Tailbone Pain

Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, is an uncomfortable condition that affects many individuals. The tailbone, or coccyx, is a small bone located at the end of the spine. When it becomes injured, it can lead to discomfort and decreased mobility. While tailbone pain can happen from different things, pelvic floor physical therapy has shown to be an effective approach to managing this condition. 

 

Tailbone pain can be caused by a range of factors, such as trauma from a fall or injury, prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, childbirth, or arthritis. The pain can be sharp, throbbing, or achy, and it increases during certain activities or positions.

 

The pelvic floor muscles are closely connected to the tailbone. In some cases, tailbone pain, tension, or dysfunction in these muscles increases discomfort. Pelvic floor physical therapists assess and identify any pelvic floor muscle involvement in tailbone pain cases.

 

Pelvic floor physical therapy can give you exercise and stretching regimens that target the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding areas. These exercises help to decrease tension, increase flexibility, and promote proper alignment of the pelvis and tailbone. With this, patients experience reduced pain and improved mobility.

 

Pelvic floor physical therapists use manual therapy techniques to address tailbone pain. Gentle massage and myofascial release techniques can help relax tight muscles and improve blood circulation to the affected area. This helps in reducing inflammation and increases healing.

 

Poor posture and improper body mechanics can put additional stress on the tailbone and pelvic region, leading to or increasing tailbone pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy includes education on proper body mechanics and postural correction, which can alleviate pressure on the tailbone and allow better spinal alignment.

 

For some individuals with tailbone pain, pelvic floor muscle spasms may be a contributing factor. Pelvic floor physical therapists can teach relaxation techniques to help release tension in these muscles, providing relief from discomfort.

 

Living with tailbone pain can take a toll on a person's emotional well-being. Pelvic floor physical therapy takes a full approach by addressing these factors and providing coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety related to chronic pain.

 

By targeting the pelvic floor muscles, physical therapists can effectively address the causes of tailbone pain. Through exercises, manual therapy, postural correction, and relaxation techniques, pelvic floor physical therapy can improve your mobility, allowing you to have a more active and pain-free life.