This blog is a guest post from Meghan Davidson from Soulshine Pelvic Health.
Hip and back pain can feel like a mystery. You stretch, strengthen, foam roll, maybe even ice, but the discomfort lingers. What if the missing piece isn’t in your hips or back at all, but in your pelvic floor? That’s right. This group of muscles at the base of your pelvis plays a bigger role in your overall movement and stability than you might realize.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a bowl-shaped group of muscles located at the base of your pelvis. These muscles work like a sling, supporting your internal organs, including the bladder, bowel, and (for those with a uterus) the uterus. They help control essential functions like urination, bowel movements, and sexual activity. But the pelvic floor isn’t just about function—it’s a critical part of your core.
Think of your core like a soda can:
- The top is your diaphragm (your breathing muscle).
- The sides are your abdominal and back muscles.
- And the bottom is your pelvic floor.
Together, these structures manage pressure within your body, stabilize your spine, and allow for smooth, coordinated movement. When one part of this system—like the pelvic floor—isn’t working well, it can create imbalances that lead to pain or dysfunction in other areas, like your hips or back.
How the Pelvic Floor Affects Hip and Back Pain
The pelvic floor isn’t just hanging out at the bottom of your pelvis. It’s an active participant in your body’s movement and stability. Here’s how it connects to hip and back pain:
- The pelvic floor directly interacts with your hips through muscles and ligaments. If these are tight or weak, your hips may become overworked, leading to pain.
- It also plays a key role in stabilizing your spine. When the pelvic floor is dysfunctional—too tight, weak, or poorly coordinated—your back muscles often take on extra strain, leading to chronic discomfort.
If you’ve been battling hip or back pain and traditional treatments haven’t worked, the pelvic floor might be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Signs Your Pelvic Floor Might Be Contributing
So how do you know if your pelvic floor is part of the problem? Here are some common signs:
- Persistent hip or back pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
- Issues like leaking, pelvic pressure, or painful sex.
- Difficulty walking, bending, or sitting comfortably.
- A sense of tightness or tension in your hips or pelvic area.
If these sound familiar, it’s worth considering a pelvic floor evaluation.
The Pelvic Floor and Movement Patterns
One of the most common contributors to pelvic floor-related hip and back pain is poor movement patterns. For example:
- Compensating Muscles: If your glutes or deep core muscles aren’t pulling their weight, your pelvic floor or back might try to pick up the slack, leading to pain or overuse injuries.
- Tension vs. Weakness: Many people think of the pelvic floor as something that always needs strengthening (hello, kegels!), but it’s just as common for the pelvic floor to hold too much tension. When this happens, it can pull on surrounding muscles and joints, causing discomfort.
Improving your movement patterns and addressing any pelvic floor imbalances is key to finding relief.
How to Address Pelvic Floor-Related Hip and Back Pain
- Breathe Better
Your diaphragm and pelvic floor are a team. Practice diaphragmatic breathing—let your belly and ribs expand as you inhale, and gently draw your pelvic floor up and in as you exhale.
- Strengthen the Right Muscles
Glutes and core muscles are your best friends. Exercises like bridges, squats, and single-leg lunges help strengthen the hips and take the pressure off your back and pelvic floor.
- Release Tension
If your pelvic floor is holding too much tension, gentle stretches and mobility work can help. Try yoga poses like child’s pose or hip openers to release tight areas.
- Work With a Specialist
A pelvic floor physical therapist can evaluate your specific needs and guide you toward the right exercises and strategies for relief.
Why Whole-Body Care Matters
At The Supine Studio, the focus is on movement and alignment. Combining this approach with pelvic floor therapy make sure you’re treating the symptoms and addressing the root cause of your pain. By working on the connection between your pelvic floor, hips, and back, you can unlock greater mobility, reduce discomfort, and move with ease.
About Meghan Davidson
Meghan Davidson is a licensed pelvic floor physical therapist and founder of Soulshine Pelvic Health. With over five years of experience, Meghan specializes in helping individuals address pelvic floor dysfunction, including issues related to bowel, bladder, and sexual health, as well as pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Her approach is holistic, focusing on the whole person and tailoring treatments to fit each patient’s unique needs and goals. Meghan is passionate about empowering her clients with the knowledge and tools to improve their pelvic health, prevent injuries, and enhance their quality of life. When she’s not working, Meghan enjoys staying active, connecting with her community, and spreading the word about the often-overlooked importance of pelvic health.