Tailbone Pain Physical Therapy in Holly Springs, NC
Whether you're lifting weights, cycling, running, practicing yoga, or simply trying to stay active,
tailbone pain can quickly turn exercise into something you dread. Many people assume they'll
just have to "push through it," but persistent tailbone pain is not normal and it's often very
treatable.
At our clinic, we frequently work with individuals experiencing tailbone pain, also known as
coccydynia. The good news is that understanding why it happens is the first step toward getting
back to the activities you love.
What Is the Tailbone?
The tailbone, or coccyx, is the small triangular bone at the very bottom of your spine. Although
it's small, it plays an important role. The coccyx serves as an attachment point for several
muscles, ligaments, and the pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder, bowel, and
reproductive organs while also contributing to core stability.
When the tailbone becomes irritated, inflamed, or moves abnormally, even simple movements
can become surprisingly painful.
Why Does Exercise Make Tailbone Pain Worse?
Not all exercise causes tailbone pain, but certain movements place additional stress on the
coccyx or the muscles attached to it.
You may notice pain during or after:
● Cycling
● Rowing
● Sit-ups or core exercises
● Squats and deadlifts
● Running
● Prolonged sitting after a workout
● Certain yoga or Pilates positions
Exercise can increase pressure on the tailbone or create excessive tension in the pelvic floor
muscles. Sometimes the pain isn't actually coming from the bone itself, and it may be referred
pain from tight muscles surrounding the pelvis.
Common Causes of Tailbone Pain
Tailbone pain can develop for several reasons, including:
● Falls directly onto the buttocks
● Childbirth
● Repetitive pressure from cycling or prolonged sitting
● Hypermobility or stiffness of the coccyx
● Muscle tension within the pelvic floor or gluteal muscles
● Poor movement mechanics during lifting or exercise
● Previous low back or pelvic injuries
In many cases, patients don't remember a specific injury. The pain may gradually develop over
time as repetitive stress accumulates.
The Pelvic Floor Connection
One of the most overlooked contributors to tailbone pain is the pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor muscles attach directly to the coccyx. When these muscles become tight,
overactive, or uncoordinated, they can pull on the tailbone, increasing pain with sitting, exercise,
bowel movements, or even standing from a chair.
This is why treatments focused only on the tailbone itself often provide limited relief. Addressing
the surrounding muscles and movement patterns is often the missing piece.
Should You Stop Exercising?
Not necessarily.
In most cases, completely avoiding exercise isn't the answer. Instead, it's important to modify
activities while allowing the irritated tissues to calm down.
Depending on your symptoms, this may include:
● Temporarily reducing high-impact activities
● Limiting exercises that directly compress the tailbone
● Adjusting lifting mechanics
● Using supportive seating when needed
● Gradually rebuilding strength and mobility
Movement is medicine, but the right movement matters.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps
Pelvic floor physical therapy looks beyond the site of pain to identify why the pain developed in
the first place.
Your evaluation may include assessment of:
● Pelvic floor muscle function
● Hip strength and mobility
● Core coordination
● Breathing mechanics
● Posture
● Spine and pelvic alignment
● Movement during exercise
Treatment is individualized and may include:
● Hands-on manual therapy
● Pelvic floor muscle relaxation or strengthening, depending on your needs
● Mobility exercises
● Progressive strengthening
● Exercise modifications
● Return-to-sport guidance
● Education to help prevent recurrence
Our goal isn't simply to reduce pain, but to help you return to exercising confidently and without
fear.
When Should You Seek Help?
If your tailbone pain has lasted more than a few weeks, limits your workouts, makes sitting
uncomfortable, or keeps returning despite rest, it's worth being evaluated.
Pain is your body's way of asking for attention and it’s not something you have to ignore.
The earlier the underlying cause is identified, the sooner you can return to doing the things you
enjoy.
You Don't Have to Live with Tailbone Pain
Many people are surprised to learn that tailbone pain is highly responsive to pelvic floor physical
therapy. Whether your symptoms began after an injury, childbirth, or seemingly out of nowhere,
there are effective treatment options available.
If tailbone pain is interfering with your workouts or daily life, know that you're not alone and you
don't have to simply "live with it."
With the right evaluation and a personalized treatment plan, lasting relief is possible, allowing
you to move with greater comfort and confidence once again.
Learn More About Pelvic Floor PT
Book An Appointment With A Pelvic Floor Specialist