Pelvic Floor Relaxations are Just as Important as Kegels
Kegels tend to get all the attention when it comes to pelvic floor health, but here’s the truth: your ability to relax your pelvic floor muscles is just as important as your ability to contract them. Just like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor needs strength and flexibility so it can move through its full range of motion.
Why Relaxation Matters
Your pelvic floor needs to lengthen and relax for everyday functions like:
Urination
Bowel movements
Pelvic exams
Penetration (toys, fingers, or penis)
And birth! — your pelvic floor must stretch and “get out of the way” as your uterus contracts and pushes baby out
At Foundations Pelvic Health in Boston, we frequently help our patients reduce pelvic floor tension so the muscles can move more optimally. When these muscles can fully relax, people often notice they can empty their bladder and bowels more completely, experience less discomfort with penetrative activities or exams, and in some cases have reduced risk of perineal tearing during birth.
Your Pelvic Floor = A Trampoline
We often describe the pelvic floor as a trampoline. When you cough, sneeze, laugh, run, or jump, the pelvic floor absorbs downward pressure and then responds upward to support you. However, if those muscles are too tight or rigid, they lose their ability to absorb and rebound, which can lead to symptoms like leaking.
How to Encourage Pelvic Floor Relaxation
A pelvic floor PT gives cues for a patient to encourage pelvic floor relaxations with breathing coordination.
We often start with deep, diaphragmatic breathing. On a full inhale, your ribs expand, your abdomen softens, and your pelvic floor naturally relaxes. We pair this with gentle movement or yoga poses such as child’s pose, happy baby, or butterfly.
Visualizations can also make relaxation easier. As you inhale, try imagining:
A flower blooming or opening
An elevator descending to the basement and the doors opening
Your sitz bones widening and spreading apart
These cues help your brain connect to the sensation of letting go, which is the foundation for a strong, responsive, and well-coordinated pelvic floor.
Find Your Foundation
At Foundations Pelvic Health, We help women feel strong, supported, and empowered through every season of life. Our Boston South End clinic offers one-on-one, doctor-led pelvic floor physical therapy rooted in evidence-based care and genuine connection.
If you’re noticing tension, discomfort, or symptoms that feel “off,” we’re here to help. Book an appointment to get personalized support from one of our pelvic floor specialists.