Is a kegel trainer the answer to your pelvic floor problems?

Probably not. And here's why -

As the pelvic health world grows (which is amazing and so needed!), so has the market for devices that promise to "fix" your pelvic floor. Kegel trainers, external stim pads, biofeedback gadgets, pelvic weights...

There are more options than ever, and it's easy to feel like you need one to get better.

In general, I don't recommend spending money on these devices.

Anything marketed as something "done to you" to strengthen or fix your pelvic floor is often more marketing than medicine. Traditional pelvic floor muscle training - the kind you do with guided exercises and professional coaching - already has strong evidence behind it. Devices, on the other hand, are a different story:

• Independent, high-quality research on most consumer devices is poor/limited.
• Much of the research that does exist is funded by the companies selling the products, which makes it harder to trust the results.
• At best, most devices offer little added benefit beyond what you'd get from properly guided exercises alone.
• At worst, they can reinforce poor technique, mask a problem that needs a different kind of care, or even cause injury - especially when used without guidance.

Who might actually benefit from a device?

There is a small subset of people who may benefit from a device as part of their care, including those with:

• High levels of pelvic pain
• Nerve damage
• A significant lack of sensation or muscle coordination

Even then, other causes should be ruled out first, and a device should be a short-term, last-resort tool -nnot a starting point. It should be introduced (and monitored) by a pelvic health provider who knows your full history, not picked off a shelf or an ad in your social feed.

What I do recommend:

The only devices I regularly recommend to my clients are:

• Pelvic wands: to assist with self soft-tissue work and perineal massage, when appropriate
• Dilators: occasionally, for pelvic pain with insertion

And even these are only ever recommended after a thorough evaluation, tailored to that person's specific needs. Usually we start with other methods that don't cost much at all first.

The bottom line:

Save your money for high-quality pelvic healthcare from a provider you trust. If a device is recommended to you early in treatment - before a real evaluation or plan is in place - it's worth asking why. A good provider should be able to explain exactly what the device is for, how it fits your specific situation, and what you should expect from it.

Have questions about your pelvic floor, or wondering if a device someone recommended is actually right for you? Reply to this email or book a consultation - I'm happy to help you figure out what your body actually needs.

With peace and love,

Dr. Ellyn Halley, DC, Doula, Coach
​Doc Halley Solutions​

Follow me on Instagram + TikTok for more content - ellynhalley.dc

​​

In person chiropractic care! You can find me at 1500 Green Bay St, La Crosse WI 54601 within the same space as the Parenting Place and The Motus Project. I am excited to offer in person care to women in the Coulee Region, and offer hybrid care - in person + online. You can book your first appointment or schedule a consult below!

If you're looking for an "all in one" program that includes a prenatal exercise program, birth education, pelvic prep + mobility, nutrition information, and more - combined with regular support + check ins - I have you covered. Check out my Empowered Pregnancy program for incredible prenatal support. SUMMER SALE - $50 off with code EMPOSUMMER

Looking for more support around exercise, pelvic health, and nutrition (and birth prep if you're pregnant!)? Apply for 1:1 coaching with me:

**Disclaimer: The content in this email is not intended to be medical advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.