Are you familiar with pelvic floor physiotherapy? Hester van Aswegen introduces us to her work with male and female patients who experience pelvic floor dysfunction. Narrowing the focus to women who find sexual intercourse painful, she talks about the causes, symptoms, and treatment – including breathing and manual release techniques, and the use of dilators - and the results she sees in her specialised physiotherapy practice.

Sensitive content: Please note that this episode contains references to sexual practices and is intended for adult listeners.

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In ep. 28 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, Hester talks about

•  the elements and functions of the pelvic floor

• why the pelvic floor muscles must be able to relax and contract

• how chronic stress, anxiety, trauma, chronic inflammation, incorrect breathing methods and other factors can contribute to pelvic floor disorders

• the definition and symptoms of vaginismus and why it can cause painful sex

• what patients seeing Hester for specialised pelvic floor physiotherapy can expect during the first session

• techniques and tools Hester may use to treat vaginismus, including breathing and relaxation techniques, massage, trigger point and myofascial releases, biofeedback, and vaginal dilators

• when core or Kegel exercises are advisable (or not)

• how long it may take to see tangible results

• what women needing this type of physiotherapy could consider when they live far from the city

• how moms can talk to their teenage daughters about the pelvic floor

• Hester’s 3 best tips on dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction.

 

In this episode, Hester mentions the following books:

• Pelvic pain explained: what you need to know by Elizabeth H. Akincilar, Elizabeth H. Rummer, and Stephanie A. Prendergast

• Heal pelvic pain by Amy Stein

• A headache in the pelvis by Dr. David Wise and Dr. Rodney Anderson

  
  

Dr. Jireh Serfontain discusses possible reasons why love-making hurts and the treatment that is available.

Contact details

Hester van Aswegen is a Johannesburg-based physiotherapist with a special interest in pelvic floor dysfunction. She has a private practice, is part of the multidisciplinary team at the My Sexual Health centre in Bryanston and is involved in the colorectal/pelvic floor unit at WITS Donald Gordon medical centre.

Hester has been involved with the Women’s Health Physiotherapy Group (WHPG) of South Africa and is a member of The Southern African Sexual Health Association

Hester sees patients at:

33 Dove Street, Horison Park, Roodepoort: Mondays, Tuesday mornings, and Fridays.

Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC), 27 Eton Road, Parktown: Wednesdays.

16 Silverwood Estate, Glenluce Road, Douglasdale: Thursdays and Tuesday afternoons.

Email address: hester.aswegen@gmail.com 

Tel. 0827865017

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/hesterphysio/

My Sexual Health team: https://mysexualhealth.co.za/

Hester recommends the following videos:
The Core Breath for better pelvic floor and abdominal function - YouTube 

Guided Meditation for Pelvic Floor Relaxation | FemFusion Fitness - YouTube

 The Reverse Kegel for Men and Women | FemFusion Fitness - YouTube

The "Pelvic Drop" to Release Pelvic Floor Tension: Three Visualizations - YouTube

The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Player FM and Iono.fm.

Image: Unsplash. Model used.

Photograph of Hester van Aswegen: supplied

Please note:

These podcasts are intended purely for educational purposes and should never replace professional evaluation or discussion.

If you have suicidal thoughts, phone the free SADAG helpline at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 (both available 24/7) or contact a qualified medical professional.