When you’re looking to improve your pelvic health, tools like the pelvic wand and dilators may come to mind. These devices play an important role in improving muscle tone, flexibility, and overall comfort. But with so many options available, it can be confusing to figure out which one is right for your needs.
In this post, we’ll explore the differences between the pelvic wand vs. dilator, and help you decide which tool is best for your pelvic floor therapy.
Pelvic Wand: What Is It?
A pelvic wand is a specialized tool used to help relieve pelvic tension, increase circulation, and promote relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. It is typically a small, handheld device made from smooth, body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone. The wand is designed to be gently massaged along the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles, offering both therapeutic and soothing benefits.
The most common use of a pelvic wand is for individuals dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, or conditions like vaginismus or dyspareunia (painful intercourse). By applying gentle pressure to the pelvic muscles, the pelvic wand helps to release tightness, reduce pain, and improve flexibility. The pelvic wand is a great adjunct to pelvic floor physical therapy and allows you to take control over your health!
Benefits of Using a Pelvic Wand
-
Relieves Pelvic Tension: The massaging action helps to alleviate tightness in the pelvic muscles.
-
Improves Circulation: Increased blood flow can help promote healing and muscle relaxation.
-
Non-Invasive: The wand is a non-invasive method of addressing pelvic floor issues, making it a safe option for at-home therapy.
- Versatile: It can be used for general pelvic floor health or to target specific areas of discomfort or tension.
NewFlora’s pelvic wand is designed with comfort in mind. Made from ultra-soft, medical-grade silicone it’s perfect for relieving pelvic pain, reducing tension, and improving overall pelvic health.
Dilators: What Is It?
A dilator is a medical tool used to gradually stretch and relax the vaginal muscles. A set of dilators come in various sizes, typically starting small and gradually increasing in size, so the user can work up to larger dilators over time. They are commonly used by individuals who experience vaginal tightness, discomfort during intercourse, or who need to regain vaginal elasticity or slowly allow the pelvic floor muscles to lengthen after surgery or childbirth.
The main goal of a dilator is to gently stretch the vaginal wall and pelvic floor muscles, allowing them to relax and become more flexible. This can help with conditions like vaginismus, vaginal atrophy, and painful intercourse, as well as aid in post-surgery recovery.
Benefits of Using a Dilator
-
Gradual Muscle Relaxation: Dilators help gently stretch the vaginal muscles, making penetration more comfortable over time.
-
Increased Flexibility: Regular use of dilators can help improve muscle tone and flexibility.
-
Effective for Recovery: Dilators are commonly used after pelvic surgery, childbirth, or cancer treatment to restore vaginal elasticity and comfort.
- Helps with Pain Reduction: Dilator therapy can reduce pain associated with conditions like vaginismus and dyspareunia.
Pelvic Wand Vs. Dilator: How Are They Different?
While both tools aim to improve pelvic health, they work in slightly different ways and serve distinct purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between the pelvic wand vs. dilator:
Purpose and Function
-
Pelvic Wand: The pelvic wand is used primarily for relieving pelvic floor muscle tension and pain. It is often used for individuals who experience chronic pelvic pain or pelvic floor dysfunction. The benefit of the wand is that it can reach into the deeper pelvic floor muscles and the wand's massaging action targets muscle tightness, helps increase circulation, and can reduce discomfort caused by tight or overactive pelvic muscles.
- Dilator: The dilator is used for gradually stretching the vaginal wall and the pelvic floor muscles around the opening of the vagina, improving flexibility, and making vaginal penetration more comfortable. It’s often used for individuals with conditions like vaginismus, vaginal atrophy, or those recovering from surgery. Dilators come in various sizes, allowing users to work up to larger sizes as the muscles relax.
Design and Usage
-
Pelvic Wand: Typically comes in a handheld, wand-like shape with a curved or straight design. It is used externally on the pelvic floor muscles or internally for deeper pelvic muscle relief. Some pelvic wands, like NewFlora’s vibrating pelvic wand, have vibration features to enhance relaxation and promote deeper tissue healing.
- Dilator: Dilators usually come in a set of graduated sizes, allowing users to start with a small dilator and work up to larger sizes as they become more comfortable. The goal is to gradually increase the diameter of the dilator to stretch and relax the vaginal walls.
Intensity and Frequency of Use
-
Pelvic Wand: The pelvic wand is typically used for short, focused sessions aimed at relieving tension and improving muscle relaxation. The massaging motion can be gentle or more intense, depending on your comfort level and specific needs.
- Dilator: Dilators are used over a longer period and are typically incorporated into a regular pelvic floor therapy routine. The goal is to use them consistently to achieve gradual improvement in flexibility and muscle relaxation over time.
Targeted Areas
-
Pelvic Wand: Targets the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding areas, focusing on muscle relaxation and improving blood flow. The pelvic wand can be used externally or internally, depending on the specific type of therapy needed. The wand can also be used vaginally or rectally depending on the condition.
- Dilator: Primarily targets the vaginal canal and pelvic floor muscles, helping to stretch the vaginal walls and improve flexibility for pain-free penetration.
Which One Do You Need: Pelvic Wand or Dilator?
So, which one should you choose: a pelvic wand or dilator? The decision ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals.
If you are dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction or muscle tension and difficulty with penetration isn’t the primary issue, a pelvic wand may be more beneficial. The wand can help you relieve tension, reduce pain, and improve muscle flexibility in the pelvic region. If you're looking for a tool to improve blood flow and relieve chronic pelvic pain, the pelvic wand is an excellent choice.
If you are recovering from surgery, childbirth, or dealing with vaginal tightness or penetration is difficult, a dilator might be the better option. Dilators help gradually stretch and relax the vaginal wall and surrounding muscles, making penetration more comfortable and helping with recovery. They’re especially helpful for conditions like vaginismus and vaginal atrophy.
At NewFlora, we offer both tools to support your pelvic health. If you're looking for a pelvic wand to ease pelvic tension, a vibrating pelvic wand for deeper relief, or a set of high-quality dilators to help you regain flexibility, we have the tools you need to take charge of your health. Feel confident knowing you’re using the best products available for your well-being.