Blog Layout

Are Kegels the Answer???

Madelyn Altman • May 18, 2023

To Kegel or Not To Kegel

Subjective norms about people’s perceptions of Pelvic Physical Therapy vary, but many think it is all about doing Kegels. So, should Kegels be the plan if there is pelvic floor dysfunction? The answer: it depends. :)


Many people have overactive pelvic floor muscles. With overactivity, Kegels would not be the answer. Think of a muscle in the body being in a constant state of contraction or shortening. If a muscle is already contracted and shortened, doing Kegels will only contribute to more overactivity. Another way to look at it is to think of the pelvic floor like a trampoline. If the springs are too tight, you cannot jump on the trampoline, and if the springs are too loose, jumping is also not possible. You want strength and endurance without overactivity. 


Even more people have overactive and weak pelvic floor muscles. That can be a confusing combo. In that case, the goal would be to downtrain the overactive muscles, relieve trigger points, and then move toward strengthening, which would include Kegels and other exercises. 


If a person has weak pelvic floor muscles and no overactivity, Kegels can help, BUT Kegels are not the only tool we use to strengthen the pelvic floor. Kegels usually involve a quick contraction and release of pelvic muscles which strengthen the fast twitch muscle fibers (30%). The pelvic floor is 70% slow twitch muscle fibers, so it is important to also work on exercises that strengthen those muscles for optimal outcomes.

We need to normalize discussions and emphasize the importance of Pelvic Health among family, friends, and healthcare providers to empower women and men. Comprehensive Pelvic Healthcare is vital to all people regardless of gender and regardless of whether or not they have had children. If we are talking about it openly, it will lead to more education and information, so Pelvic Health will not be oversimplified into just Kegels.


The pelvic floor is a complex set of muscles that do so much! They support multiple organs, hold emotions (more on that in another blog), allow us to have and enjoy sex, support vaginal delivery during childbirth, and assist with bodily functions such as urinating and defecating. 

It is important to see a Pelvic Physical Therapist, like Dr. Madelyn, who can do a thorough evaluation to determine what is really going on in your body and create a customized plan of care specifically for you. 

27 Feb, 2024
CASE REPORT: FSM in the TREATMENT of MS
By Tracy Shulsinger 21 Feb, 2024
Heart health is a major concern for many people. According to the Centers For Disease Control Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) has been the leading cause of death since 1950. Many daily choices are based on heart health. These may include not smoking, exercising, limiting high fat foods, taking heart focused supplements/medications, heart medical tests, and more.
11 Dec, 2023
30-Day Support Program!
By Tracy Shulsinger 30 Oct, 2023
The next several blogs will be presenting a series of information about menopause. This topic is SO immense that it will take many months to share...besides menopause is a journey! This series will open with presenting an article, “Women Have Been Mislead About Menopause” in the New York Times that was published in February 2023. I tremendously appreciate this article due to the blend of compassion and sensitivity regarding women who suffer through menopause and the scientific reporting from many excellent sources including large and small studies and experts in the field. Menopause is a topic that I am very passionate about. It affects every single woman and despite this wide reach, there is still a high amount of reported confusion, distress and poor impacts to quality of life and global health reported by women during per-menopause and menopause. One healthcare topic that affects half of the population in the world is worth giving lots of attention! But yet there is tremendous controversy about this topic and many women report difficulty having a satisfying conversation w/ their providers about menopause- one where they feel well informed of benefits and not just risks, lack of judgment and a sensitivity to their experience. Here are some important take-aways from this article regarding the many signs and symptoms women can experience: About 85% of women experience symptoms during menopause Hot flash’s are too often all that is discussed and understood by women as menopause symptoms. In fact there are whole body, systemic changes as well. The severity and experiences vary woman to women but here is a more complete list of signs and symptoms: Brain: Vascular effects, cognitive changes/impairments, poor word finding, forgetfulness, short term memory disturbances. Mental/Emotional Health- Insomnia, depression, anxiety, irritability, reduced libido Skin/Mucous Membranes- Dryness to skin, mouth, eyes; accelerated skin aging in appearance and loss of elasticity Cardiovascular- Increased cholesterol Gastrointestinal- Digestive disturbances Genitourinary/Vaginal- urinary leakage/incontinence, dryness, painful intercourse, atrophic vaginitis, increase in infections such as “BV” (bacterial vaginitis) and yeast infections, excessive vaginal bleeding, unpredictable menstrual cycles, shortening or lengthening of menstrual cycle. Musculoskeletal- joint pain, bone density loss that can lead to Osteopenia and further to Osteoporosis Metabolic- weight gain and body composition changes including reduction in muscle mass and increase in belly fat
By Dr. Madelyn Altman 16 Oct, 2023
Everyone talks about what to expect during pregnancy and the first year of a child’s life, but few women are aware and few allopathic providers are talking about what to expect in perimenopause, which is why it is vital to increase awareness and inspire action. Most women enter perimenopause in their 40’s, but changes can begin as early as mid to late 30’s. These changes and symptoms can begin up to 10 years before menopause. Perimenopausal women may experience none, some, or all of the following symptoms:
Most of the crops in the US are sprayed with Glyphosate which is found in 70% of urine
By The Healing Collective 06 Oct, 2023
Glyphosate is a worldwide commonly used herbicide and is the primary toxic chemical in Roundup™, as well as in many other herbicides. Have you been eating a dangerous dose of poison without even knowing it?! Since the 1970s, we've seen a huge increase of a herbicide called glyphosate on our food crops - scientists estimate that over 150,000 tons are sprayed annually across America!
By Tracy Shulsinger 29 Aug, 2023
This month's blog is inspired by the times- back to school, approaching fall a.k.a cold/flu season and the increase in COVID cases amongst us. In fact I was exposed myself and am now nursing myself back to health. The functional medicine approach is quite simple when it comes to maintaining and improving health. Eliminate what doesn't belong in the body that contributes to disease and introduce or increase what supports health. In regards to viral illnesses such as the common cold and COVID, this approach is very helpful. While we still can be exposed and contract an illness, the severity of the illness can be significantly reduced by following dietary considerations and taking supportive supplements before, during, and after an illness.
Cutting Edge Frequency Specific Support for Surgical Procedures
By Jessica Tierney 15 Aug, 2023
We have supported procedures including root canals, tooth extractions, shoulder replacements, hysterectomies, orchiopexies, ACL reconstructions, rotator cuff repairs, hip replacements, knee replacements & revisions, spinal surgeries, fusions, ankle surgeries, fracture ORIFs, osteoporosis & osteopenia, abdominal surgeries, and many many more procedures with frequency medicine. While we love to help our patients prevent the need for drugs or surgery, there are times when a procedure is essential and we especially enjoy helping the process go as smoothly as possible.
By Jessie Tierney 20 Jun, 2023
Frequency Specific Microcurrent pairs tissue and condition frequencies to elicit notable changes in patient symptoms. Brain Fog, Stroke, Acute and Chronic Concussion are conditions that all can be supported by a skilled Frequency Specific Microcurrent Practitioner who customizes treatment to your specific condition.
By Madelyn Altman 15 May, 2023
Holistic Pelvic Care
More Posts
Share by: