When I work with my patients, I often recommend different therapy tools they can use at home to help further the progress we make in the clinic. I’m going to go over some of my favorite therapy tools that I recommend, but know there are many different brands and products and this is not an all-inclusive list. Not everyone will need to use these as part of their treatment, but the following therapy tools are the ones I get the most questions about. I want to help clear up any confusion on their use, as I know it can be overwhelming when searching for the right products!
Pelvic Wands
Pelvic wands are used to help internally release any muscle tension. They have a curved design to help reach the deeper, third-layer pelvic floor muscles as well as the more superficial muscles. Wands can be used both vaginally and rectally, and are a great way to help reduce pelvic pain and discomfort.
Dilators
Dilators improve the mobility, depth, and width of the vaginal canal. They are great to use if someone has pain with intercourse, tampon use, medical exams, as well as for vaginal stenosis following gynecological cancer treatment/surgery. There are also rectal dilators, which are used for pain and muscle spasms around the anus and pelvic floor and can improve pain with sitting, bowel movements, etc.
Foam Roller/Therapy Balls
Foam rollers and therapy balls are great to use for self-massage/release of any myofascial tension. When looking at foam rollers, you’ll find there are different sizes and firmness to them. Make sure to select one that is most comfortable for you, more firmness does not always mean it’s better! The therapy balls get a little more spot specific and provide an exact pressure on areas of tension. I recommend having both on hand to help relieve any tension and discomfort.
These are just a few of the products I like to recommend as part of my patient’s home exercise program. They can help empower patients to feel confident in being able to independently relieve any tension and discomfort as it arises. Follow the link below to see examples of the products I mentioned. In saying that, please contact your care provider for specific recommendations on how to use these products in order to make sure you are using them to help your particular needs/conditions.
You may be wondering the difference between these devices I’ve recommended and sex toys. Sex toys are for sexual pleasure purposes, while dilators and pelvic wands are for therapeutic purposes to be used as prescribed by your medical care provider for your pelvic floor symptoms. If you still have questions about this, or any other pelvic floor issue, book a free 15 minutes consultation.
Michelle Webb, PT, DPT, PCES
Owner/Physical Therapist
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