As many as 1 in 5 men, women, and children have pelvic floor issues. Among women, the ratio is higher (up to 1 in 3) and is commonly but not only found among women who have had more than one vaginal childbirth. The most common symptoms of pelvic floor disorder are urinary incontinence, bowel issues, and pelvic organ prolapse, but other symptoms can include pelvic, hip, and lower back pain. Pelvic floor issues can result from falls, poor posture, too much sitting, and infection as well as the strain of childbirth and even sports. Kegel exercises — a simple pelvic clench-and-release — are the best way to strengthen the pelvic floor. The issue with kegeling for many women and men is it can be difficult to isolate the correct muscles. People often mistakenly tighten and hold abdominal, buttocks, or upper leg muscles thinking they are working their pelvic floor, but that’s not it.
Chiaro has developed Elvie, a new product to help women with kegel exercises. Elvie is a two piece, custom-sizable device that women can use to exercise the proper muscles and record the intensity and duration, monitor the exercise, and strengthen their pelvic floor and core. Elvie is made of medical grade silicone and is 100% waterproof. According to Chiaro’s website, you can begin to see results in as little as two weeks. There are various programs and the five minute workouts, can literally be done anywhere. If you’re competitive there are speed and pulse challenges to keep the workouts more interesting. You control workout programming and store records and progress with iOS and Android smartphones.
With our increased emphasis on and awareness of physical health and wearable health tech, Elvie is a welcome addition as a preventative exercise and treatment for pelvic floor weakness. Many people know about kegel exercises, but quite often either don’t use the correct muscles or use inappropriate technique or aids.
