Pelvic Floor Therapy is Not Just Kegels: What You Really Need to Know

Let’s get something out of the way: if you’ve ever been told to “just do some Kegels” and your pelvic floor issues will magically disappear... you’ve been sold short. At Practically Perfect Physical Therapy, we know the pelvic floor deserves more than a cookie-cutter prescription. Whether you’re leaking when you sneeze, struggling with constipation, experiencing pain with intimacy, or just not feeling like yourself postpartum — we want you to know you’re not alone, and there’s so much more to pelvic floor therapy than Kegels.

In this post, we’ll break down what the pelvic floor is, what it actually does, why Kegels are often misunderstood, and what a holistic, whole-person approach to pelvic floor therapy really looks like.

What Is the Pelvic Floor Anyway?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and fascia that form a hammock-like sling at the bottom of your pelvis. It’s responsible for:

• Supporting your pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum)
  

• Controlling bowel and bladder movements
  

• Assisting with sexual function and pleasure
  

• Providing core stability
  

• Responding to changes in pressure when you breathe, lift, cough, or laugh
  

Basically, it’s the MVP of your body — doing way more behind the scenes than most people ever realize.

Kegels 101: A Tool, Not a Cure-All

Kegels, or pelvic floor contractions, are one small piece of a much bigger puzzle. When done correctly and prescribed appropriately, they can be helpful — but here’s the catch:

• They’re not right for everyone. If your pelvic floor muscles are too tight (hypertonic) or in spasm, adding Kegels can actually make symptoms worse.
  

• Form matters. Many people don’t do Kegels properly, often recruiting the wrong muscles (like glutes, abs, or inner thighs) or holding their breath.
  

• They’re not a standalone solution. If the issue is rooted in posture, breathing mechanics, or lifestyle habits, Kegels alone won't address the problem.
  

In short: Kegels are like planks. Good for you, when done with intention and part of a broader strategy. But they’re not going to fix everything by themselves.

Common Pelvic Floor Issues We See (and Treat!)

Pelvic floor dysfunction can look different for everyone — and many people go years without realizing that their symptoms are treatable.

Here are some of the most common reasons patients come to us:

• Urinary incontinence (leakage when coughing, laughing, sneezing, running)
  

• Urinary urgency or frequency
  

• Pain during or after intercourse
  

• Tailbone, hip, or low back pain
  

• Constipation or straining to poop
  

• Pelvic heaviness or prolapse
  

• Postpartum healing after tearing, episiotomy, or C-section
  

• Scar tissue sensitivity (from birth, surgery, endometriosis, etc.)
  

• Chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, or interstitial cystitis
  

Sometimes these symptoms show up subtly. Maybe you're avoiding jumping jacks at the gym. Or you’re skipping intimacy because it just doesn’t feel right. Or you’re planning outings around bathroom locations. If you’ve normalized it, that doesn’t mean it’s normal — and it certainly doesn’t mean you have to live with it.

What Pelvic Floor Therapy Really Looks Like

Let’s bust the myth: pelvic floor therapy is not just someone making you do awkward clamshells on a mat or performing Kegels in a quiet room.

At our clinic, your care is:

✅ One-on-one, private, and personalized
✅ Compassionate and trauma-informed
✅ Led by experts in pelvic health and movement science
✅ Tailored to your goals — whether that’s picking up your toddler without pain or running a 5K without leaking

Your first visit will include a thorough history, movement screen, and (if you’re comfortable) a gentle pelvic exam to assess muscle tone, coordination, and tension. You’ll get visuals, explanations, props (yes, sometimes even plush pelvic organ toys!), and leave with a written plan that actually makes sense.

And guess what? We might not tell you to do Kegels at all. Instead, your treatment could include:

• Manual therapy to release tight muscles and improve blood flow
  

• Breathwork to optimize your diaphragm-pelvic floor connection
  

• Mobility exercises to open up your hips, spine, and ribcage
  

• Body mechanics coaching to help you move better during daily life
  

• Nervous system regulation techniques like down-training, meditation, or somatic work
  

• Dry needling (when appropriate) to release trigger points and improve function

Beyond the Body: The Emotional Side of Healing

Let’s be honest — pelvic health can be deeply personal. Many people feel shame, embarrassment, or even grief related to their symptoms, especially when they’ve been dismissed or told “just do Kegels” for years.

We’re here to tell you: your experience is valid. We’ve seen it all, we’re not phased, and most importantly — we care. Healing your pelvic floor is about so much more than muscle strength. It’s about feeling safe in your body, restoring confidence, and reclaiming your quality of life

But Wait — Does Insurance Cover This?

Yes! At Practically Perfect Physical Therapy, we take most major insurance plans. If you’re unsure, just call our office and we can help verify your benefits. You do not need to wait for a referral if you’re ready to get started — we’ll walk you through every step.

Real Results: What Patients Are Saying

“After giving birth, I felt like my body wasn’t mine anymore. Sex was painful, I couldn’t jump on the trampoline with my daughter, and I was scared to talk to anyone about it. My pelvic PT helped me understand what was happening, gave me a gentle and doable plan, and after a few sessions, I started feeling stronger, more in control, and finally hopeful.” – J.M., Galloway

“I thought leaking when I laughed was just part of getting older. But after a few visits at Practically Perfect, I learned how to actually use my deep core muscles and I can now get through the day without wearing pads. Life changing.” – R.S., Smithville

TL;DR: Don’t Settle for Kegels Alone

Your pelvic floor is a powerhouse — and it deserves real care. Kegels might be part of the plan, but they’re far from the whole picture. If you're curious, struggling, or simply wondering “is this normal?” — we invite you to find out for yourself.

Whether you’re newly postpartum, dealing with symptoms you've been ignoring for years, or simply want to feel strong and in control again, pelvic floor therapy might be exactly what you need.

💡 Want to know if pelvic floor therapy is right for you?

📞 Call our office at (609) 300-3963 to schedule or ask questions!
Or stalk us on the internet a little more at www.practicallyperfectpt.com