10 Things I am Thankful For as a Pelvic Floor Physical TherapistHannah Lattanzio PT, DPT

It’s that time of year again! In the spirit of this thankful season I made a list of the top 10 things I am grateful for as a pelvic floor physical therapist. I am amazed at some of the products listed below as they have helped so many people, and maybe they can help you too! 

1. Pelvic Wand

Pelvic wands come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are used to treat pelvic floor muscle dysfunction as they are perfect for internal trigger point release. I love pelvic wands because not only do they relieve pain and muscle tension but you can use them at home by yourself. This can give you independence and control over your symptoms and serve as a tool to address flare ups should they occur in the future. 

2. Squatty Potty 

The squatty potty has gotten lots of good publicity (thank you shark tank!) and for good reason. Squatty Potty is essentially a brand of stool to place your feet on while you poop. By placing your feet on an elevated surface so your knees are higher than your hips, your pelvic muscles move to an optimal position for strain-free bowel movements. You can always place your feet on books or the trash can in your bathroom in a pinch. This item is definitely for you if you struggle with bowel symptoms, but I recommend it for everyone!

3. Lube 

We as pelvic floor therapists love lube! We obviously use lube during our internal assessments but also recommend lubrication for activities like using your pelvic wand or vaginal dilators, performing perineal massage, and of course - sex! Word of caution: not all lubes are made equally. Water-based lubricants are safe to use on all condoms and toys, and are non-staining. Silicone-based lubricants are thicker and thus may be preferred for those who want their lube to last longer, however they require soap to wash off and can not be used with silicone toys. Plant-based lubricants are generally considered safe, while oil-based lubricants may not be best for condoms or toys. Products such as KY, Gynol II, and Replens can destroy good bacteria and can leave you vulnerable to infection. 

4. Dilators 

Dilators can be used to reduce pelvic floor muscle tension and pain and increase tolerance of penetration of any kind. This includes sex (both vaginal and rectal), gynecological exams, and period product use. Dilators can be used for pelvic floor muscle tightness, scar tissue management (think after child birth, surgery, or post-radiation treatment), improving muscle awareness and sexual function. Dilators come in a variety of different styles, sizes and materials and your pelvic floor therapist can help find the right fit for you. People with conditions such as vaginismus, menopause, pelvic pain, post-surgery, and postpartum may all benefit from dilators

5. Water Bottles

Did you know that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, and that most only drink 2.5 cups a day!? The “golden rule” for water intake is to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day. The most common response I get when trying to educate patients to drink more water is that they don’t remember to hydrate throughout the day – so as silly as it sounds, I love water bottles! When I recommend my patients opt for a water bottle to carry with them throughout the day, they tend to remember to drink more fluids and the bottle makes it easy to track intake as well. 

6. Kiwi

The Kiwi is a device from The Pelvic People and was designed for both reducing pelvic pain and improving pleasure. This device releases pelvic floor tension with a focus on shallow insertion and entrance-level pain while also serving as an effective tool for clitoral stimulation. The vibration setting can also be used for pressure point massage and broad area muscle release of the abdominal and hip muscles.

7. Vibrators/Sex Toys

First lets break the stigma that no one uses sex toys. According to a study from The Journal of Sexual Medicine 53% of women ages 18-60 report having used a vibrator, and among women who owned sex toys, 80% owned a vibrator, making it the most common type. Vibrators can be a great tool for maintaining a healthy pelvic floor as stimulation brings blood flow and nutrients to the muscles and allows them to relax – making them a fun potential treatment option for pelvic floor dysfunction! Things to consider when purchasing a toy include the material, size and vibration settings. Occasionally your provider may recommend not using a certain device if it irritates the muscles or nerves involved during your treatment. You can always ask your provider if you want to try a device but are unsure how it will affect symptoms. 

8. Ohnut

This device was created for those who have pain or difficulty achieving deep penetration. The Ohnut consists of soft, flexible and stackable rings that go around the base of the penetrating partner to create a buffer so that penetration does not go so deep. As the Ohnut contains stackable rings, partners can customize how deep the penetration is. Both partners still feel pleasure as the device retains heat and is made to feel like skin! 

9. The Body Positivity Movement

While there are a lot of reasons to celebrate the body positivity movement, I love this shift in societal norms because it can actually help your pelvic floor! This movement encourages women of all shapes and sizes to relax and love their bodies, meaning the expectation to constantly suck in their stomach has lessened. Though I know we still have ways to go this is a great step in the right direction. Did you know that sucking or contracting your stomach can create pelvic floor dysfunction? The abdominals and pelvic floor muscles co-contract with one another and the pelvic floor will tighten and become painful and dysfunctional when the abdominals are consistently contracted as well. By relaxing through your belly, this helps your pelvic floor relax and function optimally as well. 

10. All of you! 

As cliche as it may sound, I wanted to share my thankfulness for all patients of The Pelvic Institute, blog readers, and those in our community! You help make things possible and we are very appreciative for each of you. If you have any questions after reading this post or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact us!