Do You Clench Your Pelvic Floor? Why More Isn’t Always Better

When it comes to pelvic floor health, most people hear one thing over and over again: “Do your kegels.”

But what if we told you that too much squeezing could actually be part of the problem?

Pelvic floor tightness—also known as a “hypertonic pelvic floor”—is a common issue we treat at Body Works Women’s Health & Wellness, especially among women dealing with pelvic pain, discomfort during intimacy, urinary issues, and even back pain. And here’s the tricky part: many of them were told to keep strengthening muscles that were already clenched too tightly.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Pelvic Floor Clenching?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, rectum, and bowel. Like any muscle group, these muscles need balance—they should be able to contract and relax.

Pelvic floor clenching happens when those muscles are stuck in a constant state of tension. Think of it like clenching your jaw all day. Eventually, it causes pain, poor function, and fatigue.

This kind of overuse doesn’t make your pelvic floor stronger. It makes it less responsive and less coordinated.

Why Do People Clench Their Pelvic Floor?

Pelvic floor tension can be physical, emotional, or both. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Stress and anxiety
  The pelvic floor is closely linked to the nervous system. When you’re stressed, you might subconsciously tighten this area.

• Pain history
  Past pain with sex, childbirth, or even gynecological exams can lead to guarding and protective muscle tension.

• Core workouts and posture
  Fitness cues like “squeeze your core” or “tuck your pelvis” can cause constant engagement of pelvic floor muscles—sometimes without realizing it.

• Bathroom habits
  Frequently holding in urine or going “just in case” too often can train the pelvic floor to stay tight.

These patterns often go unnoticed, especially since many people associate pelvic floor dysfunction with weakness, not tension.

Signs You May Be Overusing Your Pelvic Floor

If you experience any of the following, a tight pelvic floor might be part of the issue:

• Pain with intimacy or pelvic exams

• Difficulty inserting tampons or menstrual cups

• Constipation or straining during bowel movements

• A weak or hesitant urine stream

• Ongoing low back, hip, or tailbone pain

• A sense of pelvic pressure or tightness

In many cases, people try to fix these issues by doing even more kegels. But more squeezing can make symptoms worse.

So, Should You Stop Doing Kegels?

Maybe. Or at least, pause and reassess.

Kegels are often prescribed for urinary leakage or core weakness, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. If your pelvic floor is already tight, adding more contraction could actually cause more harm than good.

Before adding strength, your body might need to learn how to let go.

What You Can Do Instead

Here’s where a skilled pelvic floor therapist comes in. At Body Works Physical Therapy Greer SC, we help women understand how their pelvic floor is functioning—and what it actually needs.

For many, the first step is relaxation and release, not strengthening. Treatment may include:

• Breathwork to retrain the nervous system and encourage natural muscle release

• Manual therapy in Greer SC, performed by a licensed physical therapist, to gently release tight tissues

• Pelvic floor stretches and relaxation techniques tailored to your specific patterns

• Real-time ultrasound feedback to improve coordination and awareness

All of this is part of a comprehensive approach to outpatient physical therapy in Greer SC, designed specifically for women.

It’s Not Just About “Doing More”—It’s About Doing What’s Right for You

Just like you wouldn’t work out a muscle that’s already in spasm, you shouldn’t keep clenching a pelvic floor that’s crying out for rest.

At Body Works Women’s Health & Wellness, we specialize in chronic pain physical therapy in Greer SC, helping women reconnect with their bodies, reduce symptoms, and feel like themselves again—without unnecessary surgery or medication.

Whether you’re dealing with leaking, pelvic pain, or unexplained discomfort, there is hope. You don’t have to live like this.