Hypopressives is an evidence-based breathing and movement programme, that uses a specific breathing technique through various postures. The aim is to decreased the excess pressure in the intra-abdominal cavity.

It is a whole-body exercise, involving poses and movement, that resembles yoga and Pilates exercises. The aim is to reduce the pressure on the pelvic floor, while engaging the supporting muscles. The exercises may include (subject to contraindications) an “apnoea” breath, i.e. a false inhalation, creating a vacuum effect in the thoracic cavity, lifting the internal organs and engaging the deep core muscles. Postures may be static or dynamic, and the programme includes manual therapy and release of tension in the fascia all over the body (for example, the feet.)

The technique can be used to help people with symptoms of prolapse and incontinence by strengthening and lifting the pelvic floor. It also helps to improve the muscle tone of the rest of the body, to further support the pelvic floor in its job. Furthermore, there are many variations e.g. for those less mobile, poses can be performed using a wall.

Other benefits include:

• improved posture

• flatter stomach

• reduction/prevention of back pain

• increased respiratory capacity - now being used by athletes to improve their performance.

Hypopressives might not be well-known in the UK and Ireland, but it has been around since the 1980s. The original programme was designed by a physiotherapist, Marcel Caufriez, following his observations of post-natal women who had experienced pelvic floor dysfunction or pelvic organ prolapse. He developed the “Hypopressive Method”, which has been adapted and developed across many countries, in particular Spain. It is also known as Low-Pressure Fitness. I have trained under the International Hypopressives Council (IHC), which is a worldwide organisation focussing on the treatment and prevention of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), via a network of qualified trainers. Tamara Rial and Piti Pinsach integrated resistance and alignment work with a crucial breathing protocol. The success of Hypopressives in Belgium, known as the Hypopressive Method, and in Spain and South America as Low-Pressure Fitness, has contributed to its widespread adoption. Now, under the guidance of the International Hypopressive Council, it is recognised worldwide for treating and preventing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and other pelvic floor issues.