In this article, we will explore what pelvic floors are, and why having strong and healthy pelvic floor muscles is important – especially for women.

Pelvic Floors – What You Need to Know

What are Pelvic Floors?

Pelvic floors are the group of muscles and ligaments providing support to the organs found in the lower abdomen – such as the bladder, bowel, and rectum.

Women, however, can add the uterus and vagina as among the organs that are being supported by their pelvic floors, while men can include their prostate in the list.

As its name suggests, pelvic floors are found underneath the organs in the pelvis, in between the coccyx or tailbone at the back, and the pubic bone at the front. The Continence Foundation of Australia provides clear images of the location of the pelvic floor muscles inside of the body, as well as how they are depicted for both men and women.

What are Pelvic Floors for?

The pelvic floor’s primary function is to provide support to the organs in the pelvis, keeping them safe and cushioned inside the body. They also have important roles to play in the digestive and sexual health of men and women.

These muscles help control the functions of the bladder and bowel, which has a direct effect on a person’s release of urine, feces, and gas. Pelvic floor muscles can contract and relax which then affects the holes of the anus, urethra, and vagina. Contracting these muscles tightens these openings, which then prevents any waste product from escaping the body, especially during inappropriate times. Relaxing the muscles, on the other hand, allows for the smooth passage particularly of urine and feces – ideally once a person has found a more favorable place to do so.

In addition, pelvic floor muscles play a role in the sexual health of men and women as well as their ability to have pleasurable intercourse. In men, pelvic floors are important in regard to ejaculation and erectile function. In women, the muscles contribute to their arousal and sexual sensation which can be derived via squeezing and/or doing voluntary contractions (Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women, n.d.)

For women, however…

In addition to the bladder, bowel, and rectum, pelvic floor muscles provide support to the uterus, as well as to the baby inside it, for the entire duration of pregnancy. A woman’s pelvic floors need to be relaxed during the process of giving birth to ensure a smoother birthing process.

Given their role in the body, it is crucial for everyone, especially women, to ensure that their pelvic floor muscles are strong and healthy enough so that they can regularly perform their functions without experiencing problems. After all, having strong muscles contribute to the overall well-being of a person, and the same is true with pelvic floors.

What happens when Pelvic Floors do not function well?

When pelvic floors are not functioning well, as in the case of when they are weakened or damaged, accidents can unfortunately happen. Having pelvic floor dysfunction can ultimately lead to a person experiencing negative effects on their digestive and sexual health.

Because the pelvic organs lack adequate support, prolapse or displacement of the bladder, uterus, and bowel may occur.

Additionally, a person will not be able to easily control or contract their muscles, which then leads to incontinence – or the inadvertent release of feces or urine. This is especially evident when doing normal activities such as coughing, sneezing, or running results in a person accidentally leaking urine.

On the other hand, symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction may also include straining hard to defecate as well as the frequent need to urinate. Sometimes, the latter may even lead to a person failing to reach the toilet in time before an “accident” occurs.

In the case of men, weakened or damaged pelvic floors may lead to erectile dysfunction, or their inability to have or maintain an erection. This, unfortunately, has an adverse effect on their enjoyment of sex.

For women, signs that their pelvic floors are not functioning well may include feeling abnormalities in their vagina, such as having reduced sensation and/or heaviness in it, feeling a certain bulge at its opening, or even experiencing vulval pain or pain during sex (Pelvic Floor, n.d.). This can also lead to their inability to derive pleasure from sex.

What causes weakened Pelvic Floors?

Several factors may lead to the weakening of pelvic floors, or even pelvic floor dysfunction. While some of them happen naturally to the human body and are unpreventable, others may be controlled or lessened through exertion of effort.

Weakening pelvic floors may be attributed to aging or growing older, wherein the muscles experience a type of atrophy due to loss of mass and strength. This can occur in both men and women as they age.

In women, additional natural factors may lead to the weakening of their pelvic floors, such as when they experience severely painful periods that can be attributed to endometriosis. Moreover, as they grow older, women undergo hormonal changes caused by menopause, during which their body decreases its production of estrogen.

Other causes of weakened pelvic floors include being overweight, experiencing chronic constipation, repetitive or excessive coughing, and even persistent lifting of heavy weights.

In addition, undergoing procedures needing the cutting of muscles around the pelvic area – such as treatment of prostate cancer in men – and traumatic accidents or injuries occurring in the same area may also lead to pelvic floor muscle weakness.

In pregnant women, their pelvic floor muscles may be weakened due to the need to support the added weight of the baby inside of the uterus. The aftermath of delivering their baby through their vagina may also contribute to it especially if prolonged pushing or straining is involved during the birthing process.

Given the above, it certainly seems like a lot of factors contribute to the weakening of pelvic floor muscles, particularly in women. While some of them, like aging and menopause, cannot be controlled, others can be managed so as to ensure that the weakening may be adequately addressed, or even prevented altogether.

How can weakened Pelvic Floors be treated?

Pelvic floors act as the main support to the organs in the pelvis. As with any foundation, it is imperative that they remain strong and healthy enough to continue correctly performing their role. This would then enable them to effectively contribute to the overall health of a person, most especially to their sexual and digestive health.

Given the many causes of weakened pelvic floors, options to correct them may be explored.

If overweight, losing excess body fat may be a good thing to do. This way, not only will the pelvic floor muscles benefit from bearing less weight, but it will also contribute to improving a person’s health.

If a person experiences chronic constipation, adding more fruits and fibers in their diet, as well as drinking more water, may lessen its negative impacts on the body by promoting a more regular bowel movement.

If a person is suffering from excessive or repetitive coughing, seeking medical attention to treat its cause may be the best action to take.

Lastly, trying to avoid repetitive lifting of heavy weights may also be considered so as to prevent straining the muscles.

However, as with other muscles involved in the body, one of the best ways to address the weakening of pelvic floors is via regular exercise. In particular, exercises that target the pelvic floor muscles are fantastic to include in a person’s daily regimen in order to strengthen the muscles surrounding the pelvic organs.

Before engaging in any type of regular pelvic floor muscle exercise program, it is vital to first correctly identify the pelvic floor muscles, which can be done by a pelvic floor physiotherapist. This way, the correct muscles will be targeted and engaged while exercising in order to maximize the benefits derived from the activity (Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women, n.d.)

What are the benefits of doing Pelvic Floor exercises?

As with all exercises, doing pelvic floor exercises regularly can contribute to improving the overall health of a person. In particular, benefits to a person’s digestive and sexual health may be observed. According to the Continence Foundation of Australia, pelvic floor muscle exercises may help a person have:

• Improved control of the bowel and bladder;
• Improved sexual sensation; and
• In men, improved recovery after surgery of the prostate.

In women, especially those who just gave birth, pelvic floor muscle exercises can help them achieve improved recovery after childbirth, which is important for any new mother. Doing the exercises may even reduce the risk of prolapse, as well as improve a woman’s recovery after surgery.

What types of exercises are best for Pelvic Floors?

An exercise involving the repeated contracting and relaxing of the pelvic floor muscles is known as the Kegel exercise. Doing them regularly can lead to strengthened pelvic floor muscles.

Exercises targeting the pelvic floors can be done while lying down, sitting, standing up, or even a combination of the three.

Other regular exercises, such as walking, can also be incorporated into a person’s exercise routine.

It is crucial to note that the benefits may only be observed after doing the exercises regularly for several weeks or months. However, the positive results will outweigh the efforts a person exerts in order to achieve them.

Aside from exercise, what other treatments for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction are available?

Excluding exercise, other treatments to treat pelvic floor dysfunctions can certainly be explored. This includes seeking attention from medical personnel for them to correctly assess and address the exact type of problem a person is experiencing.

According to Cleveland Clinic, the following are available options for treating pelvic floor dysfunction:

• Biofeedback, which is done by a physical therapist in order to find ways to improve the muscles;
• Pelvic floor physical therapy, wherein the physical therapist will identify problematic muscles and teach the patient exercises that will improve them;
• Medications, particularly for softening the stool and keeping the bowel movements more regular; and
• Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, etc.

In regards to incontinence, it is important to note that weakened floor muscles are just one of its many causes. It is advised to seek attention from physiotherapists in order to identify and correctly treat incontinence.

Final thoughts: Do strong pelvic floors matter for women?

Most definitely, having strong pelvic floors matters for everyone – but especially for women.

Given that women have more organs in their pelvis which are supported by their pelvic floors, having a strong, healthy foundation will greatly aid in making sure that the functions of the muscles are carried out well. This is particularly true during pregnancy, where the baby inside the uterus acts as an additional weight that the pelvic floors will need to fully support.

Strong pelvic floors can also contribute to a woman’s enjoyment of sex, especially as they are less likely to feel uncomfortable or experience any pain while engaging in it – as opposed to when they have weakened pelvic floors.

Lastly, having strong pelvic floors contribute to their digestive and sexual health, both of which are important so that they can live long and healthy lives.

I don’t know why it took me so long to get pelvic floor therapy but I knew I had to if I didn’t want to deal with the constant discomfort that made doing my daily tasks a constant burden or suffer from long-term colon damage or infection.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy

What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy is a treatment approach that provides a structured, safe, and effective reconditioning of the pelvic muscles using the principles of physical therapy.

The objective of the treatment is to improve the function and strength of your pelvic floor muscles, as well as get rid of any weakness, pain and dysfunction.

The treatment involves a skilled physical therapist accessing your pelvic muscles through the vagina or rectum.

The therapist then improves their strength and functioning by either stretching the muscles if they are short and contracted or applying resistance to improve strength if they are dysfunctional and weak.

Importance Of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

You might be wondering why pelvic floor therapy is so important. Surely, the pain will go away on its own if you rest your muscles enough. While it’s true that rest is extremely important, it’s not exactly enough.

With pelvic floor dysfunction, your muscles are either contracting too strongly or too weakly, which contributes to incontinence, pain during intercourse, constipation, or pain in the lower back, genitals, pelvic region or rectum.

What your muscles need is to be stretched or applied resistance to in order to get rid of the unnatural contractions. This is something that pelvic floor physical therapy, in particular, can help you with.

Our pelvic floor consists of a layer of muscles stretching from the pubic bone to the tailbone.

These muscles and connective tissue are what support the bladder, bowel and prostate for those with male genitalia and the bladder, bowel, uterus and vagina for those with female genitalia.

The pelvic floor muscles help control bowel and bladder functions, as well as sexual function and pleasure. In pregnancy, these muscles are what offer support for the fetus and relax during the birthing process.

This is why it’s extremely important to take the treatment of these muscles seriously at the sign of dysfunction.

As someone who has had to suffer pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and waited too long to get therapy, I am emphasizing this part especially. Don’t underestimate your disorder.

Who Needs Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is recommended as a first-line remedy for several disorders in the pelvic region.

Anyone with weak pelvic floor muscles can perform exercises for strengthening those muscles and improving bowel and bladder control.

If your pelvic floor dysfunction is suspected to have a neuromuscular cause, then you’re especially in need of pelvic floor physical therapy.

This dysfunction can be because of aging, childbirth, illness, surgery, or other conditions. Sometimes, it can coexist with other genitourinary problems such as lack of urinary or bowel control, pain in the bladder area and constipation.

You can also see a pelvic floor therapist to treat your endometriosis or vaginismus for females and premature or painful ejaculation for males.

If you’re a woman with a low risk of vaginal prolapse, bladder or bowel issues or are recovering from childbirth, then pelvic floor exercises are especially beneficial for you.

This treatment is also helpful for men recovering from prostrate surgery, making sure they don’t suffer from rectal prolapse, as well as improving their bowel and bladder control.

Symptoms Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

If you’re still unsure whether what you’re feeling is pelvic floor dysfunction, here are the symptoms of the disorder:

If you ever have any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

• Frequent need to use the bathroom.
• Constipation.
• Having to strain or push really hard to pass a bowel movement
• Leaking urine or stool
• Feeling lower back pain with no other cause
• Feeling ongoing pain in your genitals, rectum or pelvic region

There are some symptoms and conditions related to pelvic floor dysfunction that can differ between males and females.

Male Pelvic Floors

For males, pelvic floor dysfunction can often contribute to pain in the groin, problems with ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.

It’s also common for prostatitis to be confused with pelvic floor dysfunction since they can also present similar symptoms. However, prostatitis usually resolves on its own or can be treated with antibiotics.

For females, pelvic floor dysfunction can greatly compromise reproductive health. It affects the uterus, and vagina and causes pain during sexual intercourse.

Both men and women suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction may experience stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or the leakage of urine every time they laugh, cough or sneeze.

However, you’ll find that this is more common in women than in men. In fact, one in three women experiences a pelvic floor disorder in her lifetime.

What To Expect At A Pelvic Floor Therapy Session

I understand more than anyone that pelvic floor dysfunction issues can be extremely personal. In fact, it’s completely natural to be nervous or fearful about what to expect for your first pelvic floor therapy session.

That is why I’m here to walk you through what goes on in a typical session to hopefully ease some of your nerves.

Your First Appointment

At your first appointment, you will be going through a comprehensive assessment. This is so your physical therapist will be able to understand your situation and analyze the most suitable treatment plan.

The aim of pelvic floor therapy is to have mobility and movement restored to your pelvic region, as well as reduce any pain.

During the actual exam, the physical therapist will be assessing your posture, strength, breathing pattern and flexibility of your spine, abdominal area and hip.

Doing this helps them determine what factors could have contributed to the dysfunction.

Keep in mind that one of the goals of the session is to figure out the cause or causes of your pelvic floor dysfunction.

If you can provide the therapist with more information about your symptoms, then the quicker they can figure out the issue.

If you can, try listing down your symptoms in detail, including anything that relieves or worsens the pain. Then, bring your notes to the session. This will make things move a lot quicker.

Your therapist will also be asking you to move around a lot during your visit to assess certain functions. One thing I do encourage you to do during every session is to constantly ask questions and provide feedback.

What to Expect

An initial assessment will include the following:

• In-depth review of your medical history
• Evaluation of tight, painful or dysfunctional areas
• Thorough evaluation of symptoms that you are experiencing
• Complete physical examination

The Exam

During the exam, the therapist will be asking you to sit, stand and walk so they can easily spot any posture or joint issues that could be affecting your pelvic floor muscles.

They will also be assessing whether any bone or muscle problems in your lower back, sacroiliac joint, thighs, hips, or buttocks may be placing stress on your pelvic floor muscles, which causes pain or dysfunction.

In some cases, a physical examination can include an internal exam. I know, I know. This is the part where it can get uncomfortable.

However, therapists are professionals and have been trained to perform these types of exams so you can trust them to poke around your insides.

This upfront approach can be extremely helpful since it offers valuable information that can help identify muscle or strength-related issues that could be causing your dysfunction or discomfort.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to rush the exam. You can ask your therapist to pause at any time and ask your questions or simply to take a breather and rest.

Think of these sessions as a marathon instead of a sprint. One session won’t bring you to a full recovery immediately. It can take months of progress but then it will be worth it.

Techniques Used

Although most pelvic floor therapy techniques include both internal and external treatment, not all people find the internal approach appealing, and understandably so.

Therapists are sensitive to the needs of their patients, which is why they won’t start with internal therapy until you give them the go signal.

The common techniques used in therapy sessions are:

Education

Therapists usually end up teaching you about pelvic anatomy and how the different parts work alone and together. You’ll also be taught about how hygiene and habits can affect your symptoms.

Manual Therapy

Your physical therapist will use hands-on massage and stretching in order to enhance blood circulation, posture and mobility.

Electrical Stimulation

A low-voltage electric current is often used to teach you how to coordinate your muscle contractions, reducing pain and muscle spasms.

This treatment can either be performed in your therapist’s office or you will be provided with an electrical stimulation unit that you can use at home.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Your therapist will be teaching you exercises that can help you learn to relax and contract your pelvic floor muscles relative to your other muscles.

You’re also taught breathing and timing techniques that increase the effectiveness of the exercises. With this, you’ll be able to stretch your tight muscles, boost flexibility and strengthen any weak muscles.

Pelvic Floor Biofeedback

Observing how your pelvic floor muscles work is easier with the biofeedback technique. This involves inserting a probe into the rectum of a man or the vagina of a woman and having the results displayed on a computer screen.

Vaginal Dilators

Vaginal dilators are tube-shaped plastic devices that help women relax their pelvic muscles for easier penetration. These tools are progressively sized and are inserted to help stretch tight tissues.

It does sound uncomfortable however several women who have gone through gynecological cancer treatment have found dilators helpful during their vaginal rehabilitation.

How To Prepare For Your Session

Now comes one of the most stressful parts when it comes to attending any appointments: the preparation. One thing you should know is that you need to be dressed comfortably for your pelvic floor therapy session.

After all, you need to be able to move your legs freely and not have your movements restricted. Your exam can include an internal approach, so you should always make sure to clean your groin and genital area before your session.

Another thing I’ve also found really helpful during my sessions is having a list of questions or concerns prepared, so you can have all the bases covered during your visit and not accidentally forget any concerns you might have.

If this is your first session, you should also give yourself extra time to arrive at the facility so you can properly fill out any initial paperwork.

Speaking of paperwork, these are the important documents that you should be bringing:

• Any form of identification such as a passport or driver’s license
• List of medications that you are currently taking, if any
• Health insurance card
• Prescription from the physician that referred you, if needed

Final Thoughts

Back pains are bad enough but when you couple that with the inability to control your bladder and bowel movements and constant pain in your genital area preventing you from feeling sexual pleasure, now that’s a different league on its own.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is never something to underestimate since it could lead to something a lot more serious and fatal.

By attending pelvic floor therapy sessions as I did, you’ll have a much better chance of eventually recovering and bringing back the normalcy in your life, with unrestricted movements and better bladder and bowel control.

You thought it would just go away after a day, but you find yourself nauseous, vomiting, sensitive to light or sound, and extremely tired. You may have a migraine; these are some of the most common signs you’re experiencing one.

Stop Suffering From Frequent Migraine Pains

If you’re reading this now because you’re having it frequently and are bothered why it keeps on occurring, knowing some of the reasons why migraines happen may at least relieve you.

After all, knowing the root cause of migraines can help you understand what to avoid next time.

Plus, apart from going to a medical professional, having a bit of knowledge about how migraines work can, at least, allow you to properly deal with them the next time it happens.

Facts about Migraine

You are not actually alone in this misery because, according to National Headache Foundation, migraines affect 13% of the world’s population and 70% of which are women.

Additionally, in the workplace, a chunk of company losses due to employee absenteeism and less productivity are associated with migraines.

While this is a common issue for people, the symptoms and incidence vary by individual. Factors that may be affecting this are age, gender, environment, etc.

Surprising Reasons that Cause Migraines

You cannot prevent or even anticipate a migraine attack if you don’t know the triggers. Why did it happen yesterday but not today? Is it because of the weather or the food you ate?

Indeed, there’s no single cause of migraine, but we have narrowed down the possible reasons, and you would be surprised by what’s about to unfold.

Several reasons would be out of your control, so focus on what you can do to stop migraines from bothering you as best as you can.

1. Anxiety

The immense feeling of anxiety can be a reason for your migraine. Ironically, a migraine can also cause anxiety.

It’s like a cruel cycle of constant worrying about when the next migraine attack will be, feeling vulnerable about the symptoms, and having no idea of what the cause of the migraine is.

If you think this is the one that’s causing you migraines, it’s best to see a healthcare professional who can professionally suggest you medication or therapy to help you stop this cycle.

2. Stress (Mental and Physical)

Stress is a culprit in many health issues such as muscle tension, stomachaches, and also migraines.

However, the stress we are referring to here is not limited to mental stress caused by your toxic boss or colleagues, deadlines, family, or romantic relationship issues, but it can also stem from physical stress from working overtime and intense physical exertion, including sexual activity, which triggers migraines.

Research shows that physical exercise is a great way to stimulate endorphin production and reduce stress hormones.

Now, you might think that you could just run or punch that bag at the gym the whole day to vent, but hold your horses!

Remember, too much of something is not good. So, be sure to exercise in moderation, keep hydrated, and properly eat before hitting the gym or just skip it if you’re having a migraine.

If you are suspecting that your current physical routine exercise is causing you migraine, you can switch to low-impact workouts like yoga.

Yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also improve your mood and overall sense of well-being. Getting away from your stressful work for a day or two to rest both your body and mind can be a good call.

3. Hormones

Ever wonder why women have more frequent migraines than men?

Well, 50% of women suffering from migraine confirmed the link between headaches and their period, says the National Migraine Centre.

This is the so-called “menstrual migraine,” which typically comes about up to 2 days before or at the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle.

This is because of the hormone, estrogen, which significantly fluctuates during the menstrual period. Regrettably, pregnancy, nursing, and menopause could also trigger migraine attacks.

4. Sleep

Too busy on weekdays that you slept past 1 am or too relaxed on weekdays that you already woke up past 11 pm? Expect to get a migraine from this!

Sleep is like a double-edged sword. Getting 7-9 hours of good night’s sleep will help you ease your pain, but if you slept too much or messed up your sleeping cycle, it will aggravate furthermore.

People with chronic migraines, which means getting headaches 15 or more days per month, are highly susceptible to sleeping disorders than the common public.

Sleeping disorders include insomnia and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes intermittent stops of breathing when asleep.

Often than not, people having sleep apnea are awakened by a headache. On the other hand, people who have insomnia are more likely to have bouts of migraines consistently than those who are not.

If you are already suffering from asleep–related headaches, you can see a doctor and help give direction to your treatment through a sleep diary. It is vital to consider various aspects of your sleep to help you overcome the issue.

5. Specific Food and Drinks

Does our diet really trigger migraine?

Scientifically speaking, there’s evidence that reducing certain trigger foods can prevent migraine patients from attacks. Certain ingredients, additives, and flavor enhancers could be culprits for some people.

However, whether food can trigger migraines depends on how your body reacts since triggers vary on a personal level.

The best way to find out is to identify it yourself.

You can keep a food diary and find which foods trigger you. Just to give you an idea though, some foods are already notoriously known to cause migraine attacks:

Excessive Caffeinated Drinks

If you’re one of the people who cannot start a day without a cup of coffee, this can be the reason why you’re getting a headache.

A study shows that excessive caffeine consumption, which could be from coffee or tea, induces headaches in adults and even in children.

Caffeine is addictive, and it boosts adenosine in your brain, which is the same substance that shoots up during a migraine attack.

Before you start feeling frustrated that your coffee time is now patrolled, be sure you catch the use of the word “excessive.”

There are times when you really need a cup. And if that’s the case, just be sure to limit your consumption to less than two cups per day.

If your intake is above this, you can start cutting back on coffee to help you reduce your migraine frequency.

Alcohol and Red Wine

On special occasions, a little sip might not hurt, but be careful with alcoholic beverages since they are a common trigger.

This has to do with tyramine and histamine, which will worsen your headache.

This would explain the severe head pain when you wake up with a hangover after partying all night!

Chocolate

Do you have sweet tooth? We hate to spoil your mood, but you may need to start getting away from chocolates if you’re having frequent migraine attacks.

Some migraine patients confirm chocolate as a trigger factor.

Chocolates contain caffeine and very high sugar levels, which may also cause other health conditions like diabetes, so you lessen your chocolate intake this time.

Tyramine-Rich Foods

Like red wine, people with migraines will suffer from eating foods rich in Tyramine.

A few examples include aged cheese, cured meat (i.e sausages and corned beef), pickled food, and soy products.

Does this mean you cannot them anymore?

Well, enjoying these kinds of foods once in a while is okay. However, you can definitely lessen your consumption or find alternatives to help you with your migraine attacks.

Artificial Sweeteners and Food Enhancers

You can also blame diet coke and other calorie drinks for your migraine. Aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener, is commonly found in these drinks.

It’s also better to just stick to naturally prepared foods since processed ones contain very high MSG content. All of these can cause migraines.

These are just some of the most common foods that can trigger a migraine, and there are others out there too. The good thing is that you can learn to identify which ones would trigger you by being mindful.

Remember that food reacts to migraine sufferers differently.

The best thing to do is to have a food diary and examine your eating habits and patterns. By elimination process, you can narrow down and recognize the foods that cause your headaches.

6. Changes in Weather or Environmental Conditions

Surprisingly, any change in barometric pressure or temperature can also prompt a migraine. When there’s a storm lurking, a migraine might be too!

This headache trigger might have something to do with the sensory stimuli. The brightness of the sun or flashing lights can push you toward migraine territory

Other environmental conditions like loud sounds from blasting music, harsh lights from your surroundings, and even overwhelming smells like strong perfumes, paint thinners, and smoke can cause a migraine.

Sensory stimulation varies per individual, so find out what triggers you. While environmental factors are out of our control, we can always prepare ahead.

You can bring sunglasses, earmuffs, masks, or just remove yourself away from the stimulus to relieve you from a migraine.

7. Medications

Ironically, certain medications that relived your pain can also make your migraines worse.

This phenomenon is called Medication Overuse Headache or a Rebound Headache. Any pain medicine has a limited effectivity period. When the effect wears off, the pain returns often worse than before.

Then, you take more medicine to ease the pain, your tolerance increases and the cycle goes on, thus causing more pain.

Medicines that can cause rebound headaches or trigger migraine include:

• Acetaminophen, aspirin, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Pain medicined such as codeine or hydromorphone
• Oral contraceptives and vasodilators such as nitroglycerin

Because medications are critical for your health and we can’t do away without them sometimes, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to ask for other alternatives or treatment plans.

8.Family History

Yes, migraine has something to do with your blood. It can be hereditary, so it’s in your genes. If most of your family members suffer from migraines, then that could answer why you have it too.

To put this in numbers, if both your parents have migraine, then there’s a75% possibility of you and your siblings having it too.

If that 75% applies to you, you can share this article with your family, so you can discuss it amongst yourselves and help each other.

Ultimately, hereditary reasons for migraines do not stand alone and the frequent pulsating you have seems to be caused by a combination of factors: genetic, environmental, and lifestyle.

Finding Migraine Triggers

You might already have a hunch on what caused your migraine – maybe it’s a caffeine-related or sleep-related attack? However, knowing the possible causes is just the first step.

Knowing the cause may be simple, but some triggers might need deeper digging.

When you get a migraine attack, list down the potential trigger. Make a checklist based on the reasons above, or if there’s one that’s not mentioned here, consider it too.

Once you find out what triggers you, the next step is to take action to get better results.

Final Thoughts

Certain lifestyle changes are vital to evade the reoccurring migraine. Your action may include abstinence and control, depending on the reason that most applies to you.

Of course, sacrifice and resolve are necessary!

If frequent migraine pain is still there, and you have already tried everything that is under your control, check with your healthcare provider.

They can provide alternative treatment suggestions, and if required, prescribe medication.

Migraines are common to people, but they can sometimes just drastically make our lives worse.

Our health and overall well-being should always be one of our main priorities, so start understanding and listening to your body more.

Do your best to keep frequent migraines away so that your days aren’t ruined by a pesky headache.

Pelvic Floor Muscles: Why They’re Important

These pelvic organs may sag down into the vagina if the pelvic floor muscles are weak. This can cause not only discomfort but also urinary incontinence.

The pelvic floor in women may weaken due to factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, aging, and being overweight. To help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, you can do Kegel exercises discreetly at any time.

You may begin by learning how Kegel exercises can help you and then following the steps laid out below to contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles.

Why Should You Do Kegel Exercises?

Your pelvic floor muscles act as support to your uterus, vagina, and rectum. Similar to any muscles in the body, they also need exercise to improve strength and ensure proper functioning.

There are many factors that can negatively affect your pelvic floor muscles.

For women, this includes pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, surgery (caesarian section), being overweight or gaining weight, chronic constipation, frequent sneezing, coughing, or laughing, and natural aging.

If you have any of the following symptoms, then Kegel exercises could be beneficial for you:

• While sneezing, coughing, laughing, or running, you let out a few drops of urine (stress incontinence)
• When urine leaks soon after you get a strong, sudden urge to pee (urinary incontinence)
• Inability to control bowel movements, causing involuntary stool leak (bowel incontinence)

Kegel exercises can also be performed during or after pregnancy to help prevent incontinence and improve bladder and bowel management.

However, Kegel exercises may be ineffective for women who experience significant urine leakage during physical activity (severe stress incontinence).

Kegel exercises may also be ineffective for women who are not able to properly empty a full bladder (overflow incontinence).

How to Do Kegel Exercises for Women

It can be challenging to find the right set of muscles when you first try your Kegel exercises. One method is to insert a clean finger into your vagina and tighten the vaginal muscles around your finger.

You can also find the right muscles by stopping your urine mid-flow, an action performed by your pelvic floor muscles. Once you do this, learn to recognize how the muscles should feel when they contract and relax.

Although, note that this method should only be used for learning purposes.

When you have a full bladder, you should not frequently start and stop your urine or do Kegel exercises.

Incomplete bladder emptying can increase your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

If you’re still unsure whether you’ve found the right muscles, consult your gynecologist. They may advise you to use a device known as a vaginal cone.

You will need to insert a vaginal cone and secure it in place using your pelvic floor muscles.

After you’ve located your pelvic floor muscles, you can perform the following Kegel exercises in any position, You can do them while sitting or standing, though lying down may be the most comfortable at first, especially if you have weak pelvic muscles.

Learn the proper techniques to perform Kegels.

For best results, focus on tightening only your pelvic floor muscles. Do not hold your breath while doing the exercises and be careful not to flex the muscles in your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks.

Kegel Exercises

Seated Fast-Twitch Kegel Exercise

Your muscles have two types of tissue: fast-twitch and slow-twitch. Fast-twitch muscles react quickly and are responsible for preventing urine leakage during a sudden coughing fit, for example.

To perform a seated fast-twitch Kegel exercise, follow these steps:

Step 1: Sit on a chair and focus on your pelvic floor muscles.

Step 2: Clench your pelvic floor muscles as if you’re squeezing something between your thighs.

Step 3: Hold the squeeze for two seconds, then release.

You can repeat this exercise up to ten times per set, for three sets a day.

Seated Slow-Twitch Kegel Exercise

Slow-twitch muscles are also important. Your slow-twitch pelvic muscles help support your internal organs during endurance activities like running or cycling.

A seated slow-twitch Kegel exercise is similar to the fast-twitch exercise above, but you need to hold the contraction for longer.

Step 1: Sit on a chair and focus on your pelvic floor muscles.

Step 2: Clench your pelvic floor muscles as if you’re squeezing something between your thighs.

Step 3: Hold for five to ten seconds, then relax.

You can repeat this exercise up to ten times per set, for three sets a day.

Horizontal Kegel Exercise

Remember that Kegel exercises can be practiced in any position. Some people may even find it more comfortable to perform Kegel exercises while lying down.

Step 1: Lie flat on the floor or on your bed. You may bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor or bed if that feels more comfortable for you. Place your hands on your stomach.

Step 2: Find your pelvic muscles and squeeze them together. Your stomach muscles should not be working at all.

Step 3: Hold the squeeze for five to ten seconds and then release.

You can repeat this ten times per set for up to three sets per day.

Standing Kegel Exercise

If you have a problem with incontinence while standing, you can also practice Kegels while standing up. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Stand upright and focus on your pelvic muscles.

Step 2: Squeeze your pelvic muscles up and in. There may be some tension in your thighs, but the stomach muscles should be at rest.

Step 3: Hold the squeeze for up to ten seconds, then relax.

You can repeat this ten times per set, and try three sets per day.

Be careful not to use Kegel exercises to start and stop your urine mid-stream. Doing Kegel exercises while emptying your bladder can lead to incomplete emptying, which increases the risk of a UTI.

When to Do Kegel Exercises

Incorporate your Kegel exercises into your daily routine. Whether you’re sitting at your desk or relaxing on the couch, you can perform these exercises privately at any convenient time.

Before performing Kegel exercises, always empty your bladder. Find a quiet, private place to sit or lie down.

When you first begin doing Kegel exercises, tense your pelvic floor muscles for three seconds, then relax them for three seconds. Repeat this up to ten times or whatever is comfortable.

Over the next few days, practice your Kegel exercises for longer and for more repetitions, in the morning and at night or up to three times a day.

Kegel Exercisers

In case you don’t have the time or motivation to exercise on your own, a Kegel exerciser can increase the efficiency of your exercises.

These handy exercise devices can help to strengthen your pelvic muscles while you go about your daily activities.

They are also fairly simple to use and discreet enough to allow you to exercise anywhere at any time. All of these advantages demonstrate why a kegel exerciser is worthwhile for those looking to improve their overall well-being.

How do Kegel Exercisers Work?

Kegel exercisers target your pelvic floor muscles, training them to contract and release, and helping improve strength. Some Kegel exercise devices use internal probes to train your muscles how to do Kegels.

There are also external Kegel devices that only stimulate your muscles to do the exercises for longer than you could on your own.

Kegel Weights

Kegel weights are inexpensive and easy and simple to use. They come in the form of balls, cones, or egg shapes. One thing to note, though, is these devices do require uninterrupted time and privacy.

Also, because they are vaginally inserted, they have a higher risk of infection, so be careful to buy only FDA-approved weights.

To perform Kegel exercises, squeeze the weights using your pelvic floor muscles.

Once you find the right muscles, it will be easier to perform Kegels anywhere on your own.

Kegel Trainers

If you’re not sure how to perform Kegel exercises properly, you may also find a device with biofeedback technology that will measure the strength of your contractions as you squeeze around the device.

Most of these vaginally inserted probes are synced to mobile apps so you can track your progress and know how well you’re doing the exercises.

Kegel trainers may also have a risk of infection and require dedicated time and privacy.

Most are not FDA-approved for incontinence. Also, be reminded that the fit can be uncomfortable at first.

Internal Stimulation

Electrical stimulation (e-stim) contracts your pelvic floor muscles to do Kegel exercises for you. Although the term “electrical stimulation” may scare you, it’s completely safe.

Your brain signals your muscles to move via electrical currents.

These kegel exercisers are originally only found in doctor’s offices but can now be used at home, though they still require dedicated time and privacy, and also has a risk of infection.

These devices can be quite strong—they contract your pelvic floor muscles for you, but the internal stimulation may give you a feeling of being violated which may not be ideal for some.

External Stimulation

This type of electrical stimulation contracts your pelvic floor muscles through the skin, doing the Kegel exercises for you.

The FDA created a new category to treat incontinence, so these external Kegel exercisers are new on the market.

Although similar in functions to the vaginal e-stim, these Kegel devices provide better comfort and safety due to the external application.

Some are gel pads worn like a thin sanitary pad, so you can still perform other activities during your sessions.

There are also others that are wearable and use a similar technology better than vaginal devices, but they are not discreet and require sizing and standing or sitting still.

Magnetic Chairs

There are also magnetic chairs used for pelvic floor strengthening or Kegel exercises.

During a session, you will sit on the chair as a high-intensity electromagnetic field causes the pelvic floor muscles to contract upwards.

This type of therapy is usually administered in a doctor’s clinic over six sessions.

However, some studies suggest that this therapy is less effective than electrical stimulation. It is also quite expensive for a kegel exerciser, with extra maintenance costs to consider.

Cautions When Doing Kegel Exercises

If you experience pain in your abdomen or back after a session of Kegels, then you’re probably not doing them properly.

Remember to keep your abdominal, back, buttocks, and side muscles relaxed as you isolate and contract your pelvic floor muscles.

Don’t be afraid to seek assistance if you’re having difficulty performing your Kegels.

Your doctor or other health care provider can provide critical feedback that will assist you to locate the correct muscles and perform the exercises.

Different Kegel exercisers such as vaginal weighted cones or biofeedback technology can also help you.

Some exercisers you can simply hold in place with pelvic muscle contractions even as you continue with your daily activities.

Others may be more invasive and require more privacy and time.

For example, during a biofeedback session, a pressure sensor will be inserted to measure your pelvic floor activity as you relax and contract your muscles.

Final Thoughts

For best results, make Kegel exercises a part of your daily routine. If you do them regularly, you can expect results within a few weeks or months.

However, whether you need an external exerciser or you can do them on your own, remember not to overdo your Kegel exercises.

Just like any other muscle in your body, if you overwork your pelvic floor, it will become too tired and unable to function properly.

Stop Suffering From Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a secret most of us will hide. There are a lot of reasons that cause it. Thankfully, there are also a ton of ways to remedy it and avoid the awkward bladder leak.

Thanks to studies, user reviews, and recommendations from people suffering from urinary incontinence, we were able to come up with this list. We understand that no one solution works for everyone, so we prepared five for you to try on.

You might be suffering from urinary incontinence due to weak pelvic floor muscles, infections, old age, or just because your bladder is weak. If you are at the early stages of your urinary incontinence, you have a higher chance of correcting it.

Unfortunately, urinary incontinence affects females as twice as much as males. Women are more susceptible as they experience pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

Now, let us get to know more about these five “must try” to check which of these solutions will work perfectly for you.

Kegel Exercise

Kegel Exercise is a specific type of routine where you tighten and contract your pelvic floor muscles. You must maintain it for a few seconds, then just repeat it multiple times.

What makes it great is you can do it anytime, anywhere.

Studies showed that Kegel Exercise can prevent and control urinary incontinence. It basically strengthens your pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder.

As for the actual routine, there is no difference between the Kegel Exercise done by men and women. To start, you must ensure your bladder is empty. Then, find a place to sit or lie down.

Once comfortable, tighten your pelvic floor muscles for at least three to five seconds. Then, you may relax the muscles. Proceed to repeat the steps at least three times. Do it every morning, afternoon, and evening.

You can start seeing results after 12 weeks of consistent Kegel Exercise or even earlier!

Medication

There are instances that exercises might not be enough to improve your urinary incontinence. So, medicine might be a great addition to it.

It is highly recommended to pair your medications with other routines and techniques for long-term effects. There are a lot of medications available in the market, depending on your need.

So, here is a list of medication and their benefits for you to weigh which will work for you.

Anticholinergics

The first one on our list is Anticholinergics. It helps to calm your overactive bladder, lessening the possibility of bladder leaks. To ensure you receive a positive result, use it consistently for 12 weeks.

However, some new Anticholinergics drugs show to reduce symptoms after two weeks of use. Unfortunately, this medication is not an over-the-counter one.

Your doctor might need to conduct a thorough exam to determine if this is the appropriate medication for you.

Mirabegron

The second medication on our list is Mirabegron, which only works for certain types of urinary incontinence. It works by relaxing your bladder muscle and can potentially increase your capability to hold more urine.

Mirabegron can also assist in completely emptying your bladder with urine. Similar to Anticholinergics, Mirabegron requires a doctor’s prescription.

This medication will usually work around four to eight hours after intake. However, it might take four to eight weeks before any noticeable improvements can be seen. So, consistent use of this medication is recommended.

Topical Estrogen

The last medication on our list is Estrogen. A lot of older women experience urinary incontinence once they are in menopause. There will be a drop in estrogen levels in their body, weakening the supportive tissues around the bladder.

To ease the problem, a low dose of topical Estrogen can help. It comes in a variety of forms, such as vaginal cream, patch, or ring. However, this is not safe for people who have a history of breast cancer and uterine cancer.

At the same time, topical Estrogen should not be confused with oral Estrogen. The latter might complicate your urinary incontinence.

Side Effects of These Medications

If you use this medication properly, you will not suffer any serious side effects. Though, the first two medications have common side effects.

Anticholinergics users can experience dryness in their mouth and constipation. While for Mirabegron, users might suffer from headaches, nausea, and irregular bowel movement.

Your medical practitioner can provide remedies to ease the following side effects.

Surgery

Surgery can be a drastic option for others. However, this is a recommended solution if you are past the early stage of urinary incontinence or suffering from serious bladder leakage.

Artificial Sphincter

The first procedure you should take into consideration is Artificial Sphincter. Essentially, an Artificial Sphincter or Valve is inserted to manage the flow of urine from your bladder to your urethra.

It is more common for males to avail of this surgery. Doctors usually recommend Artificial Sphincter for men who just undergo prostate surgery.

However, since there is a rise in women wanting to treat their urinary incontinence, Artificial Urinary Sphincter surgery for women increased.

There are no side effects to this procedure, except for potential infection and erosion if not well kept.

Sling Procedure

The second procedure you should look into is Sling Procedure. Doctors will insert a mesh or human tissue under the neck of your bladder, supporting your urethra from urine leaking.

It is a light procedure that usually takes 30 minutes to finish. Patients are encouraged to maintain it with Kegel Exercises and apply low topical Estrogen.

Some side effects reported by patients are having a hard time peeing, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and painful sexual intercourse.

Colposuspension

And the last procedure is Colposuspension. It involves placing stitches on either side of the urethra and tying them to supporting ligaments. It will then elevate the vagina.

The long-term success rate of this procedure is 85%. Unfortunately, there is a chance that the Colposuspension might not be successful or can worsen the existing condition.

Medical Devices

Medical devices are ideal if your condition is not extreme enough to require surgery but might be serious for medication and exercise. However, most of these medical devices are for women’s urinary incontinence.

Urethral Inserts

The most common is the Urethral Inserts. It is a self-administered medical device that you gently insert inside your genitalia. There are Urethral Inserts available for men and women.

These inserts must be removed before peeing as it is technically block everything, not only bladder leakage.

Unfortunately, Urethral Inserts can be uncomfortable. Worse, there are chances you might experience infection, abrasion, and irritation.

So, it is not ideal to wear them for a long period. You might want to use it during the time you need to go out.

Pessary

The next medical device is Pessary. You insert it inside your genitalia, which will support your bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum.

People with pelvic organ prolapse usually avail of this medical device. Unlike Urethral Inserts, Pessary is comfortable and soft to use. It does not have serious side effects besides occasional vaginal irritation and extra discharge.

Botox

The third medical device on our list is Botox. Although popularly known for facial cosmetic procedures, Botox is effective in controlling your bladder leakage.

Research shows that its success rate is around 70-80%. You might start noticing results two weeks after the procedure. It is recommended that you set up a six-month re-treatment plan to ensure the effects last longer.

However, if the symptoms of urinary incontinence start to show, consult your practitioner. You can have a re-treatment, provided there has been a lapse of 12 weeks between your next treatment from your first.

Radiofrequency Therapy

Last on our list is Radiofrequency Therapy. It is different from surgery as it is not an invasive process. Instead, the tissues in your lower urinary tract are heated using nonablative levels of RF energy.

It will stabilize and contract your endopelvic fascia, strengthening your urethra and bladder neck support. Radiofrequency Therapy might be the safest medical advice as it does not have any side effects.

Absorbent Pads

Absorbent Pads are the safest option out there. It is great for people scared of surgery and medical devices. It offers support while you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel Exercise and take your supplements.

It should not be confused with adult diapers, although they offer the same result. The latter are bulkier and more expensive. It can be uncomfortable for daily use and can be noticeable under your clothes.

It makes adult diapers not ideal for people working or studying. Absorbent Pads tend to be thinner and smaller. It can look bulky on fitted clothes. So, it is recommended to size up, especially on jeans.

Absorbent Pads are also cheaper than adult diapers. You can use it for at least three to four hours a day. If this is an issue for you, there are choices when picking your Absorbent Pads.

There are reusable Absorbent Pads that look like regular napkins. You can just toss them on your washer when it needs cleaning.

To wrap it up…

There is no one bladder leak solution for your urinary incontinence. Make sure to try the ones you are comfortable with and mix the following to optimize the results.

Massage guns are popular among gym-goers and athletes alike.

While there are many of these devices available in the market, the OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun has received many positive reviews because of its performance and specifications.

OPOVE Pro Massage Gun – Worth It?

Body pain slows down your performance and hinders you from getting ahead of the competition. The sooner one can get rid of the body pain quickly, the better you’ll end up in the competition.

With that said, athletes are always looking for an effective method or a tool to help them speed up that recovery.

Massage therapy is one of the popular ways to achieve that. Most would opt to go to a massage therapist for this but what if there’s a more convenient way?

That’s where massage guns come in. They’re handy, portable, and can be used at your own time and preference.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Massage Gun

Price

Like all other items in your cart you’d want to ideally get a good purchase.

Since a massage gun may come in pricier despite the array of brands that you can choose from, spotting a good price tag with some equally agreeable specs is a good deal.

Adjustable Settings

You have different relaxation needs in different times of the day and in different situations as well. It’s not every time that you need a deep and full-blown massage.

On some occasions, you may just want a simple warm-up. So, having adjustable settings allows to maximize what you can get from your massage gun.

Battery

Battery life also plays a crucial element in choosing your massage gun. You don’t want to be searching for electrical outlets and plugging your device most of the time.

It’s also better to have a device that can last longer especially when you need to take it somewhere out of the house.

Warranty Period

In relation to price, a warranty period gives you a feeling of assurance. It’s like an umbrella for your purchases.

Of course, you would not wish to take those extra steps of return a defective product, but it would be nice to know that you have that option.

Carrying Case

This may not be a big deal for most people but for some a handy and portable case with neat compartments may spell a difference, especially since the massage gun kit comes with necessities of a charger and other attachments.

Keeping all of them organized in one place makes it all the easier to use them around.

Health Condition

If you haven’t used a massage gun yet, it’s best to consult with your doctor.

Generally, massage guns help you alleviate muscle pain but it’s not recommended for those with open wounds or injuries or those with strained muscles as this may cause further damage.

Introducing the OPOVE Massage Gun Pro

The OPOVE Massage Gun is a deep tissue massager that helps you target and loosen sore tissue and muscle resulting from long and extensive workouts or from an all-day work on your feet.

You can have a relaxing massage therapy experience while at the comfort of your home.

This massage gun is for people who take their body recovery and relaxation as seriously as they follow their workouts or training.

It’s an ideal partner for athletes or serious gym-goers looking for a faster way to recover from body pain, muscle fatigue, and physical stress so they can get back on their feet again.

OPOVE Pros: 

• Portable and Lightweight case that’s easy to carry and transport anywhere.
• Low Noise Level with less than 55 DB
• 5 Adjustable Speed Range settings and 4 removable attachments
• Battery Life of 4-8-hour use
• 2.5 hours Average Charging Time
• Less expensive than other massage guns

OPOVE Cons:

• Stall force may not be a gentle touch for some
• Battery life is only at 4 hours (average)

Features and Benefits

There’s an array of features in the OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun that’s worth the look. From the ergonomic design down to its components, we’ve listed all the essential things you need to know.

Carrying Case

Whether you’re heading to the gym or just at home, you don’t need to worry about handling the device from one destination to another.

This sleek and portable design makes it easy for you to bring the massage gun wherever and whenever you need it.

The OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun also has a two-zipper case which is convenient and nice to have. Inside the case, you can see the gun itself, massage heads, wall charger, and the attachments all neatly packed into its compartments.

The Device

Despite having the common T-shaped look, like most massage guns, this device still comes across as modern with its matte black color and rubberized feel from end to end.

The controls of the OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun are simple and finished of that clean look throughout the entire body.

LED lights, showing the battery life, are placed at the back of this device.

In terms of weight, the massager itself is only 2lbs which gives it an ease in carrying. Design and built alone, it’s safe to say that this device is no eyesore.

Speed Settings

Ranging from 1300 RPM/min to 2500 RPM/min, this device has adjustable speed modes that you can choose from depending on your needs.

You can go from a simple warm-up to a full-blown massage.

These variations are helpful not just on the different occasions that you’d want to use the device.

If two or more people are sharing the massager, it’s handy for the varied preferences that one person may have from another.

However, it’s not the most powerful in the market but OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun says this is intentional as high speed percussions risk the desensitization of the skin.

Overall, these different modes available can fully cover all your relaxation needs.

Stroke Length and Stall Force

For that deep massage, the OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun promises a 12mm amplitude and a 70 lbs stall force. Amplitude is the distance that the gun travels back and forth.

Ultimately, it determines how accurate the gun is to the targeted area. With 12mm, this is already a good medium amplitude per massage gun standards.

Noise Level

With that powerful performance, this device still delivers quietly. With a noise level of less than 55 db, you can use it seamlessly while watching your favorite show or simultaneously chatting with your friends in your living room.

Battery

Now, let’s talk about the battery. The OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun has a 2600 mAh capacity. It can run from 4-8 hour which means that it can last up to 7 days or more since most massage sessions lasts 15-20 minutes only.

The battery is not removable though and the average charging time to recharge is 2.5 hours. However, lasting power still depends on the level, pressure, and frequency of use you apply.

Massage Heads

Speaking of massage heads, the OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun has six different types to choose from.

Together with its high-precision structure which helps in focusing on the target area makes the device more efficient and your experience more comfortable.

These six massage heads come in different shapes namely the ball, flat, fork/spinal, cone/bullet, wedge/shovel, and cushion head.

What Others Think About the OPOVE

Review #1:

“Purchased the Oppose M3 Pro 2 in June 1, 2020. It was recommended by my chiropractor as best value. The portable case very convenient to keep the massage gun, battery, tips and user guide together and make it easy to transport. At the time of this review it seems to be very well priced compared to similar models of this level of quality. I would buy it again.”

Review #2:

“Best Gift Ever!

I’m heavy into fitness and I’m a ergonomics coach for a group of businesses and contractors. I received this product as a late Christmas gift, and I’m so happy that I did. This is probably the best percussion gun that I have come across, and I have come across many. I was lucky enough to get the green camo gun, and apart from the amazing design it is very quiet. If you want a quiet, high quality massage, purchase this product. I’m sure you will save a fortune on your chiropractor expenses.”

Review #3:

“Perfect for relieving deep tissue soreness

I received the M3 Pro as a gift and couldn’t be happier with how well it works to relieve muscle soreness. I’m an avid runner and spend a lot of time foam rolling and stretching, yet I still frequently find that I have tight spots that could use additional work. That’s exactly when I use the M3 Pro! It’s perfect for getting at that deep tissue soreness and helps me get my legs feeling ready for the next workout.”

OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun Alternatives

If you want to see alternatives to the OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun , here are some brands that we’ve rounded up:

Everyfun M7 Pro Recovery Massage Gun

If you’re looking for a lightweight massage gun, the Everyfun M7 Pro may be your best alternative. Weighing only 1.7 lbs, this device is brought to you by Everyfun, a recovery tool brand.

It also comes with 8 massage heads specially designed for professional athletes but also covers all recovery needs whether you’ve had a hardcore workout or had a long sitting day in the office.

OPOVE vs. Everyfun

Specifications	OPOVE M3 Pro	Everyfun M7 Pro
Carrying Case	Yes	Yes
Stroke Length	12mm amplitude	12mm amplitude
Stall Force	70 lbs	50 lbs
Noise Level	Less than 50 db	Less than 40 db
Battery	2600 mAh	2100 mAh
Attachments	5 massage heads	8 massage heads
Weight	2.2 lbs	1.7 lbs

Hydragun Massage Gun

Another alternative to consider is the Hydragun Massage Gun. With stunning reviews from notable names like Vogue and Forbes, this device is powered by SmoothDrive motor technology.

The grip is slanted unlike other massage guns for a more natural grip, giving it an ergonomic design.

OPOVE vs. Hydragun

Specifications	OPOVE M3 Pro	Hydragun
Carrying Case	Yes	Yes
Stroke Length	12mm amplitude	12mm amplitude
Stall Force	70 lbs	Approx..40 lbs
Noise Level	Less than 50 db	30 db – 50 db
Battery	2600 mAh	2600 mAh
Attachments	5 massage heads	9 massage heads
Weight	2.2 lbs	2.3 lbs

Booster M2-B Massage Gun

Another contender is the M2-B Booster Massage Gun. It has three adjustable relaxation modes from the standard to automatic mode with different vibration settings from fade-out, crescendo, and wave.

You can also choose from between two kit types for this device. It has the same box components with the main and sole difference only on the charger type. Option A has the regular 24V charger while Option B has a 12V Type-C cable.

OPOVE vs. Booster

Specifications	OPOVE M3 Pro	M2-B Booster
Carrying Case	Yes	Yes
Stroke Length	12mm amplitude	80 mm amplitude
Stall Force	70 lbs	33 lbs (15 kgs)
Noise Level	Less than 50 db	35 db – 55 db
Battery	2600 mAh	2500 mAh
Attachments	5 massage heads	6 massage heads
Weight	2.2 lbs	2.2 lbs

Final Thoughts

After all that has been said, the OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun is a device worth your cash. If you’re looking for a massage gun that can bring you that desired relaxation, this device can do the job.

From the stroke length, the attachments, and down to the overall kit package, you have a complete working set that you can have wherever you need to be.

Is it the best out there?

Truthfully, there are other massage guns with more superior specs than the OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun but it all comes down to your needs and preferences.

Overall, I consider this a good device and a must have if body recovery is your priority.

Relaxation is part of wellness and giving your body time to rest allows you to function and move better in the long run.

With all the things that we do every day, it is sometimes inevitable to experience joint pain, but worry no more because with the help of Kineon Move+, it will get you covered!

Kineon Move Plus – Is It Worth It?

If you are the type of person who loves being at home but at the same time is experiencing joint pain, then Kineon Move+ is the perfect tool for your much needed therapy!

You might want to consider purchasing this home laser therapy because it gives a lot of benefits, especially for joint pain.

The focus and priority of Kineon Move Plus is to provide joint pain relief while being at home, and that gives a lot of convenience as well!

This therapy device is very compact, and easy to use as well.

Furthermore, if you are the type of person who suffers from joint pain, you can use this Kineon Move+ because it has many health benefits, specifically it can help to recover and restore the damaged tissue as well as to your knee, to lessen and ease the pain, especially if you have osteoarthritis and cartilage degradation.

If you are also the type of person who experiences chronic pain, like if you had a traumatic injury in the past, especially if you had a muscle sprain or tear, MCL, or ACL.

Additionally, if you skip doing athletic and sports activities, and if you are experiencing ache of your joints as a result it will lead you to restless sleep and nights.

Moreover, if you are the type of person who doesn’t want to spend so much on surgeries that might be risky, then Kineon Move+ is the perfect therapy device for you!

Kineon Move+ Pros and Cons

The Kineon Move+ is a red light therapy device that you can use at home. It has a lot of benefits and is a great pain reliever, especially if you have common pain.

It’s accessible because you can use it at home at any time of the day, and it’ll help you relieve pain so that you can live and move freely.

Because joints are so important in our bodies because of their functions, it’s critical that we take good care of them so that we can perform our daily tasks well.

Kineon Move+ Pros

• has advanced technology that can also reduce inflammation.
• It’s extremely salutary to have long- term pain relief.
• A big help to ease habitual pain
• An amazing device to relieve common pain
• It’s movable and easy to use anywhere and anytime.

Kineon Move+ Cons

• It’s relatively precious and pricey, but it depends on your budget.

Kineon Move+ Features and Benefits

The Kineon Move+ is a laser therapy device with many features and benefits, including the ability to relieve joint pain, this device is composed of both LED lights and laser technology, specifically for medical use.

With all the chores that we are doing every single day, muscle and joint pain is inevitable because we are using our bodies so much. One of the benefits of Kineon Move+ is that it can get rid of joint pain.

I would like for you to know the amazing benefits and features of this product from Kineon Move+ it is very portable because you can use it in the comfort of your home as well.

Furthermore, one of the benefits of Kineon Move Plus is that it can eliminate joint pain such as chronic pain such as knee pain and injuries because, as we age, our bodies are constantly active and moving, which is why joint pain is unavoidable, but not with Kineon Move+.

Neck pain and injuries are other benefits and joint pain that this red light therapy can relieve.

Because we sleep and move our necks and heads on a regular basis, we cannot control when we experience pain and ache, but it is nice to know that Kineon Move Plus can help.

Also, if you are having shoulder pain and injuries too, every time we lift something heavy, our shoulder gets in pain, but using joint therapy device, it is designed to relieve pain in multiple joints as well.

Furthermore, home light therapy device can provide a lot of benefits, especially if you have elbow pain or injuries, which athletes and sporty people can experience, and it can happen at an unexpected time, but it can be resolved because this red light therapy will do its work.

Furthermore, other benefits that this joint pain relief device can offer are if you experience back pain and injuries.

Back pain is often a problem, especially if we work for hours and we are just in one place or our back doesn’t have any proper support, but with this health technology, you can relieve your back pain and injuries as well.

Additionally, here are other benefits that this device can offer.

When ankle pain and injuries happen, this can possibly happen if you are always wearing uncomfortable shoes or heels or if you are exercising like jogging since joints can possibly be affected but fret not because Kineon Move Plus will always be to the rescue and will have you covered.

Another example of joint pain that this home therapy device can help with is head pain and injuries.

Due to all the things on our minds every day, our routine, and our lifestyle, head pain may sometimes be inevitable, but Kineon Move+ will always do its work to ease that pain.

Moreover, here are other benefits that this red light therapy device can give: when hip pain and injuries arise, one of the possible causes of this is bursitis; this is the pain you get after getting up from a chair, driving, walking, and climbing stairs, but you don’t have to worry because home joint therapy device will always be to the rescue to do its work for you.

You can use it in a 5-minute session. Kineon Move+ has a lot of amazing benefits for our joints, can also help increase blood flow, and can reduce pain and inflammation.

The features of this home remedy device is it is built with very portable design and device and it is the leading red-light therapy.

It promotes convenience and is very functional because you can use it at home or in the car and wherever you will go.

It is safe to use, and the main advantage is that it always relieves joint pain because it covers the entire joint, and it always improves movement.

One of the features of Kineon Move+ is the dual-light technology, which can help to have faster results in the muscles, joints, and other tissues, as well as deeper penetration.

Additionally, the unique design of Kineon Move Plus can help to easily to pinpoint and target the joint areas for fast relief as well.

What Others Think About Kineon Move+

Kineon Move+ has a lot of positive feedback from real users, with great and real results and testimony!

Organic feedback and marketing are always important because Kineon Move+ is an amazing device.

According to their reviews, most of them are grateful and pleased with how wellness device has helped them relieve joint pain while also increasing their movement and progress!

Kineon Move+ Alternatives

If you are looking for an alternative to red-light therapy, then these products might also be for you, and you might want to purchase them as well.

HigherDose Red Light Face Mask

If you are that type of person who loves doing self-care and is into skincare, then this product is perfect for you! The benefit of this product is of course to rejuvenate the skin and increase and boosts mood and gives a natural glow as well.

This device is composed of a light therapy device and a combination of red and near-infrared LED technologies. This device is suitable and convenient if you have a busy lifestyle because you can also use it while you are working, walking, exercising, or doing yoga.

HigherDose Red Light Face Mask Highlights

• The price is affordable.
• The key features of this device are that it reduces the redness, gives healing, can rejuvenate cells as well, and ignites glowing skin. Of course, it can boost the mood as well as achieve glowing skin.
• It is a home-use infrared light mask made of medical-grade silicone, far infrared heat, red light therapy, and, of course, eye holes, a cordless design, and a head strap.

The Nushape Lipo Wrap

The next one is the Nushape Lipo Wrap, if you are the type of person who is trying to lose weight and want to do it in the comfort of your home then this device is for you!

It is built with a red-light phototherapy wrap that can be used for home treatment and is composed of an advanced 635nm-wave red-light phototherapy technology and is a portable belt as well.

There are a lot of benefits this Nushape Lipo Wrap has, first is it promotes convenience because it loses weight, and it is non-invasive and EMF-free as well which means no needles and no knives needed compared to others of course this device is a great alternative to liposuction as well.

Nushape Lipo Wrap Highlights

• This device also helps to reduce cellulite and can relieve pain and decreases the inflammation and of course a big help to have growth and performance of the muscle
• This device is made with comfortable and soft neoprene and the led red light therapy helps a lot in recovery from workouts and is boosted with lymphatic drainage.

LifePro Infrared & Red Light Therapy Device

Additionally, there is also the Life Pro Infrared & Red-light Therapy Device. This product is built with red light therapy device that prioritizes pain relief in our body.

Life Pro Infrared & Red-light Therapy Device

• This device is also composed of a red-light therapy lamp that has 3 wavelengths for healing effects for your joints and muscle as well.
• This device is great, compact, and handy while doing its work to relieve the pain
• It also promotes natural pain relief for the back, knee, and shoulder as well and improves circulation to keep you healthy and prioritize health and wellness to be relieved and relaxed all the time.

Final Thoughts

Every day we are living, moving, and working, it is important to take good care of our health, body, and joints to live long and well.

However, sometimes it is inevitable that we might experience joint and muscle pain because of the activities that we are doing in our daily lives as well.

Additionally, you don’t have to worry because in the modern world we are living in now, amazing gadgets and devices are discovered to make our lives easier and more comfortable as well.

The Kineon Move+ is very important because it gives a lot of benefits to every people in need and of course, it is very functional and helpful to all the people who experience joint pain and chronic pain as well so that they can experience relief and be back on their track.

This device is a lifesaver and a great and powerful tool to make everyone’s life better especially those who needed it the most.

This device is such an amazing piece to purchase for it always promotes relief of joint pain and can ease easily so you can live happily and healthy joints and muscles and healthy body as well, of course it produces long-lasting joint pain relief.

It is wonderful to recognize the importance of pelvic floor muscles and to take good care of them as well as our bodies to maintain a healthy lifestyle and muscles.

This article will teach you about the significance of pelvic floor muscles.

Reasons to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

Straight to the Point

The goal of this post is to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of pelvic floor muscles in our bodies and health.

It is a must to maintain healthy pelvic floor muscles. Are you looking for an automatic pelvic floor exerciser that is good for your body and health?

ELITONE is the great answer for you! ELITONE is a fantastic pelvic floor exerciser that can also help to rebuild muscle tone!

You can wear it under your clothes for 20 minutes a day for 6 weeks. It is built with a unique and great function, especially if you want to get rid of pads due to leaking, and this can treat urinary incontinence.

ELITONE is the key! It promotes convenience since you won’t use pads anymore; say goodbye to leaks, especially for women; and say hello and welcome confidence with ELITONE!

Reasons to Exercise Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

First, it supports the pelvic organs of the body like the uterus, which is the womb of the woman, the bladder and bowel, and the rectum.

Pelvic floor muscles play a big role in those organs and provide a lot of support as well. It strengthens the muscles too.

Firmness is the second most important aspect of pelvic floor muscles. Since it is also known as part of the inner core and one of the muscles in our body, it supports and balances the lower back and the pelvis as well.

Another benefit of pelvic floor muscles, particularly for women, is that they give and provide great support for the baby, especially during pregnancy, and it is recommended and required that they be relaxed during childbirth.

Pelvic floor muscles are also a big help for circulation, specifically in our hearts. Pelvic floor muscles help a lot with pumping to return blood to the heart of our body.

The next function of pelvic floor muscles, particularly in men, is to support the male pelvic floor muscles as well as his bowel and bladder.

Pelvic floor muscles act as a big support for the organs of the body like the uterus, prostate, bladder, bowel, anus, and rectum.

Additionally, one of its functions is to relax and squeeze so you can control when you pee and release feces and gas.

Having and practicing pelvic floor muscle exercises can improve one’s health and, of course, one’s quality of life. It is great to always be healthy in all ways possible.

The next benefit of pelvic floor muscles is that they aid in the improvement and maintenance of good posture in our bodies.

It is advantageous to have good posture as well, because it is necessary for our bones to have stronger muscles in the long run. It can also help protect your back, especially during pregnancy.

Furthermore, because they protect the organs and spine of the body, pelvic floor muscles provide a great deal of assistance.

It also improves the health of all organs associated with and found in that region. Moreover, it permits your body to assimilate external weight, like if you’re lifting something.

Additionally, pelvic floor muscles can help enhance sexual function in both women and men. It has a huge role in the orgasm because it is also functional and beneficial, especially to the blood flow during sex.

In women, pelvic floor muscles can help increase vaginal lubrication and reduce pain, especially during vaginal penetration.

On the other hand, in men, it is also a big help pertaining to blood flow, especially to your genitals. Another benefit of pelvic floor muscles for men is that they help with ejaculation and erectile function.

How do I know if my pelvic floor muscles are strong or weak?

Pelvic floor muscles are known to be strong if they are healthy. Having strong pelvic floor muscles can make you feel confident because you don’t have to worry about urine leakage in your body.

Yes, this is one of the symptoms of having a strong one.

Furthermore, strengthening your pelvic floor muscle with the right exercises like Kegels can be a big help, especially for urinary incontinence, as well as treating a prolapsed pelvic organ and improving sexual health, such as resulting in a stronger orgasm.

Additionally, strong pelvic floor muscles prevent incontinence of the bladder and bowel movements.

On the other hand, pelvic floor muscles can be known and observed to be weak if there is a saggy and vulnerable pelvic floor. Constipation, straining, and leaking stools and urine are all symptoms.

Furthermore, obesity is one of the symptoms of having weak pelvic floor muscles, and excessive weightlifting may affect your muscles and cause back pain, while chronic coughing is usually associated with smoking or other health issues.

Furthermore, pregnancy and childbirth, especially if the labor is long, can lead to problems with the pelvic floor. Also, aging can cause changes and weakness in the pelvic floor muscles.

Why are pelvic floor muscles important for men?

Pelvic floor muscles are, moreover, critical for men since they bolster bladder and bowel development. Furthermore, it can influence the usefulness of sexual execution.

Moreover, it further fortifies the penis and bolsters the prostate and bowel. Men must maintain center stability, bladder and bowel control, erectile function, and sexual satisfaction.

Furthermore, performing and doing Kegel’s exercises for pelvic floor muscles is both necessary for good health and a big help in strengthening the muscles.

Having healthy pelvic floor muscles can improve one’s quality of life and state of good living, as well as healthy living.

Additionally, it is also highly recommended that men do pelvic floor exercises as well, especially if they lift weights, have a chronic cough, or have undergone or will undergo prostate surgery soon.

It is a must to do and add pelvic floor exercises to your daily routine to, of course, take good care of your pelvic floor muscles for the betterment of your condition and to strengthen your pelvic floor as well.

Why does pelvic floor weaken with age?

All of us experience changes as we age. Of course, through aging, there are a lot of bodily changes and factors to be considered, which is why it is very important to maintain and strengthen our pelvic floor muscles.

Did you know that as we age, there might be a possibility that our pelvic floor may weaken?

Here are some of the reasons: First, due to hormonal changes that can cause weaker or stiffer pelvic floor muscles, Connective tissues stiffen and provide less support.

Additionally, another reason why the pelvic floor weakens with age is that bad habits, such as holding our urine for too long or straining with bowel movements, begin to catch up with us over time.

All these factors can lead to dysfunction of the pelvic floor.

What are the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor problems may lead to dysfunction. Here are the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction: first, difficulty urinating or passing stools, as well as issues regarding the urinary system, the urge to urinate, and experiencing painful urination too.

Urinary incontinence is one of the symptoms, too. Additionally, you can experience lower back pain or hip pain. The next symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction is constipation, especially when stools move too slowly and can’t release easily.

The third is when women experience discomfort during sexual encounters. Furthermore, pelvic floor dysfunction might be connected to organs, especially if there is pelvic organ prolapse and pain and pressure in the pelvic region, rectum, and genitals.

Moreover, another symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction is muscle spasms in the pelvis.

Moreover, the pelvic floor muscles and tissues can end up strained amid pregnancy, particularly on the off chance that labor, and conveyance take longer than regular and are difficult.

Does walking strengthen pelvic floor muscles?

It is a must to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to have a healthy lifestyle and, of course, to avoid any pelvic floor dysfunction.

Proper exercise can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and be strong as well. Do you know that walking can be a big help with strengthening your pelvic floor muscles? There are activities and exercises that are beneficial.

One of them is walking. While walking, it is advisable to have a gentle stroll for at least 20 minutes or more and regular gentle exercises as well. Walking in water is also recommended because it helps your body posture and pelvis.

Walking is a great exercise for our pelvic floor muscles because it gives a lot of benefits like strengthening our pelvic floor, and as we all know, walking is the easiest way and an exercise we can do every day, right?

It is great to invest our time in walking as well as for the betterment of our pelvic floor, and of course, adding exercise like walking to our daily lives leads to amazing results for our overall health and our pelvic floor. It can boost our health as well.

Additionally, you can also do and perform exercises like squats / slopes because they help strengthen the pelvic floor.

You can try this in an open field or outside spaces so you can maximize and perform well, and squats / slopes are a big help for stabilizing while being unsteady.

Moreover, you can also perform exercises on a treadmill; if you’re walking on one, the incline should be slightly higher.

A treadmill that doesn’t have an incline is not “natural” to the body’s ability to walk on real ground. Increasing the incline provides your body with a more realistic path, one that is more like what you do every day.

Final Thoughts

Of course, it is advantageous to take great care of our pelvic floor muscles and allow ourselves to have a sound body.

Pelvic floor muscles are an exceptionally critical portion of our body since they bolster those critical organs such as the uterus, bladder, and bowel.

Pelvic floor muscles are extremely beneficial and aid in the advancement of the network and life span.

Pelvic floor muscles play a vital part in our bodies, and after perusing this article, you’ll understand how vital they are, what they do, and how they shift depending on whether they are solid or frail. A strong and healthy pelvic floor helps in avoiding prolapse, incontinence, and other issues.

Pelvic floor muscles are beneficial and necessary for organ and body function. Strengthening our pelvic floor muscles is beneficial to our health and aids in the prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Proper exercise, such as walking and Kegel exercises, promotes healthy pelvic floor muscles. Understanding the performance of our pelvic floor muscles is beneficial to be aware of and knowledgeable about how important it is in our daily lives, as well as to our health and body.

What’s Next?

Pelvic floor muscles give a lot of benefits to our body and are very functional and significant. It is also necessary to strengthen our pelvic floor muscles to have a healthy and longer life.

Taking care of and being aware of the performance of our pelvic floor muscles is, of course, necessary if we are to live and want a healthy lifestyle. Also, it is nice to perform exercises that can strengthen and improve the pelvic floor muscles.

You ought to contribute your time to working out and taking great care of your pelvic floor muscles to dodge any pelvic floor brokenness and to live completely.

It is also beneficial to investigate and try new things that are beneficial to you.

For illustration, why not attempt using a programmed pelvic floor exerciser like ELITONE, outlined particularly for ladies, to dispense with spillage and the use of cushions due to urinary incontinence? Astounding, right?

Maybe someone recommended buying the Teeter FreeStep as a remedy. Thus the question, “Is The Teeter FreeStep Good For Those With Hip Pain?”

The simple answer is yes! The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer is a low-impact exercise machine, ensuring you experience less to no hip and joint pain upon use.

It promises the same effect as physical therapy technology, all accomplished in the comfort of your home. It is a workout investment piece, known for its durability.

Can The Teeter FreeStep Help With Hip Pain?

What to Expect From Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer?

The Teeter FreeStep prides itself on its patented stride technology and commercial PT equipment license. No wonder it is also a great machine for rehab patients.

Now, you can exercise at ease without feeling any hip and joint pain with their zero-impact exercise machine.

What Makes Teeter FreeStep Unique From Others?

Teeter ensures that FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer has a flexible design, catering to all fitness levels while maintaining its promise. It has a comfortable recliner seat to remove any stress on your joints and back.

At the same time, Teeter makes sure to provide a larger ComfortSelect Seat to provide comfortable sitting for all sizes. You can also adjust the seat to different positions, allowing people with shorter or longer legs a pleasant experience.

They also ensure that their SoftStep Pedals have durable grip surfaces to avoid slippage while working out. Once you stride and pedal, it will give you a smooth, frictionless workout, thanks to its fluid start-up.

Teeter FreeStep guarantees that the motion mimics natural strides, following a linear path to cushion your knees and joints.

Furthermore, Teeter designed its SuperGrip handles with a high-grade polyurethane coating, so you can still hold into it even with sweaty palms.

So, does it benefit only people with hip pain?

Of course not. However, the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer is an excellent choice for people with joint issues to help them take care of and better themselves.

Teeter FreeStep understands that you might want to up your exercise regime once you get comfortable with the machine. So, they included a dial where you can turn the dial to 13 different levels, making your workout from light to intense.

The machine will engage both your upper and lower body, distributing exertion to avoid immediately tiring you out, thanks to its smooth dual motion.

In no time, you will experience improvement in your hip pain. These smooth movement exercises eliminate stress and burden from your hip joints. Also, it will help you stretch your muscles and strengthen your hips.

Teeter FreeStep will help you to get physically active without hurting yourself while improving how your body handles stress.

And, if you worry that the Teeter FreeStep can get loud, we have good news.

It promises a whisper-quiet performance, all because of its friction-free magnetic resistance. Now, you can work out day or night without worrying that you will disturb your neighbors.

What Is the Weight Limit for the Teeter FreeStep?

The weight limit for Teeter FreeStep is 300 lbs (136.0 kgs). Although durable, it is not recommended to use the machine if you exceed the weight limit.

And if used by someone weighing more than the enumerated, it might affect the machine’s durability.

Unfortunately, there are no available upgrades or alternative products to cater to people weighing more than 300 pounds. The best choice, for now, is to visit your local Physical Therapy clinic to ask assistance.

Can You Lose Weight With Teeter Freestep?

Yes, you can lose weight when you exercise with Teeter FreeStep. It mobilizes both your upper and lower muscles.

Teeter FreeStep prides itself that you can burn more calories using its machine than riding a recumbent bicycle.

A study showed that exercising with Teeter FreeStep will burn 17.4% more calories than using a standard bike, even though both require the same level of exertion.

You can adjust the dial for a more intense workout, burning more calories. It is also great for people who want to progress in their exercise routine.

How the Teeter Freestep Reduces Hip and Joint Pain

Teeter FreeStep design mimics the machines available in Physical Therapy clinics, ensuring that it is suitable for reducing stress and pain in your hip and joints.

With every step you make, it creates a zero-resistance, fluid motion, removing any harsh strain.

At the same time, Teeter FreeStep avoids cyclical movement that can lead to sprains. So, they introduce a linear path instead, promising a stress-free, low-impact exercise.

Is the Teeter Freestep a Good Workout?

Yes, it is a good workout machine! As already mentioned, it will help you lose weight, relieve stress from your hip and joints, and at the same time, improve your overall physical condition.

It will encourage you to sweat and exercise more as it is a low-impact exercise machine. It is not strenuous, but still provides a comprehensive workout routine, including a cardiovascular mode and strengthening.

Once you get used to it, you might want to add another routine or steps to your exercise. You can check Teeter’s website for other machines and tools you can incorporate.

Are There Different Kinds of Teeter Freestep?

Technically, yes. There are two kinds namely, FreeStep L3 and FreeStep L1. These two designs are basically the same. The differences fall on additional upgrades available on FreeStep L3.

FreeStep L3 has a two-year extended warranty, SoftStep Pedals, ComfortSelect Seat, SureGrip Handles, and UltraGlide Bearings.

We suggest that you buy the FreeStep L3 for ultimate comfort. It is also advisable for people who experience extreme pain as it accommodates you more.

Regardless, you can also pick FreeStep L1 if you are not interested in the added accessories.

In the end, both offer same comfort to every user. Unfortunately, in case you want to upgrade FreeStep L1 to FreeStep L3, the add-ons are not sold separately.

So, you need to make sure that you do not need the additional attachments for your FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer.

What Muscles Does the Teeter FreeStep Work?

It works multiple muscles of your body, namely the biceps, triceps, and back muscles. However, you have the choice to set it up and target isolated parts of your legs or arms. And then, you can raise the dial to intensify the workout.

While you exercise, you are assured that you are doing an effective exercise without negatively impacting your back, hips, and knees. Overall, it will help you exercise your whole body.

Can a Teeter Freestep Heal Your Hip Pain?

Unfortunately, the Teeter FreeStep will not heal your hip pain. If you are looking to relieve it, then you are better off attending your physician.

These medical experts know what appropriate medications will help you. For example, using the best Omega-3 supplement to aid your aching arthritis.

Teeter FreeStep acts similar to a Physical Therapy Clinic but is accessible in the comfort of your home. The machine will help you improve your physical condition without straining your already hurting hips.

As mentioned, Teeter FreeStep will help you build your muscles. Some might think that it does not directly help their hip and joint pains, but it is. Having stronger muscles means helping your joints to be in good shape.

The muscles act like a protective covering for the joints to avoid wearing and tearing. So, when you exercise daily, you are preventing the possibility of making your hip pain worse.

Fortunately, the Teeter FreeStep has a fluid motion, which will encourage you to exercise without fearing that you are going to trigger your hip pain more.

How Do You Use Teeter Freestep?

Using the Teeter FreeStep looks easy, but let us correct some steps you might overlook. Some will start by sitting, then pedal and pull the handles back and forth. Those steps are fine, so you can familiarize yourself more with the machine.

The first thing to note is to adjust the handles and seat. You must make sure that the length of the handles is not too far away from your body. If not, then you might notice that you are dragging yourself forward as you pull and push the handles.

You can also adjust your handlebars to focus on exercising specific muscles. When you turn the handlebars outwards, then you can concentrate on your arms.

As for the seats, you can just pull them up or down to fit your legs. You do not want to push your feet out of the pedal, but also not too far in. You know you might be doing it wrong when it feels uncomfortable using it.

You can also recline the chair all the way back to fit your preference.

Next is your posture, especially your shoulders. You need to push it back and square, then your spine will follow. Having a bad posture can be a detriment to your health as it might cause scoliosis or spinal pains.

And, as for the resistance level, you can dial it up and down. The adjuster is easily accessible behind your seat.

You can also check on your progress by pressing the blue button on the machine that will display how long have you been on the machine and the estimated calories burned.

With all of these, you can now customize your whole experience.

Are There Any Adverse Effects of Using Teeter Freestep?

There are no adverse effects when using the Teeter FreeStep. It is merely a machine that mainly assists people with hip and joint pain exercises. As long as you use it properly, you can only receive results.

The general consensus for this product is it is comfortable and easy to use.

Most reviews do not have anything to say besides that some consumers wanted to customize their Teeter FreeStep. So, they can install their preferred seat or handlebars.

However, as to health concerns, there are none.

Is Teeter Freestep Available in Stores Nationwide?

Technically, none. You can visit Teeter’s website to check their shop. The website includes details you need to know about the product. They also have YouTube videos for a more in-depth discussion about the machine itself.

You can also buy via their Amazon Store. They also posted all their products there, including the Teeter FreeStep. And if you are a keen client, all the public reviews from customers are also there.

You can check their personal experiences that might be similar to yours. It will give you an understanding of whether it will suit you.

And, if the price is steep for you, Teeter offers a payment plan you can avail of.

At the same time, if you compare the Teeter FreeStep to its competitors, Teeter always comes up with one of the best and most affordable machines in the market. So, it is basically a steal to get this good of a deal.

Final Thoughts

To summarize what we have learned so far, we know that Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer is a smooth, low-impact exercise machine.

It is licensed as a piece of commercial Physical Therapy equipment, which you can use in your house anytime.

Once you use it, you will pedal in a linear motion, avoiding any stress on your hip and joints. You can also exercise your arms and core as you push and pull the handlebars.

You can easily change the intensity of the exercise by turning the dial. It promises that it will help you achieve a healthy body without putting any burden on your already hurting hips.

As you strengthen your muscles, you protect your hips and joints better. You can avoid wear and tear as your muscle cushion them for you.

With this exercise, partnered with a healthy lifestyle, you will walk and move easily in no time. What is left for you to do is start this workout regime.

If you are interested to start your hip pain-free exercise journey, visit the Teeter website today!

This versatile appliance is a powerhouse in the kitchen, which means that if you’re into meal prep or need to regularly cook for a larger group, this could be the solution that you’re looking for.

Dissatisfied with my wimpy, bare-bones blender that couldn’t do much more than make a milkshake, I set out to find a multitasking machine that would support my healthier lifestyle.

Let’s find out how well the Vitamix 7500 Blender performed.

Vitamix 7500 Blender: Worth The Investment?

Things to Consider Before Buying a Blender

If you’re like me, then it’s probably been years since you last shopped for a blender.

As you might expect, things have changed a lot.

That’s good news if you’re looking for a model with all the bells and whistles, but it can be troublesome if you aren’t certain what all the bells and whistles are.

This is what I’ve learned by researching tips for buying a blender.

Speed Settings

It’s essential that a blender have variable speed control. Some models are simple with three settings, but others have as many as 10.

This is important because speed control is what allows you to achieve the perfect texture every time.

Whether you need to make a smooth puree or a chunky salsa, a blender with many speed settings makes this possible.

The Jug or Jar

The container in which you mix food and beverages can vary widely between models. They may be made of glass or plastic.

While some jars are sized to prepare one serving at a time, others can handle multiple servings at once.

This is a critical consideration depending upon whether you plan to prepare recipes just for yourself or for the whole family.

Multiple Functions

Some blenders are designed to only handle simple, straightforward blending.

Others can cook, fill in for a food processor, make juice and do many other things.

Before you make a buying decision, think carefully about how you plan to use your blender so that it can meet your needs.

Durability

If you plan to use your blender every day, or perhaps even several times a day, then durability matters.

If at all possible, it’s wise to choose a model that has stainless steel components.

The Vitamix 7500 Blender

This is one of Vitamix’s older models, but it’s reliable and powerful.

In the box, are the motor base and a low-profile, 64-ounce container. There’s also a low-profile tamper, a cookbook and a quick-start guide.

The dimensions are 17.5 inches by 9.4inches by 7.7 inches, and the cord is six-feet long.

Although powerful, the Vitamix 7500 Blender is designed for home use.

It can make a variety of recipes ranging from hot soups to frozen desserts.

The Vitamix 7500 is part of Vitamix’s Legacy Series. According to the website, these models offer “intuitive controls” and “simple design.”

Vitamix’s newer Explorian and Ascent Series feature more recent innovations, but fewer stainless steel parts, which may make the Vitamix 7500 a good compromise.

Pros:

• Powerful
• Versatile
• Stainless steel components

Cons:

• Expensive
• The container isn’t dishwasher safe
• No digital timer
• Only a seven-year warranty

Features and Benefits

The Motor

This is one of the features that really sets the Vitamix 7500 Blender apart from the competition.

That’s because this model features a 2.2 horsepower motor. The more powerful the motor is, the better vortex the blender is able to create.

Accordingly, this powerful motor can blend thick mixtures with ease.

That’s critical if you’re going to be blending thick, chunky recipes on a regular basis.

Even if you don’t, it’s nice to know that your blender is strong enough to handle almost anything that you might throw at it, which might include some tough, leafy greens.

The Blades

If you’ve got a powerful motor that can really cut through tough, thick foods, then it’s important to also have strong, sharp blades that can keep up.

That is certainly the case with this model. It features hardened stainless steel blades.

That’s aircraft-grade steel that stays sharp and ready even after years of use.

That is just one of the reasons why this blender is able to help you create such a wide variety of dishes.

With stainless steel blades, you know that they can cut through just about anything.

Plus, they stay sharper longer, so you don’t have to worry about them wearing out as quickly as blades made from other materials.

Variable Speed Control

Like many of the best blenders, the Vitamix 7500 Blender features 10 speed settings.

This means that you are totally in control when it comes to choosing just how smooth or chunky you want your final recipe to be.

Another major plus with this appliance is the presence of a pulse button.

Use the pulse button when you need to process certain ingredients before you begin the actual blending. As an example, you might use the pulse function to chop up larger chunks of vegetables or fruit before blending them with other ingredients.

The pulse function is precise. It runs at medium speed, and as soon as you stop touching the button, the function stops.

This means that you can achieve a finer texture with some ingredients before you create a mixture.

The Container

This is a low-profile container that is designed to fit under standard kitchen cabinets. Accordingly, you likely can store this blender on the counter so that you can easily access it every day.

Despite being relatively short, the container can hold as much as 64 ounces. This means that you could make recipes just for you or something for a crowd.

Equipped with a pouring spout, this container is made to easily dispense its contents without creating a huge mess.

However, I don’t like everything about the jar. Most notably, it’s made of plastic.

When you spend upwards of $500 on a blender, it isn’t asking too much to expect a glass container.

Glass is more durable and just gives the entire unit a top-of-the-line look and feel.

Having a plastic jar on this model feels a bit cheap.

Plastic blender containers tend to get scratched. Accordingly, anything that is etched or painted on them, like measuring markings, get obscured fairly quickly.

Additionally, this jar is not dishwasher safe, which I think is another major setback for this model.

Self-Cleaning

While it is not possible to put the plastic container in the dishwasher, this blender does have a self-cleaning function.

All you have to do is place a drop of dish soap and some warm water in the blender.

Turn the machine on to its highest speed setting to allow it to self-clean in about 60 seconds.

It is nice that no disassembly is required to run the self-cleaning function.

Still, that self-cleaning cycle isn’t always sufficient to clean absolutely everything from the container and the blades.

In short, I still wish that I could put the jar in the dishwasher for thorough disinfecting.

Versatility

This is one of the areas in which the Vitamix 7500 excels.

It includes a special tamper so that you can process even the thickest, most stubborn ingredients. This means that you don’t constantly need to stop the machine to scrape the sides.

Accordingly, you can make almost anything in this blender. Some examples include:

• Baby food
• Pancake batter
• Muffin batter
• Cookie dough
• Nut butter
• Salad dressing
• Spreads and dips
• Juices
• Smoothies
• Ice cream
• Soup

If your own imagination fails you, just turn to the included cookbook. It’s loaded with ideas and recipes that will keep you experimenting for months.

This level of versatility is mainly thanks to the number of speed settings that are available on the Vitamix 7500 Blender.

A lesser model would give you less control.

What Others Are Saying

Many customers seem to be completely satisfied with their blender.

One notes that it’s a “powerful blender” with “all the best features” while another praises the model for having a container with a cylindrical bottom, which makes it easier to clean.

Still another customer says that this blender “can take your kitchen to the next level,” calling this model a “premium pick.”

Alternatives

Blendtec Designer 725 Blender

If you choose Blendtec Designer 725 Blender, you’re actually getting a package deal. It includes a Go Jar that is designed to be more portable so that you can take it to the gym, in the car or wherever you’re heading that day.

That’s a really nice and convenient extra feature.

This model also has half-a-dozen pre-programmed cycles, which takes some of the guesswork out of creating common recipes.

These settings include self-cleaning, hot soups, juice, ice cream, dips and smoothies.

Also included is smart technology that senses potential problems like loading errors and air pockets. This is an advanced feature that the Vitamix 7500 simply doesn’t have.

With 100 speed settings, this is a really sophisticated appliance. The touch-screen controls are sleek and modern while the graphic OLED display is capable of communicating with users in four languages.

This model is more expensive than the Vitamix 7500. However, with its impressive power, extra accessories and clearly sophisticated functionality, this unit is probably worth it for the person who plans to use their blender a lot.

Quiet operation means that you won’t disturb the rest of the family with early morning use.

Plus, the 90-ounce container is huge. If you’re used to preparing meals for a crowd, this is a great choice.

Durable, stylish, powerful and sleek, it would be difficult to outperform this model from Blendtec.

Ninja BL610

While not quite as powerful as the Blendtec, the Ninja BL610 is still a high-speed machine that features a 72-ounce container.

Actually, this is an eight in one blender that can grind coffee, make smoothies, chop foods, create baby food and make ice cream. You also could mince and shop meat, make soybean milk or extract juice.

That’s a lot of functionality in a single appliance.

Plus, it has a 2.25 horsepower motor.

The six stainless steel blades are razor sharp to cut through even the toughest foods. This means you can juice absolutely anything, even those tough leafy greens.

A wide variety of speed settings are possible, and all removable components are dishwasher safe.

This blender also has a self-cleaning cycle for messes that aren’t quite so tough.

Cleanblend Ultra Blender

The Cleanblend Ultra Blender is a much more economical model for consumers who are looking for excellent value.

It comes with a smaller, 40-ounce pitcher. Nonetheless, the 1,000 watt motor is sufficiently powerful, and the inclusion of a convenient tamper wand is a thoughtful accessory.

There are eight stainless steel blades ensuring that your ingredients get chopped as precisely as you like.

On a model this inexpensive, it’s nice to see features like 10 speed settings and a pulse function.

With this single appliance, you can liquefy, puree, process, heat, grind, chop, crush and blend. This makes it pretty much as versatile as all of the other more expensive models on this list.

Even the five-year warranty isn’t too bad for an appliance at this price point.

Final Thoughts

This model isn’t Vitamix’s latest, but it’s reliable.

The powerful 2.2 horsepower motor of the Vitamix 7500 Blender is impressive, and it can make hot soups, dough, frozen desserts, flours and more.

This model also has stainless steel components around the casing and dials. This makes it more durable and quieter than some newer Vitamix Explorian models.

While this blender has a lot going for it, it’s priced at more than $500, the container isn’t dishwasher-safe, the blender lacks a digital timer and it only has a seven-year warranty.

Still, for the right buyer, this is a quiet, powerful and versatile choice.