What is a pelvic wand?

Hey there! Ever heard of a pelvic wand and wondered if it's something you need in your life? Well, allow me, Dr. Kelly, one of a handful of Doctors of Physical Therapy in the world who are double board certified in Pelvic Health & Orthopedics, to break it down for you in the simplest way possible. 

Pelvic Wands, like this one from Intimate Rose, are amazing tools that pelvic floor therapists regularily use and recommend to efficiently treat hard-to-reach trigger points in pelvic floor muscles of any anatomy! Use coupon code KELLY21 for $5 off any product at intimaterose.com

What's a Pelvic Wand and Why Should I Care?

A pelvic wand is a nifty tool used to target trigger points in those hard-to-reach pelvic floor muscles. These muscles play a vital role in our pelvic health, and sometimes, they need a little extra attention. Pelvic wands are like your personal pelvic muscle masseuse, kind of a Theracane(™)  for your vagina – reaching the spots your fingers can't. Here's me showing you where a Pelvic PT can get their fingers to, while treating pelvic floors in person...

And here is how deep a person could get on their own pelvis, using just their own hand, and not a pelvic wand. 

The typical depth a Pelvic PT could reach to muscles within the pelvic bowl is 3-4 inches. But you at home might only be able to reach about 1-inch in depth without a wand.

Check this out, though. Adding a pelvic wand at home, gives you that same 3-4 inch depth reach, as your Pelvic PT can get, allowing you to get to those "hard to reach trigger points" all by yourself! 

Treatment depth of a pelvic wand is similar to that of a PT.

Can't I Use a Tampon or Dilator Instead?

Not quite. Tampons are too short and not firm enough, and are intended to be inserted past the pelvic floor to absorb menstrual fluid.  Dilators, while amazing for what they are intended for, are straight and miss the mark for specific muscle release work for the muscles of the back and side wall of the pelvic floor. Pelvic wands are uniquely designed to get right where they need to be, whether inserted vaginally or rectally.

How to Use a Pelvic Wand in 5 Simple Steps

1. Get Educated

Consult a pelvic floor physical therapist, or dive into a trusted pelvic wellness resource like my Pelvic Floored Signature Series or Vag Lab to understand how to assess your pelvic floor muscles.  Join my mailing list (form below) for updates on new course launches, and access to special VIP-only events like "how to use your pelvic wand"!!

2. Comfort is Key

Set yourself up in a comfy position, ensuring you won't be interrupted during your wand session. Comfortable temperature. Privacy. Semi-reclined position (back on 3-4 pillows) is usually best, with knees slightly bent and supported, to minimize tension on your pelvic floor from your tight hip muscles. (Meaning criss cross apple sauce on the floor, or the splits, put maximal strain on your pelvic floor via your hip muscles..we DON'T WANT THAT when using a pelvic wand). 

3. Self-Check

Use the Pelvic Clock technique, externally and internally, to check the status of your pelvic floor muscles before wand use. This allows you to "map" your nerves and muscles.  I teach this in Vag Lab and The Signature Series. 

4. Wand Magic

Insert the wand gently, applying pressure to those trigger points identified earlier.  Bare minimum, hold pressure from wand on trigger point and belly breathe (“breathe into your butthole, breathe into your vag, breathe into your urethra”) for 3-5 minutes per spot.  Repeat, as time allows, 1-5 spots.

**Bonus points if you can also practice Dr. Kelly's "Big Three" of supported breathing, then gentle kegel and relax, while holding gentle pressure to this trigger point, to further improve the local tissue health. 

5. Post-Wand Assessment

After the treatment, reevaluate with the Pelvic Clock – it should feel less painful and more balanced, with the tissues feeling like warm butter :) 

Common Questions About Pelvic Wands

Is it a Vibrator? 

Nope, it's a medical device designed for treating pelvic trigger points. But hey, some wands do come with a vibrating option for added benefits, as vibration has been shown to have a greater positive effect than without vibration for many populations, including post-menopausal women!!

How Deep is Deep Enough? 

Your pelvic therapist will guide you, but generally, you're targeting muscles about 1cm (1 knuckle-deep—the knuckle closest to the END of your finger, not where it connects to the hand) inside the opening of the vagina (which is technically called the vestibule, if you want to get geeky). 

At that "1 knuckle depth", you are at the "outer" pelvic floor muscles. If you then insert the wand about 2-3 inches further, and angle it to target your trigger point, that will reach the "pelvic bowl" ideally.  Rectally, initial insertion targets the sphincter, and 1-2 inches reaches the bowl muscles. 

If it feels like nothing's happening, adjust. If it hurts sharply, you might be off track – check with a pelvic therapist in person or online to get on better track.

Ready to Try a Pelvic Wand?

If you're curious and want to give it a shot, head over to intimaterose.com or use code KELLY21 for a sweet $5 off any product. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Final Words

If you're keen to delve deeper into pelvic health, check out my many streamable Pelvic Wellness Courses, where you can learn more about your pelvis from the privacy of your own home, at your own speed, and for a fraction of the cost of one:one Pelvic PT visits!  All Pelvic Floored Courses are streamable not only from your computer, but also seamlessly integrate into your phone or tablet via the FREE Kajabi App (blue K, wherever you get your apps), so you have world-class lessons and workouts BY ME, WITH YOU, wherever you go.  Check them out today. They might just change your life, or the life of someone you love.

Thanks for reading & diving into the wonderful world of pelvic wands with me! If you have more questions, follow me on IG and drop me a question there!!

xoxo, Dr. Kelly 😊

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www.pelvicfloored.com