Beyond the Squeeze: Why Kegels Aren’t Always the Answer for Pelvic Health
For years, the standard advice given to women experiencing bladder leakage or postpartum changes has been a simple “just do your Kegels.” However, for many women in Edenvale and the surrounding East Rand, this “one-size-fits-all” approach may not only be ineffective—it could be making their symptoms worse.
At Depero Health Centre, our specialized pelvic health physiotherapist takes a more nuanced approach. We understand that the pelvic floor is a complex system of muscles that requires more than just a repetitive “squeeze and lift” to function correctly.
Beyond the Squeeze: Why Kegels Aren’t Always the Answer for Pelvic Health
For years, the standard advice given to women experiencing bladder leakage or postpartum changes has been a simple “just do your Kegels.” However, for many women in Edenvale and the surrounding East Rand, this “one-size-fits-all” approach may not only be ineffective—it could be making their symptoms worse.
At Depero Health Centre, our specialized pelvic health physiotherapist takes a more nuanced approach. We understand that the pelvic floor is a complex system of muscles that requires more than just a repetitive “squeeze and lift” to function correctly.
The Myth of the "Weak" Pelvic Floor
The most common misconception regarding women’s pelvic health in Edenvale is that every issue is caused by weakness. In reality, many women suffer from what we call a “hypertonic” or overactive pelvic floor. This means the muscles are already too tight and unable to relax.
When you perform Kegels on a pelvic floor that is already over-contracted, you are essentially “adding strength to a knot.” This can lead to increased pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and even worsened bladder urgency. A professional pelvic floor physiotherapist in the East Rand can help determine whether your muscles are actually weak (hypotonic) or simply exhausted from being too tight.
Recognizing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in Johannesburg vary greatly. While many women are familiar with “stress incontinence” (leaking when sneezing or laughing), there are other signs that your pelvic health needs professional attention:
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Chronic pelvic or lower back pain that doesn’t resolve with standard stretching.
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Frequent “urgency”—the feeling that you need to run to the bathroom every 30 minutes.
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Discomfort during intimacy or when using tampons.
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A feeling of “heaviness” or pressure in the pelvic region.
Because these symptoms are often sensitive, our practitioners at Depero Health Centre provide a private, empathetic environment for assessment. As members of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP), our team follows evidence-based protocols to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.
A Holistic Approach to Treatment
When you visit a pelvic health expert at Depero Health Centre, your treatment plan goes far beyond basic exercises. Our physiotherapy sessions in Edenvale may include:
Biofeedback and Education: Helping you “reconnect” with your pelvic muscles so you know how to both contract and fully relax them.
Manual Therapy: Releasing tension in the surrounding hip and abdominal muscles.
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Teaching you how your breath directly affects pelvic floor pressure.
Bladder Retraining: Practical strategies to reduce urgency and frequency.
Our physiotherapists are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), ensuring that your care meets the highest clinical standards in the country. We also look at global standards, such as those set by the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA), to bring world-class pelvic health solutions to our East Rand community.
Contact Depero Health Centre for Assistance
Contact us using the information below:
- 23B Linksfield Road, Dunvegan Edenvale, 1609
- admin@deperohealth.co.za
- 010 101 1045