Hypopressive Classes
A postural and breathing technique for pelvic floor recovery — without the pressure of Kegels.
What is Hypopressive Classes?
Hypopressive Classes use a specific combination of diaphragmatic breathing, postural sequences, and an apnea (vacuum) phase to reduce intra-abdominal pressure and reflexively activate the deep core and pelvic floor — without voluntary contraction.
The method was developed by Belgian physiotherapist Dr. Marcel Caufriez in the 1980s, originally for postnatal pelvic floor recovery, and is now used widely in pelvic health physiotherapy for prolapse management, incontinence prevention, postpartum recovery, and return-to-load training.
Hypopressives are distinct from Kegels. Kegels increase intra-abdominal pressure while voluntarily contracting the pelvic floor; hypopressives reduce pressure and let the pelvic floor and transverse abdominis reactivate reflexively. The two can complement each other — they are not interchangeable.
Common symptoms
Specific symptom indicators pending Discovery Brief sign-off. The questions in "When to see us" below describe the typical experiences patients bring to consultation.
When to see us
If any of these sound familiar, booking a consultation is worth your time.
- →Postpartum and looking for a low-impact route back to core and pelvic floor strength?
- →Managing pelvic organ prolapse and want to reduce daily pressure on the supporting tissues?
- →Mild stress urinary incontinence — leakage with running, lifting, sneezing — that you want to address without high-impact work?
- →Returning to load-bearing training (lifting, running, sport) and want to rebuild the deep system first?
- →Drawn to a pelvic floor approach that works through posture and breath rather than voluntary contraction?
How we treat it
The method has three parts that come together in each pose: a specific posture (often referred to as a "key"), full diaphragmatic exhalation, and a brief apnea — closing the glottis and drawing the abdomen up and in. The combination reflexively engages the pelvic floor and transverse abdominis.
Classes are progressive. We begin with breathing mechanics and posture, then layer in the apnea phase, then build through more demanding sequences as your pelvic floor and breath capacity respond.
For postpartum recovery, hypopressives slot in once your six-week post-birth check has cleared you for exercise (longer for caesarean recovery — check with your obstetrician). They pair well with traditional pelvic floor work and graded return-to-running programmes.
For prolapse management, hypopressives are an adjunct to first-line pelvic floor physiotherapy, not a replacement. Pessary support, lifestyle modification, and targeted pelvic floor training remain the foundation.
Safety: hypopressives are NOT performed during pregnancy. Other contraindications include recent abdominal or pelvic surgery (clear with your surgeon), uncontrolled hypertension, and certain cardiac conditions. We screen before starting.
- •Diaphragmatic Breathing
- •Postural Training
- •Apnea (Vacuum) Technique
- •Core Reactivation
- •Postpartum Recovery Focus
- •Group & Individual Sessions
What to expect at your first visit
Initial evaluation typically takes 60 minutes. We'll discuss your history, run a relevant assessment, and agree on a treatment plan together — you set the pace.
[Specific details TBC with clinic in Discovery Brief.]
Ready to talk to us?
A consultation is the fastest way to find out whether we are the right team for you.
Book a consultation →Content reviewed by Lymph & Pelvic Care Kenya. Last updated: pending Discovery Brief sign-off.