For a long time, the Kegel method was the reference in terms of perineal rehabilitation in women. This method very targeted is still commonly taught after childbirth. However, another technique designed by Dr. Bernadette De Gasquet, doctor and yoga teacher, offers other perspectives. So how do you get there?
What is the Kegel method?
There Kegel method, created by Dr. Arnold Kegel, gynecologist, at the beginning of the 20th century, is a set of exercises which consist of contract and relax the perineum. The role of the pelvic floor muscles is not only to support the pelvic organs.
Why do Kegel exercises?
Well worked thanks to targeted exercises of perineal rehabilitation, they avoid the appearance of small problems, urinary leakage, which can ultimately really ruin your daily life. Among the latter we will remember incontinence, and above all, the descent of organs which itself can increase the risk of urinary infections. The main objective is to tone the perineum, which allows you to act, among other things, on:
- urinary leakage and incontinence;
- muscle relaxation after childbirth;
- THE prolapse ;
- hemorrhoids, by increasing blood circulation in the rectum area;
- THE sexual pleasure ;
- premenstrual syndrome.
Kegel exercises postpartum
Kegel exercises are traditionally practiced after childbirth. However, they would be beneficial upstream of the latter.
In fact, they learn to properly contract and relax muscles during work. These exercises will help limit the appearance of health problems.urinary incontinence postpartum. They will allow you to perfect your abdominal rehabilitation also.
The exercises very simple and targeted on the perineum area only can practice at any time of the day, in complete discretion. You learn to make voluntary contractions which will allow you to achieve 2 things: strengthen your perineum And anticipate small accidents linked to coughing, laughing or sneezing.
However, the Kegel method is sometimes criticized, especially since the appearance of new approaches to pelvic floor rehabilitation. Kegel exercises may have some criticisms. They are not practiced not in the first weeks after giving birth.
And above all, they should not be practiced intensively, at the risk of promote organ descent. The exercises are also often poorly done if we go it alone. Indeed, very often the back and abdominals are used, instead of only engaging the perineum.
What about Gasquet’s method?
Gasquet's method is an approach to personalized perineal rehabilitation, which adapts to each person’s body shape and movement capabilities.
What does Gasquet’s method consist of?
The Gasquet method exercises are varied and target the perineum and back, but involve the entire body. It's a gentle perineal rehabilitation method, but also prevention work and reinforcement.
The exercises are inspired by yoga and biomechanics, the study of body movements. It is a method based on chest breathing.
The De Gasquet method was created by yoga teacher and doctor, Dr. Bernadette de Gasquet. Author of more than ten books on the subject, his method is accessible to everyone and all ages. Unlike Kegel exercises, the method can be used during pregnancy and childbirth.
Why do Gasquet exercises?
While positively impacting the same health problems as Kegel exercises, the De Gasquet method adopts a completely different approach, which leads to become aware of your perineum in any gesture or practice that requires effort.
This is why this method is now also very successful among athletes. It can therefore become a long-term practice. However, it is a fairly recent method, and a little less practiced by healthcare professionals.
So, are you Kegel or De Gasquet? Either way, make sure one method or the other works for you.
You can also discover other techniques to strengthen your perineum. And it doesn't matter if you are in full menopause, if you gave birth by cesarean section, if you have the beginnings of prolapse... You absolutely must take care of your perineum in all circumstances, just like you take care of your abs, your back or your obliques!
