A Handy Guide to Using Your Pelvic Wand
Everything you need to know about using a pelvic wand from Lady Bird PT.
A pelvic wand can be a helpful tool for addressing certain types of pelvic floor muscle tension and tenderness. But like any tool, knowing how and when to use it makes all the difference.
We've put together this guide to help you understand what a pelvic wand does, how to get started, and what to expect along the way.
What is a pelvic wand?
Pelvic floor 101
How to use your wand
What to expect
Positions
FAQ
What can a pelvic wand help with?
For some people, pelvic wand use may be helpful for managing symptoms associated with pelvic floor muscle tension, including:
Pain with vaginal penetration or intercourse
Pelvic or vaginal pain
Pain with tampon insertion
Tenderness or sensitivity inside the pelvic floor
Certain types of urinary urgency or discomfort
Muscle-related pain that contributes to bowel movement difficulties
A pelvic wand is not a treatment for every type of pelvic pain, and it isn't something everyone needs. The goal is to determine whether your symptoms are related to muscle tension and whether internal self-treatment is an appropriate part of your care.
YOUR PELVIC FLOOR IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST STRENGTH:
Pelvic Floor 101
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that sit at the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles help support your pelvic organs, contribute to bladder and bowel control, and play a role in sexual function, core stability, and overall movement.
Just like any other muscle groups, your pelvic floor muscles can become tense, tender, or sensitive.
Sometimes, these muscles have difficulty relaxing completely. They may remain partially contracted even when you're not intentionally using them. This can contribute to pain, pressure, urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms, and discomfort with penetration.
Here's something important to understand: tight doesn't necessarily mean strong.
Your pelvic floor needs to be able to contract, relax, lengthen, and coordinate with the rest of your body. A muscle that is constantly working overtime may actually have a harder time doing its job.
That's where a pelvic wand may come in. It can help you apply gentle pressure to certain areas of muscle tension while practicing relaxation.
And remember: your pelvic floor doesn't work in isolation. Your breathing, abdominal muscles, hips, back, and nervous system all play a role, too.
What is a pelvic wand?
A pelvic wand is a small, curved tool designed to help you access muscles inside the pelvic floor. It allows you to apply gentle, targeted pressure to areas of muscle tension or tenderness that may be difficult to reach with your fingers.
Think of it as a way to give your pelvic floor muscles some of the same deep-tissue attention you might give a tight shoulder or a sore calf.
Pelvic wands come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Some are made of silicone, while others are made of glass or other body-safe materials. They are designed to make it easier to reach different areas of the pelvic floor, and can be used vaginally or rectally.
FIRST THINGS FIRST:
Your pelvic floor is about more than just strength.
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that sit at the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles help support your pelvic organs, contribute to bladder and bowel control, and play a role in sexual function, core stability, and overall movement.
Just like any other muscle groups, your pelvic floor muscles can become tense, tender, or sensitive.
Sometimes, these muscles have difficulty relaxing completely. They may remain partially contracted even when you're not intentionally using them. This can contribute to pain, pressure, urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms, and discomfort with penetration.