Tailbone pain, medically known as coccydynia, is a condition that affects the small, triangular bone at the base of your spine called the coccyx. Though it
might seem like a minor issue, the discomfort can be quite debilitating, making it hard to sit, stand, or even sleep comfortably. Thankfully, pelvic floor therapy has emerged as an effective treatment option, providing relief, and promoting healing.
What Causes Tailbone Pain?
Tailbone pain can arise from various causes,
including:
Trauma or Injury: Falling and landing directly on the tailbone can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Repetitive Strain: Activities that put prolonged pressure on the tailbone, such as cycling or sitting for extended periods, can lead to coccydynia.
Pregnancy and Childbirth: Women may experience tailbone pain due to the pressure exerted on the coccyx during pregnancy and delivery. This time can also bring about tailbone pain and dysfunction from old trauma or injuries.
Degenerative Joint Disease: Arthritis can affect the tailbone, causing pain and inflammation.
Infections or Tumors: Although rare, these can also cause pain in the coccyx area.
Common symptoms of coccydynia include:
Localized pain and tenderness at the base of the spine.
Pain that worsens when sitting or standing for long periods.
Discomfort during bowel movements or sexual intercourse.
Relief from pain when leaning forward while sitting.
How Can Pelvic Therapy Help?
Pelvic therapy focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and tissues of the pelvic floor, which can significantly impact tailbone pain. At Anchor Pelvic Physical Therapy we treat many individuals with tailbone pain that started from various different reasons from playing with their kids to driving over a pothole. We’ve helped individuals be able to return back to their normal day to day with no more pain.
Here’s how pelvic floor therapy can help:
Manual Therapy: Pelvic therapists use hands-on techniques to mobilize and manipulate the tailbone and surrounding muscles. This can help reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing. Techniques might include soft tissue massage, joint mobilizations, and myofascial release.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: There are several pelvic floor muscles that attach to the tailbone. Strengthening and stretching these muscles can alleviate pressure on the coccyx. Therapists guide patients through exercises based on their symptoms to assist with relieving pain.
Postural Training: Improving posture can help reduce tailbone pain by distributing weight more evenly across the spine. Therapists educate patients on proper sitting techniques, ergonomic adjustments for workspaces, core strengthening exercises to support better posture
Lifestyle modifications: Teaching you to manage your condition is always an important piece of the plan of care at Anchor Pelvic.
When should you see a Pelvic Therapist?
If you’re experiencing persistent tailbone pain that isn’t relieved long-term by over-the-counter pain medications or self-care measures, it might be time to consult a pelvic therapist. They can perform a comprehensive assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Tailbone pain can be a significant hindrance to daily life, but with the right approach, relief is within reach. Pelvic therapy offers a holistic and effective method to address the root causes of coccydynia, providing pain relief and promoting long-term healing. If you’re struggling with tailbone pain, consider reaching out to explore your treatment options and start your journey to healing today.
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