Is it possible to overdo pelvic floor exercises?

Hi Claire, I had permission of my consultant to do PF exercises at 40 days post op. Maybe it's too soon and your body has adviced you... Most women are anxious to begin squeezes but you can harm yourself if you start too soon. Hugs!!!! 😘

Urogynaecologists like all surgeons have their own way of doing things and some advice will differ. Where pelvic floor exercises are concerned Urogynaecologists give different advice because the degree of prolapse repaired and the type of sutures used can affect the timing of the exercises. Another thing that is important to consider is the number of repairs ie did a patient have more than one prolapse or is it a 2nd repair. When it comes to any exercise following this operation I always say listen to your body and don't push yourself. If something makes you tired, sore or uncomfortable you should stop immediately.

Hi I am in hospital now after hysterectomy information sheet I have says you can start gently after cathater comes out and work yourself up each day to what feels comfortable. So according to this straight away x

Pelvic floor exercises are like any other exercise post surgery.  We cannot do too much and need to build up slowly.  Did your physio examine you to confirm that you have weak muscles? 

I'm finding when I do my pelvic exercises it makes me feel sore and tender around the bottom part of my left buttock even though I'm not tensing these muscles there. Going for a check up today so will ask about it. Doesn't feel right though x

Hi Claire

i used to do the squeeze app before my op but I think it was too late and I just needed the op.  After my a & p repair op whilst still in hospital at the end of January this year, a  physio came to see me twice and I did some exercises with her help,gently of course, then on my discharge day she came back did afew more exercises and gave me a leaflet to take home. I religiously do these exercises every day three times whilst off work, twice now I am back at work at don't have as much time. I must say that since my op I can feel things much better than before I can really tell what I am squeezing in lol.   Each set of exercises takes me about 12 mins but I do feel well toned and intend to keep doing them as one involves pulling in my lower stomach muscles.  I notice from the forum tho that some ladies don't start the exercises till weeks after.  It gets abit confusing as I hear different things but I quess it is what works well for you xx

Excellent news Claire that you are embracing the pelvic floor exercise ethic - however as Matron says it is recommended to sommence exercises from 6 weeks after surgery or under advice from your Healthcare professional.

I am pleased you have found the NHS App Squeezy useful - Myra (who developed the Squeezy App) is an NHS Physiotherapist - we see her at a lot of the Physio conferences and she has worked tirelessly to promote the app and its features. We all need reminders and this is a discreet way to remind oursleves and not to cheat when exercisung and the Squeezy App works! However, like all exercises, our muscles can ahe and get tired, so take it steady after the 6 week (or other as advised) mark.

Good luck!

S

 

It is great that you are