Chicken or egg? Tailbone pain, also called coccydynia, can be tricky to figure out because it’s often tied to your pelvic floor muscles. It’s kind of a “which came first?” situation—does the pain start with the coccyx or the pelvic floor? Or the spine? Or the hip?! The answer isn’t always clear, but here’s what we do know: pelvic floor physical therapy can help!

What is Coccydynia and How Does the Pelvic Floor Play a Role?

Coccydynia is just a fancy term for tailbone pain. It can happen after a fall, childbirth, sitting for long periods, or even from repetitive strain. But here’s the twist: your pelvic floor muscles are actually attached to your tailbone. So, if those muscles are too tight, weak, or out of balance, they can pull on your coccyx (tailbone) and cause pain. On the flip side, if your tailbone is already irritated, your pelvic floor muscles might tense up to protect it, making the whole situation worse. It’s like a vicious cycle of discomfort! 

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can cause pelvic pain, constipation, pain with sitting (ever avoid certain chairs because of it?), or even pain during sex. If left untreated, this dysfunction can contribute to tension and discomfort in the tailbone area. And if your tailbone is hurting, those muscles can tighten up more, making everything worse. It’s all connected!

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps

Tailbone pain can be stubborn, but the good news is it’s usually treatable. Pelvic floor physical therapy can address both coccyx and pelvic floor issues to break that pain cycle. Here’s how:

1. Fixing Posture and Movement Habits
   Sitting weird? Slouching? Lifting things without thinking about it? These little habits can put strain on your coccyx and pelvic floor. We’ll work on better ways to sit, stand, and move to take the pressure off.

2. Manual Therapy
   Sometimes, the muscles around your tailbone and pelvis need a little extra help relaxing. We use hands-on techniques—either externally or internally (with your consent, of course!)—to release tension and get things moving the way they should. 

3. Relaxation and Strengthening Exercises
   Not all exercises are about getting stronger! Sometimes, your muscles need to learn how to relax. We’ll guide you through tailored exercises to help your pelvic floor muscles relax and/or regain strength, depending on what’s needed.

If tailbone pain has been cramping your style, don’t wait to get help! Let’s figure out what’s going on and work together to get you feeling better. Have questions? Reach out—we’re here for you!