Your Kegel8 is preset with nine comprehensive programmes, developed by healthcare professionals. Here is a brief outline of the different preset set options however we always recommend that women alternate and vary their programmes, to get the best from their Kegel8. For beginners there is no starter programme, select the one that you feel is best for you, remembering that if only a slight sensation is felt then only a slight treatment is being administered. You need to work on increasing the mA's wherever possible; it is recommended that a woman starts her treatment at 20mA. Continue to increase the mA's wherever possible as your muscle will become used to the level of stimulation, keep your muscles working to their maximum at every opportunity.
PO1 Pain Relief
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition characterized by burning, stinging, irritation, and/or rawness in the female genital area this programme is designed to help. It also helps in cases where unknown pelvic pain has been diagnosed by a health care professional.
PO2 Urge/Prolapse
Urge in this programme refers to a woman who does not have leakage problems, just the urge to pass urine.
This programme is suitable for women suffering from bladder and vaginal prolapse. We can programme your K8 to help with anal prolapse, please telephone for more details.
PO3 Stress 1
Stress incontinence is due to leakage of the bladder in particular when people jump up and down and when exercising or during lovemaking. This programme is set at a rate of 30Hz, the level favoured by UK physiotherapists.
PO4 Stress 2
Stress incontinence is due to leakage of the bladder in particular when people jump up and down and when exercising or during lovemaking. This programme is set at a rate of 40Hz, the level favoured by Scandinavian physiotherapists.
PO5 Frequency/Urge 1
When a woman has the urge and frequency to actually pass urine several times during the day and night
This programme is recommended for new mothers who want to get back in shape after childbirth, start after your 6 week check up when you health care professional says it is OK to do so. After 12 weeks you can progress onto PO8 the thorough Pelvic Floor Workout, a couple of times a week.
PO6 Frequency/Urge 2
When a woman has the urge and frequency to actually pass urine several times during the day and night. This programme is used primarily in Scandinavian countries. It offers continuous stimulation. They prefer continuous stimulation, whereas here in the UK we prefer a work/rest programme to allow the muscle to rest and recuperate.
PO7 Lack of Sensitivity
In some women following childbirth, although they have good muscle control, they have a lack of sensitivity. This could mean nerve damage and this programme helps to recondition the muscle and to facilitate nerve sprouting to regain sensitivity.
PO8 Pelvic Floor Workout
An excellent overall pelvic floor workout. Good for women entering or out of the menopause (but not suffering vaginal atrophy – see our FAQ’s)
PO9 Endurance
This programme is ideal if you feel your muscle tone is reasonable, and you can contact the muscle but you can’t hold the contraction for long.
Urge incontinence is due when one has the urge to visit the loo, urgency is when one leaks before they reach the loo. This is due normally to an over active bladder or when the firing mechanism to the bladder [ Detrusor Muscle] is out of tune. By stimulating at 10 Hz it has been shown that it calms the detrusor and or tunes in the firing mechanism that either contracts or rests the detrusor muscle. Stimulating at 10 Hz also builds up the Pelvic muscle strength, a strong Pelvic muscle helps most incontinent problems to become continent.
Stress incontinence is due to leakage of the bladder in particular when people jump up and down and when exercising or during sex. The problem is that the sphincter muscles based at the neck of the bladder [detrusor] about the size of a walnut leaks. The Sphincter is made up of 70% fast twitch fibres [fast moving muscle]. More than often the muscle has lost its ability to close tight. By stimulating at 30. 35 or 40 Hz this will help to stimulate and strengthen the Sphincter muscle via the Pudendal nerve. Also by conducting say 5 rapid Pelvic floor muscle contractions two or three times a day will enhance the ability to improve Stress conditions.
How often should I use the Kegel8
Initially we recommend you use the Kegel8 once a day for 12 weeks. Do not use the Kegel8 more than this; because the muscle needs time to relax and recuperate to help strengthen it, this rest is as important as the exercising itself.
You may prefer not to use your Kegel8 during your period if the flow is heavy, however some users claim it helps relieve period cramps, and exercising is still effective. The probe is cleaned with warm water under a tap.
After this 12 week initial daily routine, many women find they can then adopt an "upkeep" programme to help keep the muscle strong. Remember the pelvic floor muscle is an involuntary muscle; it will weaken if it is not exercised, but with the Kegel8 exercising is easy. Many women then choose to exercise 2- 3 times a week. Try varying the programme, because each one is designed to exercise at different levels and stimulate in a different way, it will help you with your overall pelvic health! |
