The Tools of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Top Pelvic Floor Therapy Tools for Effective Treatment and How to Use Them
Did you know that nearly 25% of women in the U.S. suffer from pelvic floor disorders? If you're one of them, you're not alone—and there's hope. Imagine being able to actively change and improve your pelvic health and get back to the things you love in life again.
In this guide, we'll explore the top pelvic floor therapy tools that can transform your treatment experience. From dilators to biofeedback devices, learn how these tools can empower you to take charge of your pelvic health.
Why Specialized Pelvic Floor Therapy Tools Matter
Addressing Common Challenges
Pelvic floor dysfunction can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering where to start. Maybe you've tried exercises or medications with little success. These tools are designed to target specific issues like pelvic pain, incontinence, or postpartum recovery, providing solutions where traditional methods may fall short.
Build Independence
By learning how to work on your pelvic floor outside of therapy sessions, it allows you to have more control in your treatment. They can help maintain gains in between your therapy sessions, improve your symptoms, and even help you work through possible flare ups.
The Importance of the Right Tools
Using the right pelvic floor therapy tools based on what your specific body needs can dramatically improve your outcomes. This is why it is important to consult with a pelvic floor therapist first before using tools at home, as certain tools might not be as beneficial for your specific condition.
Top Pelvic Floor Therapy Tools
1. Dilators
Dilators are essential for addressing vaginal tightness, painful intercourse, or conditions like vaginismus or dyspareunia. They are available in various sizes and different materials ranging from plastic to medical grade silicone. They work by helping to retrain your pelvic muscles to relax and well as desensitizing your nervous system to a painful or threatening stimulus like penetration. People who have difficulty or pain with pelvic exams, menstrual care, or sex can benefit from these tools.
How They Help:
Gradually stretch pelvic muscles
Retrain the nervous system to view penetration as non-threatening
Improve muscle flexibility
Pelvic Floor Dilator Set for Therapy
A set of pelvic floor dilators in various sizes, used in physical therapy to address issues such as vaginal tightness and pain. These tools help stretch and relax pelvic muscles, supporting recovery and improved function.
2. Pelvic Wands
Pelvic wands are designed to release trigger points or tight muscles within the deep muscles of the pelvic floor. Because of their shape, they help to get to the muscles like the levator ani or coccygeus in which dilators can’t get to. By applying gentle pressure to areas of tightness, they can provide relief in conditions like tailbone pain, pudendal neuralgia, chronic prostatitis or constipation.
Benefits:
Target the deeper muscles of the pelvic floor
Alleviate tension near the tailbone
Can be used rectally for men and women for conditions like tailbone pain
Pelvic Wand for Pelvic Muscle Pain Relief
A pelvic wand is an essential tool for relieving myofascial trigger points and reducing pelvic pain. With its ergonomic design, the wand targets deep muscles, providing effective relief from discomfort and tension.
3. Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation Devices
Biofeedback devices help you become aware of your pelvic floor muscles' activity. They use sensors (pressure or EMG) that are inserted vaginally or rectally to allow you to see on a screen if you are contracting or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. These tools can also be used in conjunction with electrical stimulation to further recruit the pelvic floor muscles. While devices like Surface EMG (SEMG) provide visual feedback, hands-on guidance from a pelvic floor physical therapist can be even more effective as these tools can pick up feedback from other surrounding muscles and don’t always show true isolation of the pelvic floor.
Why They're Useful:
Increase muscle awareness
Assist in muscle relaxation or contraction
Provide real-time feedback
4. Cupping Sets
Cupping increases circulation and can help to release fascial restrictions surrounding the pelvic region such as the back, abdomen, legs or hips. By improving the mobility around the pelvis this allows the pelvic floor muscles a better chances to release and function in their optimal positions. in the pelvic region. It's especially beneficial for muscle stiffness, scar tissue, or adhesions.
Why they’re useful:
Improves blood flow to muscles
Reduces muscle tightness
Improves the mobility of scar tissue or adhesions
Cupping Therapy for Pain Management
Cupping therapy is a popular technique to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing. It’s often combined with other therapies in pelvic floor PT to manage chronic pain and improve muscle flexibility.
5. Vaginal Weights
Vaginal weights are designed to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, however it is not something we recommend often. Since the pelvic floor is a dynamic muscle that is meant to contract and relax, we feel that vaginal weights often promote to much static holding patterns in the pelvic floor which has some potential to lead to pelvic floor tightness.
How They Work:
Small egg shaped weights inserted vaginally to increase pelvic muscle tone
Additional Tools and Techniques
6. Dry Needling
Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into specific muscles to release muscle tension, increase blood flow, and promote healing.
Benefits:
Relieve muscle tension
Improve mobility and flexibility
Influences the nervous system for relaxation or enhancing muscle activation
Dry Needling a Patient's Neck
Dry needling therapy targeting neck muscles can effectively relieve tension and pain. This technique is often used in pelvic floor physical therapy to alleviate symptoms caused by muscle tightness and nerve irritation.
Electrical Stimulation (E-Stim)
E-Stim can be used in a few different ways, it can help activate weak pelvic floor muscles through gentle electrical pulses, or it can be used for helped to reduce bladder sensitivity in conditions like overactive bladder or interstitial cystitis.
How It Helps:
Can help to strengthen weak muscles
Reduces bladder sensitivity
TENS Units
TENS units provide pain relief temporarily by delivering low-voltage electrical impulses to nerves in the pelvic or abdominal region.
Advantages:
Manage pains
Non-invasive easy to use
Portable for home use
The Role of Traditional Physical Therapy Tools
Don't overlook the value of traditional tools like foam rollers, resistance bands, and exercise balls. They can help to facilitate better contraction of the pelvic floor or core system, as well as improve posture—all crucial for pelvic health. A strong core and proper alignment can significantly reduce pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms, especially for long term relief.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
While these tools are highly effective, using them under the guidance of a certified pelvic floor physical therapist ensures you are targeting the right areas and getting the most benefit. Our holistic approach emphasizes teaching you how to engage or relax your pelvic muscles properly, and ensuring that your whole core system is functioning efficiently. Additionally using tools to help your body get into an ideal posture, not only allows for better pelvic floor function, but leads you to better long term results.
Taking the Next Step in Your Pelvic Health Journey
Summarizing the Key Points
Specialized pelvic floor therapy tools can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Tools like dilators, pelvic wands, and biofeedback devices can help address specific pelvic health issues.
Professional guidance is crucial in the effectiveness of these tools.
Ready to regain control of your pelvic health? Connect with our team of board-certified pelvic physical therapists today to create a personalized treatment plan that's right for you.
Conclusion
Your pelvic health is essential to your overall well-being. By utilizing specialized pelvic floor therapy tools and professional guidance, you can overcome challenges and improve your quality of life. Remember, you're not alone on this journey—we're here to support you every step of the way.Written By,
Dr. Jana Richardson, PT, DPT, WCS, PRPC, CIDN
Dual Board Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist and Owner of Chicago Pelvic Health
Dr. Jana Richardson is a highly accomplished pelvic floor therapist with dual board certifications and extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor dysfunctions. As the owner of Chicago Pelvic Health, Dr. Richardson is dedicated to providing personalized and effective care for her patients. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and specialized certifications in Women’s Health and Pelvic Rehabilitation, Dr. Richardson is a leading expert in her field. She is also certified in Integrative Dry Needling, further enhancing her ability to offer comprehensive treatment plans. Dr. Richardson’s commitment to patient-centered care and her passion for helping individuals achieve optimal pelvic health make her an invaluable asset to the community.
Contact Information:
Interested in specializing as a pelvic floor physical therapist? Our comprehensive guide outlines the steps you need to take—from education to certification—to help you embark on this rewarding career path