Pelvic Health Devices: Which Ones Can Help and Why Professional Guidance Matters 

Pelvic health devices have become much more accessible in recent years. Whether you're shopping online or browsing your local pharmacy, you'll find a wide range of products claiming to strengthen your pelvic floor, improve bladder control, or reduce pelvic pain. 

Many of these devices can be extremely helpful when used correctly. However, one of the most common things I hear from women during a Women's Health Physiotherapy appointment is: 

"I bought a device because I thought it would help, but it didn't make any difference." 

More often than not, the issue isn't the device itself it's that it wasn't the right solution for what their pelvic floor actually needed. 

Why a Pelvic Floor Assessment Matters 

One of the biggest misconceptions is that every pelvic floor simply needs to be stronger. 

In reality, pelvic floor muscles can present in different ways. Some may be weak, others may be overactive or tight, and some simply aren't coordinating properly. If you're using the wrong device or performing the wrong exercises, it's possible to make symptoms worse rather than better. 

This is why a thorough pelvic floor assessment is so important. It helps identify the underlying cause of your symptoms, allowing your treatment to be tailored specifically to your needs. 

Below are two of the pelvic health devices I commonly use in clinic and why they can be beneficial when used as part of a personalised treatment plan.

Kegel8 Biofeedback & Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) 

One of the devices I frequently use during pelvic floor physiotherapy is the Kegel8 Biofeedback and EMS system. 

Biofeedback 

Biofeedback allows us to see how your pelvic floor muscles are functioning in real time. Using a small internal probe connected to a monitor, we can assess how well you're contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles. 

This is particularly valuable because many women aren't sure whether they're performing pelvic floor exercises correctly. Seeing the muscle activity provides immediate feedback, helping you learn the correct technique with greater confidence. 

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) 

The EMS function can be useful for selected patients who need support activating their pelvic floor muscles. 

I often describe it as giving the muscles a gentle "jump start". It helps improve muscle awareness and activation, making it easier for you to perform exercises effectively. 

Where appropriate, we'll create a personalised programme during your appointments that you can continue safely at home. 

Therawand 

Not every pelvic floor problem is caused by weakness. 

For many women, symptoms such as persistent pelvic pain, constipation, pain during intimacy, or discomfort around the coccyx are linked to muscles that are holding too much tension. 

In these situations, learning how to relax the pelvic floor can be just as important as strengthening it. 

The Therawand is a device that helps release areas of pelvic floor muscle tension. When used correctly, it can help reduce discomfort and improve muscle flexibility. 

Technique is incredibly important. Applying too much pressure or treating the wrong area may irritate symptoms rather than improve them. 

When I introduce a Therawand in clinic, I guide you through the correct technique until you're confident using it safely. Once you're comfortable, you can continue using it at home to help maintain the progress we've achieved during treatment.

My Biggest Piece of Advice 

I think it's fantastic that pelvic health devices are now easier to access than ever before. They can be excellent tools and, for many people, they play an important role in recovery. 

However, I would always recommend having a pelvic health physiotherapy assessment before buying or using one. 

You may already have tried pelvic floor exercises or purchased a device believing it was the solution. But without understanding how your pelvic floor muscles are functioning, you may be treating the wrong problem—and in some cases, making your symptoms worse. 

A pelvic health physiotherapist can help you understand: 

• Whether your pelvic floor muscles need strengthening, relaxation, or improved coordination.  
• Which pelvic health devices are suitable for your individual needs.  
• How to use these devices safely and effectively.  
• How to combine devices with the right exercises for the best possible outcome. 

Every pelvic floor is different, which is why treatment should always be personalised rather than based on guesswork. 

When Should You See a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist? 

If you're experiencing bladder leakage, pelvic pain, constipation, prolapse symptoms, or you're unsure whether a pelvic health device is right for you, a professional assessment is the best place to start. 

During your appointment, we'll identify what's causing your symptoms, discuss the treatment options available, and, where appropriate, recommend devices that will genuinely support your recovery. 

The right device can be a valuable part of your rehabilitation but it works best when it's guided by expert assessment and a treatment plan designed specifically for you.