Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Coccyx/Tailbone Pain Relief
Coccyx pain, also known as Coccydynia, can be a debilitating condition causing discomfort and distress. The Coccyx, more commonly known as the tailbone, is a small triangular bone comprised of three to five fused vertebrae located at the base of the spine. When this area becomes inflamed or injured, it can lead to persistent pain and limited mobility. While there are various treatment options available, pelvic floor physiotherapy is the primary approach for managing coccyx pain effectively.
⭐ Key Takeaways: Coccyx Pain
Coccydynia is often caused by trauma, childbirth, prolonged sitting, muscular tension, or structural changes in the spine or pelvic region.
The coccyx is directly connected to the pelvic floor muscles; overactivity, tension, or dysfunction in these muscles can significantly increase tailbone pain.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is considered a primary treatment for coccyx pain because it addresses the root causes rather than only treating symptoms.
Treatment typically includes comprehensive assessment, coccyx and pelvic floor manual therapy, myofascial release, relaxation or strengthening exercises, posture education, and ergonomic modifications.
Pelvic floor physiotherapists help patients correct prolonged sitting habits, improve pelvic alignment, release muscular tension, and restore normal mobility of the coccyx.
Coccydynia often requires a whole-person, multidisciplinary approach, especially when combined with bowel, bladder, or sexual pain.
With proper physiotherapy-guided intervention, most patients experience significant improvement in pain, sitting tolerance, mobility, and bowel/sexual function.
Early assessment and treatment lead to better outcomes, preventing chronic tension patterns from worsening.
Why does Coccydynia occur?
Coccyx pain can arise from a multitude of factors, including trauma from falls, childbirth, prolonged sitting, or repetitive strain injuries. Additionally, conditions such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or anatomical abnormalities can contribute to coccydynia.
Individuals experiencing coccyx pain often describe symptoms such as localized discomfort, tenderness, pain during sitting or movement, and difficulty with bowel movements or intercourse. The impact of coccyx pain on daily activities and quality of life can be significant, necessitating prompt and effective intervention.
How can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with Coccyx pain?
The coccyx serves as the anchoring point for the pelvic floor muscles. Any dysfunction in these muscles, such as overactivity, tension, or discomfort, can directly influence pain experienced in the coccyx region.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on assessing and addressing dysfunction within the pelvic floor muscles, which are crucial in supporting the coccyx and surrounding structures. Through a comprehensive approach, pelvic floor physiotherapists can target the underlying causes of coccyx pain and facilitate optimal healing.
Here's how pelvic floor physiotherapy can benefit individuals with coccydynia:
Evaluation and Diagnosis:
Pelvic floor physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments to identify contributing factors to coccyx pain, such as muscle imbalances, pelvic floor dysfunction, or postural abnormalities. Through manual palpation and specialized tests, they can pinpoint areas of tenderness and dysfunction, guiding personalized treatment plans.
Manual Therapy Techniques:
Hands-on techniques, including myofascial release, soft tissue and coccyx mobilization, and tender point therapy, are utilized to alleviate muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and improve pelvic alignment. Manual therapy enhances comfort and mobility in the coccyx region by releasing tightness and restoring flexibility.
Targeted Exercises to Improve The Function of the Pelvic Floor Muscles:
Depending on the cause of Coccyx pain, exercises are prescribed to strengthen weakened muscles, relax overactive muscles and improve pelvic stability.
Postural Education and Ergonomic Modifications:
Educating individuals on proper sitting mechanics, posture awareness, and ergonomic modifications is crucial for preventing exacerbation of Coccyx pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapists provide guidance on optimal sitting positions, the use of supportive cushions, and workplace ergonomics to reduce pressure on the Coccyx and promote healing.
Behavioural and Lifestyle Modifications:
Addressing contributing factors, such as prolonged sitting, poor lifting techniques, or high-impact activities, is essential for the long-term management of Coccydynia. Pelvic floor physiotherapists collaborate with patients to implement lifestyle and activity modifications that support pelvic health and minimize pain triggers.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
In complex cases of Coccyx pain, pelvic floor physiotherapy may complement other interventions, including pain management strategies, orthopedic interventions, or psychological support. Collaborating with healthcare professionals ensures holistic care and optimized outcomes for individuals with Coccydynia.
Coccyx pain can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, but with the right approach, relief and recovery are possible. Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a comprehensive and personalized treatment approach that addresses the underlying causes of Coccyx pain, promotes healing, and enhances overall pelvic health. Pelvic floor physiotherapists empower individuals to overcome Coccydynia and reclaim their comfort and mobility.
Remember, if you're experiencing Coccyx pain or discomfort, consulting with a qualified pelvic floor physiotherapist can provide invaluable guidance and support on your journey to recovery.
Why Choose Ova in Burnaby for Tailbone (Coccyx)Pain Relief
We’re not just pelvic floor physiotherapists. We are international experts in complex pelvic pain and coccyx rehabilitation.
At Ova, we understand how coccyx or tailbone pain, known as coccydynia, can make sitting, bending, or even daily movements uncomfortable. With advanced global training and more than 2,000 successfully treated complex pelvic pain cases, our team focuses on finding the true causes of coccyx pain, whether they come from childbirth, trauma, posture, or muscle imbalance, and restoring comfort through precise, evidence-based care.
Our treatment approach blends manual therapy, coccyx mobilization, myofascial release, biofeedback, and postural retraining to release tension and improve alignment of the pelvic floor and tailbone. Every plan is tailored to your individual condition to ensure safe and lasting results that support your overall pelvic health.
Women across Burnaby, Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland trust Ova Women’s Health for compassionate and specialized pelvic floor physiotherapy that helps them move, sit, and live pain-free again.
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Don’t wait. The sooner we start, the sooner you can feel stronger and more supported. Space is limited due to high demand, but if you’re ready to take the first step toward lasting pelvic health, we’re here to help.
❓FAQs About Coccyx/Tailbone Pain
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Coccyx pain, also known as coccydynia, can result from trauma (such as a fall or childbirth), prolonged sitting, poor posture, or repetitive strain. It can also be linked to arthritis, muscle tension, or pelvic floor dysfunction that affects the alignment and mobility of the tailbone.
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Many women experience tailbone pain that is actually influenced by tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles. Because the pelvic floor attaches directly to the coccyx, tension or imbalance in these muscles can refer pain to the tailbone area. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can perform a detailed assessment to identify the true source of your pain.
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Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for coccyx pain. It helps by releasing tension in the pelvic floor muscles, improving alignment, and restoring proper movement of the coccyx and surrounding structures.
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Treatment may include gentle manual therapy, myofascial release, coccyx mobilization, postural retraining, and personalized exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles. You’ll also receive guidance on sitting posture, ergonomic cushions, and daily habits that reduce strain on the tailbone.
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Most patients begin to notice relief within a few sessions, although full recovery depends on the severity and duration of symptoms. Consistency with your treatment plan and home exercises plays a key role in achieving long-term improvement.
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Yes. A donut-shaped or wedge cushion with a tailbone cut-out can help offload pressure from the coccyx while sitting. Your physiotherapist can recommend the best type of cushion for your specific posture and sitting habits.
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Absolutely. Tailbone pain is common after childbirth due to pressure or trauma during delivery. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help restore muscle balance, improve mobility, and relieve postnatal coccyx pain safely.
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Even if you’ve had coccyx pain for months or years, improvement is possible. Chronic tailbone pain often involves nervous system sensitization or muscle guarding that can be addressed through targeted physiotherapy and gentle desensitization techniques.
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If your tailbone pain has persisted for more than a few days, worsens with sitting, or affects your ability to perform daily activities, it’s time to seek professional help. Early assessment can prevent chronic pain and speed up recovery.
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