Pelvic pain is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects many women. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, persistent discomfort that interferes with daily life. While the causes of pelvic pain can vary, one frequently overlooked factor is pelvic floor muscle tension.
Fortunately, pelvic floor physiotherapy offers effective, non-invasive treatments that address the root cause of this pain, helping patients regain comfort, confidence, and control.
What is Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that stretch like a supportive hammock at the base of your pelvis. These muscles help control the bladder and bowels, support pelvic organs, and play a key role in sexual function and core stability.
Just like any other muscles in the body, the pelvic floor can become tight, weak, or uncoordinated, leading to pain and dysfunction.
How Muscle Tension Causes Pelvic Pain
When the pelvic floor muscles are constantly contracted or tense, they lose flexibility and blood flow, leading to pain, pressure, and discomfort. This condition is sometimes called pelvic floor muscle overactivity or hypertonic pelvic floor.
Tight muscles can also irritate surrounding nerves and tissues, resulting in symptoms such as:
- A heavy or aching sensation in the pelvic area
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Difficulty starting or fully emptying the bladder or bowels
- Tailbone, hip, or lower back pain
- A feeling of pressure or burning in the pelvic region
These symptoms can be chronic and may worsen with stress, posture changes, or physical strain.
Common Causes of Pelvic Floor Tension
Pelvic floor muscle tension can develop for several reasons, including:
- Stress or anxiety – emotional stress can lead to unconscious clenching of the pelvic muscles
- Past injury or trauma – such as childbirth, surgery, or falls
- Chronic constipation or straining
- Poor posture or prolonged sitting
- Overuse from high-impact sports or heavy exercise
- Pain conditions – like endometriosis or bladder pain syndrome
Understanding the cause is key to effective treatment, and that’s where pelvic floor physiotherapy comes in.
How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps
Pelvic floor physiotherapists are specially trained to assess and treat conditions related to the pelvic muscles, joints, and nerves.
During treatment, your physiotherapist may:
- Perform a detailed assessment to identify which muscles are tight, weak, or overactive
- Use gentle manual therapy to release muscle tension and improve blood flow
- Teach breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and promote pelvic muscle relaxation
- Guide you through customized exercises to restore balance, coordination, and strength
- Address posture, movement, and daily habits that may be contributing to the pain
Treatment is always tailored to your comfort level and goals, and it often leads to significant improvements in pain, mobility, and overall well-being.
Your pelvic floor holds more than just your core, it holds your strength, stability, and well-being. With the right care, balance can be restored.
Pelvic pain caused by muscle tension is more common than many realize, and it’s not something you have to live with. With the help of pelvic floor physiotherapy, it’s possible to relax and retrain the muscles, relieve discomfort, and restore function.
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, discomfort during intimacy, or unexplained pelvic pressure, consider booking an assessment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Addressing the issue early can make all the difference in your recovery and quality of life.
Contact us!
Take the first step towards recovery by contacting us today to schedule your pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment!