The pelvic floor muscles need to be able to perform a strong contraction and completely relax after a contraction in order to be healthy and efficient in providing support and control in the pelvic floor. How to Recognize the Muscles Sit on the toilet. Empty a small amount of urine, then try to stop the flow for 1-2 seconds. Relax completely allowing the bladder to empty. The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for this control.
Most people take a few trials to be successful.
This should never be used as a daily exercise, as this can disrupt the bladder emptying mechanism. While sitting on a chair or lying down, insert one or two fingers into the vagina and squeeze or place a fingertip on or into the rectal outlet and contract the muscles as though you are holding back a bowel movement. You should be able to feel the pelvic floor move these muscle contractions. If you are unable to use your fingers, your physical therapist can show you other medical devices that are used for this purpose. Putting a hand on your stomach and buttocks to tell if you are using these muscles when attempting to do a Kegel exercise will help you know if you are substituting with these muscles.