Beyond Kegel: the pelvic diaphragm

oltre kegel

Increasingly frequently, we hear people talking about the “core”. In this case we are obviously not concerned with “core” in business terms, rather with the core of our body, in other words, the central part of the trunk including the abdomen and the lumbar and pelvic areas. By strengthening what is known as the pelvic “diaphragm” and the abdominal muscles, it is possible to obtain good overall posture, which in turn brings significant health benefits.

Lumbar stabilisation affects an individual’s physical well-being and is produced by the simultaneous and coordinated interaction of the pelvic floor muscles, but also of the transversus abdominis, multifidus, interspinales, psoas and the diaphragm muscles, as well as the oblique abdominal, gluteus medius and quadratus lumborum muscles.

In people with pelvic dysfunction, however, the deep transversus abdominis muscle, which is responsible for the dysfunction itself, is activated late, which is why it is important to pay attention to certain factors that could lead to degenerative situations, such as incontinence or prolapse of the genital and pelvic organs.

The most common and recurrent factors include a pregnancy that has taken a heavy toll on the body, a particularly demanding birth, a job that involves standing or sitting many hours a day and also being overweight. These last three factors are perhaps the most insidious, as they are usually underestimated until the “tangible” appearance of the real problem.

This is why we are constantly reminded of the importance of focusing on a more global concept of health, on nutrition, on exercise, even minimal but correct, and on a developed sensitivity in listening to all the signals that our body sends us every day.

Kegel Exercises

Doing Kegel exercises  conscientiously and regularly may not bring the desired results with in a short period of time, if we do not take into consideration the trunk muscles, good blood circulation and a healthy diet that also keeps our intestines in good shape.

Starting from a review of the diet, which should provide plenty of the water, fibre and vegetables, we add some postural exercise to strengthen the muscles, followed by some specific pelvic floor muscles, preferably also using vaginal cones,which afford better results in a shorter period of time..

There is therefore no need to despair: with the right dose of commitment, specialists assure us we can achieve amazing results. The important thing is the determination to change bad habits, after which it will be downhill from there!