If you have been to see us in clinic before, you will notice in both of our treatment rooms we have a range of pelvic floor tools on display. Maybe we have even recommended some of them during your care, and don’t worry you are not alone if you are or were a little unsure at first. Words like vaginal dilators, wand or vaginal weights can sound intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never seen or used them before.
The good news? These tools are simply aids that help us retrain muscles, improve awareness, reduce pain, and support recovery. They are not “scary devices,” and they are never one-size-fits-all. In pelvic health physiotherapy, tools are chosen carefully based on your symptoms, comfort level, and goals.
Most importantly, you are always in control. We will guide you through how and why a tool may help, answer any questions you might have, and ensure you feel safe and informed every step of the way.
Below, we explain some of the most common pelvic floor tools we use in clinic and for your home programs.
Vaginal Weights
Vaginal weights are small, smooth devices designed to be gently inserted into the vagina. They come in different shapes and weights, allowing gradual progression over time. Think of them like resistance training for your pelvic floor muscles.
Vaginal weights are commonly used to help improve:
- Pelvic floor strength
- Muscle endurance
- Awareness and coordination
- Mild bladder leakage, especially with exercise, coughing, or sneezing
When inserted correctly, the pelvic floor muscles naturally contract to help hold the weight in place. This can improve muscle engagement and body awareness. They can also be a great for people who are time poor (as you can use them while you are fully clothed), and an excellent functional way to work your pelvic floor, as you can use them while you go about your day-to-day tasks at home.
Vaginal Dilators
Dilators are smooth, graded cylindrical tools that come in a range of sizes. They are designed to gently help the pelvic floor muscles and vaginal tissues become more relaxed, flexible, and tolerant to insertion.
Dilators are often used for:
- Pain with intercourse
- Pelvic floor muscle tension
- Vaginismus
- Fear or anxiety around penetration
- Pain with pelvic exams or tampon use
- Recovery after pelvic surgery or cancer treatment
Treatment is gradual, gentle, and guided. The goal is not stretching aggressively, it is to help the nervous system and pelvic floor muscles feel safe, as well as increasing your confidence in your pelvic floor.
Pelvic Wands
A pelvic wand is a curved handheld tool designed to help release tight or tender pelvic floor muscles internally and provide relief from pain and discomfort. Its shape allows gentle access to specific muscles that can be difficult to reach manually. We even have vibrating ones which are very effective at relieving tension.
Pelvic wands may help with:
- Pelvic pain
- Muscle tension or spasm
- Trigger points
- Pain with intercourse
- Tailbone pain
- Persistent pelvic floor tightness
They are often recommended as part of a home program between physiotherapy sessions, and are a great way to help self-manage.
Not every person needs every tool and some don’t need any at all. Others find that the right tool helps them build confidence, reduce symptoms, and feel more connected to their body. Our pelvic health physiotherapists will always assess, recommend and guide you through the use of these products so you feel informed, comfortable, and supported.
If you have questions about pelvic floor products or are unsure whether they may help you, we recommend booking in to see one of our wonderful pelvic health physiotherapists, who will be able to fully assess and advise what is best for you.
Written by Aisling Lane
