11 Mar Pelvic Floor Therapy vs. Kegels: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever experienced pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or postpartum discomfort, chances are someone has suggested you “just do some Kegels.” While Kegel exercises can be helpful for some, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution for pelvic floor dysfunction. At Trio Rehabilitation and Wellness Solutions, we specialize in pelvic floor therapy, which is far more comprehensive than simply squeezing and releasing muscles.
Let’s break down the key differences between pelvic floor therapy and Kegels—and why working with a specialist can lead to better, safer, and long-term results.
What Are Kegels?
Kegels are exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by repeatedly contracting and relaxing them. These exercises can be beneficial for individuals who have weak pelvic floor muscles, often seen in conditions like postpartum recovery or urinary incontinence.
But here’s the catch: not everyone needs to strengthen their pelvic floor. In fact, for some people, doing Kegels can actually make their symptoms worse.
Pelvic Floor Therapy: A Personalized Approach
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized treatment led by trained professionals who assess the entire pelvic floor system, including how these muscles interact with the rest of your body. Rather than prescribing generic exercises, pelvic floor therapy involves:
A Comprehensive Evaluation
We assess whether your pelvic floor is weak, tight, uncoordinated, or overactive.
Manual Therapy & Relaxation Techniques
For those with tight or overactive pelvic muscles, Kegels can make things worse. In these cases, therapy focuses on
releasing tension before strengthening.
Breath-Work & Core Integration
The pelvic floor doesn’t work alone! We teach proper breathing techniques and core activation to improve function.
Retraining Movement Patterns
Everyday activities like lifting, standing, or even sitting on the toilet can impact your pelvic health. Therapy helps you move in ways that support healing.
Kegels Aren’t Always the Answer
Many people assume that pelvic floor problems are always due to weakness, but tightness and dysfunction can also be the cause. Signs that Kegels might not be right for you include:
❌ Pain during intimacy
❌ Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels
❌ Pelvic pain or discomfort
❌ A feeling of tightness or pressure in the pelvic area
If any of these sound familiar, Kegels might actually be worsening your symptoms. That’s where pelvic floor therapy comes in—it helps determine whether you need strengthening, relaxation, or coordination training instead.
Let’s Find the Right Solution for You
Here at Trio Rehabilitation and Wellness Solutions, we take a whole-body approach to pelvic health. Whether you’re dealing with postpartum recovery, chronic pain, or bladder issues, our specialized pelvic floor therapy can help you move beyond Kegels to a treatment plan tailored just for you.
Give us a call today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better pelvic health.