Drive Suite 210
Dayton OH 45459
937-433-6513 |
Christina Ellis, M.D.
600 E. Marshall St. Ste. 205
West Chester PA 19380
610-903-6200 |
Robert Castle, M.D.
3650 Joseph Siewick Dr. #203
Fairfax VA 22033
703-391-1500 |
Fern TaiSenChoy-Bent, M.D.
2964 North State Rd 7 Suite 320
Margate FL 33063
954-796-0111 |
Iris Orbuch, M.D.
202 Spring Street 2nd Floor
New York NY 10012
212-343-3040 |
|
|
|
-- January NewsletterPost Hysterectomy Fitness and Health is the theme of our January, 2012 newsletter at HysterSisters.com. Visit this link [ More]...
Advertisement
 Helpful Links
|
|
|
Store »
Hysterectomy Checkpoints
