Tailbone pain, or coccydynia, can significantly affect your quality of life. Everyday activities like sitting, standing, or even transitioning between the two can become uncomfortable or downright painful. Many people endure this discomfort without realizing that help is available. One highly effective approach for treating tailbone pain is pelvic floor physical therapy (PT). This specialized form of therapy targets the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the pelvic region to alleviate pain and restore normal function.
If you’ve been experiencing tailbone pain and are wondering if a pelvic floor specialist can help, the answer is a resounding yes. Let’s explore how pelvic floor PT can address the root causes of tailbone pain and review specific modalities and exercises that can aid in your recovery.
Understanding Tailbone Pain
The tailbone, or coccyx, is a small, triangular bone located at the base of your spine. Though it may seem insignificant, this bone plays an essential role in supporting your body when sitting and serving as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region.
Tailbone pain can arise from several causes, including:
- Trauma: Falls or direct impact to the coccyx.
- Prolonged Sitting: Especially on hard surfaces or in poor posture.
- Childbirth: The pressure on the pelvic floor during delivery can strain or displace the coccyx.
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Imbalances or tension in the muscles surrounding the tailbone can lead to pain.
If untreated, this discomfort can become chronic, leading to compensatory patterns and secondary pain in the hips, lower back, or legs.
How Pelvic Floor PT Addresses Tailbone Pain
A pelvic floor specialist takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating tailbone pain. This process involves a detailed assessment of your pelvic floor muscles, surrounding structures, and overall movement patterns.
Here are some ways pelvic floor PT can help:
1. Manual Therapy
Pelvic floor therapists are skilled in manual therapy techniques that target the soft tissues and joints around the coccyx. By releasing tension, improving mobility, and realigning the tailbone, these techniques help reduce pain and improve function.
2. Postural Retraining
Poor posture, especially while sitting, can exacerbate tailbone pain. A pelvic floor specialist will guide you in modifying your posture to reduce pressure on the coccyx. They may recommend ergonomic changes to your workspace or sitting habits as part of your therapy.
3. Pelvic Floor Muscle Relaxation
Tension in the pelvic floor muscles often contributes to tailbone pain. Pelvic floor PT can teach you strategies to relax these muscles, which may include biofeedback, diaphragmatic breathing, or stretches that target the area.
4. Core and Pelvic Stability Training
The muscles of the pelvic floor work in tandem with your core to provide stability. Weakness or imbalances in these muscles can strain the tailbone. Pelvic floor PT focuses on improving this coordination, which helps alleviate pain and prevent recurrence.
Modalities for Tailbone Pain Relief
A pelvic floor specialist has access to a variety of modalities that can complement manual therapy and exercises to enhance your recovery. Some effective options include:
1. Joint mobilizations
Working directly on the tailbone or on the sacrum and SI joints can have a positive effect on tailbone pain. If these joints or bones are out of alignment it can lead to pain and discomfort. Mobilizations performed by a pelvic floor PT can help to restore normal joint position and mobility.
2. Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation can reduce pain and improve muscle function by targeting the pelvic floor and surrounding structures. This treatment is particularly beneficial for addressing muscle imbalances contributing to tailbone pain.
3. Dry Needling
This technique involves inserting thin needles into trigger points within the muscles around the pelvic region. It helps release tension, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
4. Myofascial Release
A hands-on modality, myofascial release focuses on loosening tight connective tissue (fascia) that may be restricting movement and contributing to pain. This can be particularly effective for chronic tailbone discomfort.
Exercises for Tailbone Pain
In addition to modalities and manual therapy, your pelvic floor PT will likely prescribe exercises tailored to your specific needs. Here are two exercises commonly recommended for tailbone pain:
1. Stuck Drawer Technique
This technique uses the pelvic floor muscles to help relax the tissue around the tailbone and bring the tailbone in to a more optimal position
2. Shin box get ups
Moving the hips in opposite directions helps to loosen the muscles and tissue surrounding the tailbone and can lead to pain relief
When to See a Pelvic Floor Specialist
If tailbone pain persists for more than a few weeks, or if it’s interfering with your daily activities, it’s time to seek professional help. A pelvic floor specialist can provide a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your pain and helps you get back to living comfortably.
At Functional Phyzio, we specialize in pelvic floor PT and are dedicated to helping you find relief from tailbone pain and other pelvic health concerns. With a tailored approach that includes hands-on therapy, modalities, and targeted exercises, our team is here to support your recovery.
Conclusion
Tailbone pain doesn’t have to be a permanent part of your life. By working with a pelvic floor specialist, you can address the underlying issues contributing to your discomfort and regain your freedom of movement. Through a combination of manual therapy, effective modalities, and targeted exercises, pelvic floor PT offers a proven path to relief and recovery.
Ready to take the first step toward a pain-free life? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how pelvic floor PT can help you.
