If you’ve had a baby, plan to have a baby, lift heavy things (including toddlers), pee a little when you sneeze, or feel like something’s off down there… it might be time to see a pelvic floor physical therapist.
Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for postpartum recovery (though that’s a big reason people seek it out). It’s about taking care of the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, rectum, and core - and trust, they deserve some attention.
Who Needs Pelvic Floor Therapy?
You might benefit from pelvic floor PT if you’re experiencing:
Leaking pee (or poop) when you cough, sneeze, or laugh
Pain with sex, tampons, or pelvic exams
A heavy or “falling out” feeling in your pelvic region (aka prolapse)
Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
Constipation or incomplete emptying
Pelvic or low back pain
Birth recovery (vaginal or C-section)
BTW: It’s not just for women. All genders have pelvic floors - and specialists work with men and kids, too!
What Happens at an Appointment?
A pelvic floor PT will:
Take a detailed health and birth history
Assess your posture, core, hips, and pelvic alignment
Possibly perform an internal exam (vaginal or rectal, depending on your symptoms and comfort level - always optional)
Teach you how to properly engage (and relax!) your pelvic floor muscles
Give you exercises, breathing techniques, and lifestyle tips customized for your body
Appointments are private, respectful, and totally empowering. You'll probably learn more about your body in one session than you ever did in health class.
Nervous? Totally Normal - Here’s What Actually Happens
If you’re feeling anxious about pelvic floor therapy, you’re not alone. So many women feel unsure or even embarrassed about this part of their body, especially if no one ever talked about it growing up. The truth? There’s nothing weird or shameful here. It’s just a group of muscles, and like any other muscle group (your neck, your knees, your back), they can need a little expert help.
One of the most empowering parts of pelvic floor therapy is learning how to both engage and relax your pelvic muscles, something most of us have never been taught!
Here’s what that means:
Engage = gently lift and contract the pelvic muscles (like you’re trying to stop the flow of pee or hold in a fart).
Relax = let everything go completely - no clenching, no holding. Just softening.
Many people walk around holding tension without realizing it, which can lead to pain or dysfunction. Others struggle with leaking or pressure because the muscles aren’t activating well. Your therapist will help you feel and understand these subtle sensations in a way that’s respectful, non-judgmental, and fully at your comfort level.
This might involve:
Guided breathing exercises
Hands-on feedback (with consent)
Simple movements to feel the connection between your breath, belly, and pelvic floor
Visual imagery (like imagining a jellyfish gently floating up and down)
And just to be clear: you’re in control the whole time. Internal exams are always optional, and everything is explained beforehand.
“I was so nervous to go - like, I almost canceled my appointment. But my therapist made me feel completely comfortable. She explained everything in plain language, and I finally understood what my body was doing. I thought I had to just live with discomfort after having kids, but now I feel so much more in control. I wish I had gone sooner!”
- Mar Vista mom of 3
How to Find the Right Specialist
Look for:
A licensed physical therapist (DPT) who specializes in pelvic floor therapy
Someone who is trauma-informed and listens without judgment
A provider who tailors your treatment - not just gives you kegels and sends you home
Bonus points if they collaborate with other perinatal or chronic pain specialists
What About Yoni Eggs and Other Tools?
Jade eggs - AKA the crystals Gwyneth made famous. They're marketed as tools to "strengthen the pelvic floor" (and harness your divine feminine energy). If so, why do most pelvic health professionals give them a side-eye?
Some claim that Jade eggs were used by courtesans in ancient China as part of Taoist practices to preserve youth, increase sexual energy, and please the emperor.
Reality Check:
There’s no credible historical documentation that jade or yoni eggs were widely used in this way in ancient China.
Some Taoist traditions do emphasize cultivating sexual energy and pelvic health (including the concept of “sexual kung fu”), but jade eggs themselves aren’t clearly part of that lineage.
Medical Perspective:
Most gynecologists and pelvic floor therapists do not recommend jade eggs, especially not for extended wear.
Jade is porous, which makes it difficult to sanitize and can lead to bacterial infections.
If pelvic floor strengthening is the goal, evidence-based therapy and tools (like biofeedback or physical therapy-guided exercises) are more effective and safer.
So is it all bunk?
Not necessarily. The desire to reconnect with your body, sexuality, and pelvic awareness is very real and meaningful - and many women find emotional or spiritual value in rituals like this. But the idea that it’s based in verified ancient Eastern wisdom is... mostly modern marketing.
Here’s the deal:
Vaginal eggs, jade eggs, or yoni eggs are smooth stones meant to be inserted into the vagina and held in place to "activate" the pelvic floor.
The idea is that by gripping the egg, you’re getting a pelvic floor workout. In reality, you may be training the wrong muscles, or creating tension where you need relaxation.
And crystals aside, leaving a porous object inside your body isn’t always the best plan - bacteria love tiny crevices.
What experts say: Most pelvic floor therapists recommend functional exercises over gimmicks. That means learning how to properly contract + release your pelvic floor, something that’s best guided by a professional.
Other tools like vaginal weights, Kegel trainers, or wands can be helpful - but only if used correctly. A specialist can help you figure out if they’re a good fit for you or if they’re just cluttering your nightstand.
Real Talk
Pelvic floor issues are SO COMMON - but still weirdly taboo. You deserve to feel strong, supported, and pain-free. There’s zero shame in getting help. It’s just healthcare.
📍 Westside Specialists to Check Out
Want to be added to this list? Email us!
Provider & Clinic | Location |
|---|---|
2370 westwood blvd suite G, Los Angeles, California 90064 | |
2370 Westwood Blvd, Ste G Los Angeles, CA 90064 | |
Deena Poll Goodman, PT, WCS, BCB‑PMD – Goodman Physical Therapy, Inc. | West LA: 2001 S Barrington Ave, Suite 220, Los Angeles, CA 90025 |
Dr. Manreet Sangha, DPT – Verro Training | 2474 Lincoln Boulevard Venice, CA 90291 |
