The Misconceptions About Your Pelvic Floor

Pelvic floor physical therapy is beginning to be a thing that is talked about more. However, there are still some significant misconceptions regarding what it actually is. Oftentimes providers and women think that pelvic floor is, “just do kegels.” This is actually not true. Let’s break it down. 

Did you know that a large percentage of the women do not know how to perform a kegel? They think they’re doing it, but they’re not. Or they may be doing it but they’re also squeezing their butt, legs and belly when they do so. Not good!

Performing kegels poorly can add more pain and problems. So many women with pain might actually have a tight pelvic floor and performing kegels is going to do more harm than good. A tight muscle needs to be able to fully relax and contract in order to function properly. When you continue to work these muscles when they are tight, you are not allowing that muscle to fully relax or contract. It is just going to cause more tension and dysfunction. 

Pelvic floor physical therapy is about much more than a pelvic floor contraction. Your deep core, glutes, mobility and diaphragmatic breathing are all components and equally important when talking about your pelvic health. Your coordination with these activities are equally important and often, the most difficult. 

So the next time you hear someone say, “just do kegels” kindly tell them it’s more than that.