Pelvic Floor Pain: Relief, Causes, Symptoms, and How Our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Can Help

Pelvic floor pain is more common than many people realize — yet it’s rarely talked about. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, pressure, discomfort with sitting, pain during intimacy, or difficulty with bladder or bowel control, you are not alone.

The good news? Our pelvic floor physical therapist provides specialized, non-invasive treatment designed to address the root cause of pelvic pain — not just the symptoms.

What Is Pelvic Floor Pain?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the base of your pelvis. These muscles support your bladder, bowel, and (in women) uterus. They also play a vital role in:

• Bladder control

• Bowel control

• Sexual function

• Core stability

• Hip and low back support

When these muscles become tight, weak, irritated, or uncoordinated, pelvic floor pain can develop.

Common Causes of Pelvic Floor Pain

Pelvic pain can result from several factors, including:

• Pregnancy and childbirth

• Pelvic or abdominal surgery

• Trauma or injury

• Chronic constipation or straining

• Endometriosis

• Painful intercourse

• Stress and chronic muscle tension

• Poor posture and core weakness

Many people are surprised to learn that pelvic floor muscles are often too tight, not just weak. Overactive pelvic floor muscles are a very common cause of pelvic pain.

Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor pain can present in many different ways. You may experience:

• Pelvic aching, heaviness, or pressure

• Pain with prolonged sitting

• Pain during or after intimacy

• Lower abdominal discomfort

• Tailbone pain

• Urinary urgency or leakage

• Difficulty starting or fully emptying the bladder

• Pain with bowel movements

If these symptoms sound familiar, our pelvic floor physical therapist can help determine the underlying cause.

How Our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Treats Pelvic Pain

Our approach focuses on restoring proper muscle function — whether that means relaxing tight muscles, strengthening weak ones, or improving coordination.

1. Comprehensive Evaluation

Our pelvic floor physical therapist performs a detailed assessment of posture, breathing mechanics, core strength, hip mobility, and pelvic floor muscle function. With your consent, this may include both external and internal assessment to fully understand what’s contributing to your pain.

2. Reducing Muscle Tension

If your pelvic floor muscles are tight or overactive, treatment may include:

• Hands-on manual therapy

• Trigger point release

• Breathing retraining

• Relaxation techniques

• Gentle mobility exercises

Learning how to properly relax these muscles is often the first step toward pain relief.

3. Restoring Strength and Coordination

If weakness or poor coordination is contributing to symptoms, our pelvic floor physical therapist will guide you through individualized exercises designed to:

• Improve pelvic floor strength

• Enhance deep core stability

• Support the hips and lower back

• Improve overall movement mechanics

4. Education and Lifestyle Strategies

Small daily habits can significantly impact pelvic health. Our team provides education on:

• Proper toileting posture

• Bowel and bladder habits

• Posture and lifting mechanics

• Safe return to exercise

• Postpartum recovery guidance

Education empowers you with tools to manage symptoms long term.

Is Pelvic Floor Pain Normal?

Pelvic pain is common — but it is not normal and should not be something you simply live with. Many individuals delay treatment because they feel embarrassed or assume symptoms will improve on their own. In reality, untreated pelvic floor dysfunction often persists or worsens without proper care.

When Should You See Our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist?

You may benefit from an evaluation if you:

• Have persistent pelvic pain

• Experience pain during intimacy

• Notice urinary leakage or urgency

• Have ongoing postpartum symptoms

• Feel pelvic pressure or heaviness

• Have pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments

Early intervention leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Pelvic floor pain can feel isolating, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Our pelvic floor physical therapist provides compassionate, one-on-one care in a comfortable and private setting.

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation or free injury screening to learn how pelvic floor physical therapy can restore comfort, confidence, and function.