To Kegel or not to Kegel: Myth versus Fact

What is a kegel? A kegel is a pelvic floor contraction. The word kegel is named after Dr Arnold Kegel who invented a machine to measure the strength of the pelvic floor.  So- go Arnie! Since then, kegels have come into fashion as being vital for a woman’s health and wellness and the so called answer to a lot of our problems. With that there is a lot of good and not-so-good information out there! So let’s take a dive in its myths versus facts of kegels! 

Myth: Pelvic floor physical therapy is all about kegels.

Fact: Kegels are NOT the be all end all of pelvic floor physical therapy! Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on the entire system including the back, hips, and abdominals working together. Think of it like a conveyor belt in a factory- if one part isn’t working, then the whole system would fail! Pelvic floor PT helps keep the whole system running, and sometimes the goal is to relax and untense the pelvic floor rather than to constantly contract or tense it.  

Myth: Kegels are beneficial for pelvic pain.

Fact: Kegels can, and usually do, make pelvic pain worse because they tighten muscles that are already too tight. Pelvic floor physical therapy for pelvic pain typically involves techniques to relax the pelvic floor muscles.

Myth: Kegels are beneficial for pregnancy.

Fact: Yes and no. Earlier in pregnancy it can be helpful to work on pelvic floor strengthening. But once you get to about 25 weeks (note this varies patient to patient!), it’s time to press pause on kegels and move into opening and lengthening. If you’re trying to push a baby out, you don’t want to make things even tighter and more tense, right? Right! 

Myth: Doing kegels incorrectly can’t hurt.

Fact: Doing kegels incorrectly can be ineffective or even harmful. It's essential to learn proper technique from a skilled pelvic floor physical therapist to ensure you're performing exercises correctly and safely. Besides, why would you want to waste your time doing them wrong?! 

Myth: Kegels are only for women.

Fact: Kegels can benefit people of all genders. Men, women, LGBTQ, and children can experience pelvic floor issues such as incontinence, and kegels may, or may not, be part of the treatment plan.

Want to know more about how to kegel correctly? Or undo the effects of hundreds of unnecessary kegels? Reach out at info@empoweryourselfpt.com or call us at 832-463-1152