10 Minute Tip #26: Busting the Kegel Myth: Kegels Are Probably Not the Answer for Powerlifters (And Most People) & Here's Why

Kegels are the most well known "exercise" for the pelvic floor and most people believe that if you accidentally pee yourself you should do kegels. However, in most cases of incontinence in powerlifting, kegels are not the answer!

Kegels are a pelvic floor muscle exercise that was coined by a male physician many years ago. However, most people do not understand how to properly perform a kegel nor properly implement in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

The general population believes that accidentally peeing yourself is a function of weakness of the pelvic floor and therefore you must strengthen it by doing Kegels. But the problem with this is that most pelvic floor dysfunction is powerlifters is a product of fatigue, mechanical failure, and significant tension, for which Kegels are not the answer. The other problem with Kegels as a treatment for powerlifters is that there is no way to load the Kegel as heavy as your lifts.

In this episode of the PRS Podcast, Dr. Rori Alter, PT, PRSCC, SSC sits down with the PRS Pelvic Health Specialist, Dr. Breanne Maruca, PT, PRSCC, CLT, WCS discuss the misconceptions about Kegels and pelvic floor dysfunction in powerlifters and how to properly use a Kegel within the treatment plan as a whole.

Experiencing powerlifting urinary incontinence and need help resolving it? Book a free consultation with Dr. Breanne HERE!

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