Why Your Pelvic Floor Needs More Than Kegels
If you’ve ever mentioned pelvic floor symptoms to your doctor and were immediately told to “just do kegels”… you’re definitely not alone.
I hear this nearly every day from new patients:
“My doctor prescribed me kegels to fix XYZ.”
But here’s the issue: kegels are often recommended without:
a pelvic floor muscle assessment
an evaluation of core function
any understanding of what your pelvic floor is actually doing
or a referral to a pelvic floor therapist who specializes in this exact area
And while kegels can be helpful for the right person, they are absolutely not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Let’s break down why.
01. Many people don’t have a “weak” pelvic floor — they have a tense pelvic floor
One of the biggest myths in pelvic health is that leaking, pain, or pressure automatically means your pelvic floor is weak.
In reality?
A large percentage of people have pelvic floor muscles that are too tight or overactive, not weak.
When the muscles are holding tension at rest, they are already in a shortened, contracted position.
Adding more contractions (kegels) to a muscle that is already clenched?
👉 It usually doesn’t work.
👉 It can actually make symptoms worse.
This is why a pelvic floor assessment is essential.
You need to know whether your muscles need strengthening… or relaxation, release work, and coordination training.
02. Your pelvic floor doesn’t work in isolation
Your pelvic floor is only one part of your core system — and that system includes:
your diaphragm
your abdominal muscles
your low back
and your pelvic floor
Everything works together. Everything influences everything else.
If your breathing patterns, rib mobility, abdominal coordination, or spinal mechanics aren’t functioning well, your pelvic floor won’t function well either.
This is why kegels alone rarely solve pelvic floor symptoms.
A whole-body approach is what creates long-lasting change.
03. Are you sure you even know how to kegel?
This is not your fault — but most people who think they are doing a kegel… aren’t.
A pelvic floor contraction is subtle and coordinated.
Without guidance, many people:
bear down instead of lifting
tighten their glutes or inner thighs instead of the pelvic floor
clench their abs
or create extra pressure downward
If the “kegel” you’re doing is actually pushing down, you may be unknowingly worsening leakage, prolapse symptoms, or pain.
This is why understanding your own anatomy, body mechanics, and activation patterns matters.
So when are kegels appropriate?
Kegels can be effective — when prescribed with intention, precision, and clinical understanding.
But they should never be the starting point without assessment.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like:
💧 Leaking or urgency/frequency
💥 Pain with sex, tampon insertion, or pelvic exams
😮💨 Pelvic pressure or heaviness
Then you need a proper pelvic floor evaluation to determine:
whether your muscles are tight or weak
whether there is a coordination issue
whether your core is contributing
how your breath, posture, and movement play a role
which tissues are involved
and what your body actually needs
Because kegels may help.
They may also hurt.
The key is knowing what’s right for your body.
It’s time for a proper assessment — not a blanket prescription
You deserve more than a generic “do kegels and let me know if it helps.”
You deserve someone who can:
✨ Assess your pelvic floor
✨ Identify your root causes
✨ Create a plan tailored to your actual symptoms
✨ Guide you with clarity and confidence
Your pelvic floor is complex — and your care should be, too.
Ready to finally get answers?
At Catalyst Physical Therapy & Wellness, pelvic floor therapy is not an afterthought — it’s what I specialize in.
If your current plan feels incomplete, confusing, or ineffective… let’s talk.
👉 Book a discovery call or evaluation today
Your body deserves a treatment plan built for you, not a one-size-fits-all exercise.
