Beyond Kegels: Why a Professional Assessment Matters
Fairy Mousavi, Physiotherapist and Pelvic Health PT
When it comes to pelvic floor health, most people have heard of Kegel exercises. They’re often recommended as the “go-to” solution for problems such as bladder leakage, post-pregnancy recovery, or core weakness. While Kegels can be very helpful for some people, the truth is they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, for certain individuals, doing Kegels may not only be unhelpful—it can actually make symptoms worse.
So how do you know if Kegels are right for you? The key lies in getting a professional pelvic health assessment.
Why Kegels Aren’t Always Enough
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that provide support to the bladder, uterus (in women), rectum, and other pelvic organs. Just like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor can experience different types of dysfunction.
Here are a few reasons why Kegels alone may not solve the problem:
- Not everyone has weak pelvic floor muscles
While Kegels are designed to strengthen, many people actually have pelvic floors that are too tight or overactive. In these cases, doing more Kegels can increase tension and worsen symptoms such as pain, urgency, or difficulty emptying the bladder. - Coordination is just as important as strength
The pelvic floor needs to contract, relax, and coordinate with other core muscles for optimal function. If you’re only focusing on “squeezing,” you may be ignoring the relaxation phase that is equally important.
3. Underlying issues may be missed
Problems like poor posture, breathing patterns, or weakness in surrounding muscles (like the hips, glutes, or deep abdominals) can all impact the pelvic floor. Kegels don’t address these root causes.
The Importance of a Professional Assessment
Every person’s pelvic floor is unique. That’s why working with a pelvic health physiotherapist is essential. During an assessment, your physiotherapist can:
- Determine whether your pelvic floor is weak, tight, or uncoordinated.
- Identify lifestyle or movement factors contributing to your symptoms.
- Teach you how to properly activate and relax your pelvic floor.
- Create a personalized program that may include Kegels, but also breathing exercises, mobility work, posture strategies, or strength training.
This tailored approach ensures you’re not only addressing your symptoms but also improving your long-term pelvic health.
Final Thoughts
Kegels can be a valuable tool—but they are not the whole story. Without a proper assessment, you may be missing the real reason for your pelvic floor dysfunction.
At Apple Creek Sports Medicine Centre, Fairy Mousavi—a skilled physiotherapist with over a decade of experience in musculoskeletal, orthopedic, neurological, and pelvic health physiotherapy—provides individualized assessments and treatment plans to ensure you’re getting the right exercises for your body.
Your pelvic health deserves more than a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Book your next appointment with Fairy today and move beyond Kegels toward lasting recovery and confidence.
About the Author:
Fairy Mousavi is a skilled physiotherapist with over a decade of experience in musculoskeletal, orthopedic, neurological, and pelvic health physiotherapy. She is dedicated to evidence-based care, helping patients restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being.
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