Pelvic Floor Treatment for Tailbone Pain (AKA Coccydynia)

If you've ever experienced tailbone pain, you know that it can significantly impact your daily life, making activities like walking, standing, or even sitting uncomfortable. While often overlooked, the coccyx plays a crucial role in pelvic movement, stability and function. At Bonneville Pelvic Health, Dr. Bailee, a board-certified specialist in pelvic floor physical therapy, is highly qualified to assess and treat all forms of pelvic floor dysfunction, including coccydynia.

What is Coccydynia?

Coccydynia refers to pain localized in the coccyx, the small, triangular bone at the base of the spine. This pain may be caused by trauma (such as a nasty fall while attempting to snowboard... just stick to skiing, my friend), prolonged sitting, childbirth, repetitive strain, or even postural imbalances. In many cases, the pain may develop without a clear cause, which can be SO frustrating to self-treat. This is where pelvic floor PT comes in.

Why Does Tailbone Pain Occur?

The coccyx may seem like a tiny little bone (which it is) that is insignificant (which is most certainly is not). Although small, the coccyx attaches to many important structures, including the base of the spine, deep hip muscles, and ... you guessed it ... the pelvic floor (gasp!). These structures work together to support your posture and movement. When any of these areas experience dysfunction, it can lead to pain and discomfort in the tailbone region. Very often, we can't point to one singular cause of coccydynia, but we certainly see common contributing factors, including:

• Pelvic floor muscle tension or dysfunction

  • Tightness, weakness, or incoordination in the pelvic floor muscles can create strain on the coccyx, leading to pain.

• Poor posture 

  • Slouching or prolonged sitting can put excessive pressure on the tailbone.

• Pelvic girdle dysfunction

  • Here, we're referring to how the bones of your pelvis interact with each other (think SI joint, pubic symphysis, sacrum). Too much or too little movement in these areas can transfer force down to the coccyx, leading to tension, hypermobility, or pain.

• Injury or trauma 

  • Falls, childbirth, or repetitive strain can lead to inflammation and pain in the tailbone.

Effective Treatment for Coccydynia

Since the coccyx is interconnected with the spine, hips, and pelvic floor, appropriate treatment must address all these areas. At Bonneville Pelvic Health, we take a comprehensive approach to tailbone pain by integrating:

Coccyx Mobilization Techniques

Pelvic floor PTs are specifically trained to access the coccyx from all angles (seriously), which gives us the ability to actually address the root of the problem.

• Joint mobilization

  •  The coccyx is attached to the spine via the sacrococcygeal joint. Targeted mobilization of this joint can be a very effective method for reducing tailbone pain.

    
    

Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment and Treatment

Pelvic floor training is highly effective for treating coccydynia, as it focuses on relieving muscle tension, improving mobility, and restoring proper function. Treatment may include:

• Manual therapy 

  • Hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility as a means to take pressure off the tailbone.

• Postural correction

  • Education on how to sit, stand, and move in a way that reduces tailbone stress.

• Targeted exercises

  • Strengthening and stretching exercises for the pelvic floor, hips, and lower back.

• Biofeedback and relaxation techniques 

  • Helping patients learn how to properly activate and relax the pelvic floor muscles.

    
    

Addressing Hip and Spine Function

Because the tailbone is influenced by of the spine and hips, therapy often includes:

• Core and hip training 

  • Strengthening to improve support and reduce strain on the coccyx.

• Soft tissue and joint mobilization

  • Techniques to improve movement in surrounding muscles, ligaments, and joints.

• Ergonomic education 

  • Guidance on proper seating and movement patterns to avoid aggravating tailbone pain.

You Don't Have to Live with Tailbone Pain

If you are struggling with coccydynia, seeking care from a specialist in pelvic floor physical therapy can make all the difference. Dr. Bailee at Bonneville Pelvic Health provides expert, individualized treatment that integrates treatment of the coccyx, pelvic floor, spine, and hips to help patients achieve lasting relief. Our goal is to help you move with ease, sit comfortably, and return to your daily activities without being limited by tailbone pain.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and find relief from coccydynia, contact Bonneville Pelvic Health today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you restore function and comfort so you can enjoy life without tailbone pain.

Contact Today!

Dr. Bailee Burningham, DPT, WCS, PRPC

Board-Certified Specialist in Women's Health Physical Therapy

Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner

Owner of Bonneville Pelvic Health

As an expert in pelvic floor rehabilitation, Dr. Bailee Burningham brings extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor disorders, including coccyx pain. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.