5 Things People Don’t Realize Are Pelvic Pain
Wait... this counts as pelvic pain?”
We hear it all the time at our clinic in Highland Park — because pelvic pain isn’t always obvious.
It doesn’t always show up as sharp cramps or pain in the lower abdomen. Sometimes it looks like tailbone soreness that makes sitting a nightmare. Or bladder urgency that never seems to go away. Or even hip pain that physical therapy just hasn’t fixed.
If you’re in Los Angeles and dealing with symptoms that don’t quite make sense, it might be time to look deeper. At The Pelvic Model, we specialize in pelvic floor therapy that goes beyond the basics — and in this post, we’re breaking down five symptoms that might actually be pelvic pain in disguise.
1. Painful sex
After years of treating people with painful sex, it’s still disheartening to hear how often they’ve been told things like “just relax,” “have a glass of wine,” or “it’s all in your head.” The truth? Pain with intercourse is never something you should just grit your teeth through.
There are many potential causes, and pelvic floor dysfunction is a common one. The pelvic muscles may be overly tight, irritated, or not coordinating well — and in some cases, this can even lead to nerve sensitivity that makes everything feel worse.
At The Pelvic Model, we take this seriously. Our clinicians are trained in the latest evidence-based approaches to help identify what’s going on and guide you toward relief.
2. Bladder urgency or feeling like you have a UTI
Ever had that feeling like you definitely have a UTI — but your test came back negative? Or been told you have prostatitis, but the symptoms just don’t add up? That constant urge to pee, or the burning with no clear cause, could actually be coming from your pelvic floor.
The bladder and pelvic floor are closely connected. Restrictions or tension in the surrounding muscles can create pressure, urgency, or a sensation like your bladder is “too small.” Nerve irritation in the area can also mimic the feeling of an infection — even when there’s no bacteria present.
If you’ve ruled out infection but still have symptoms, it may be time to look at the musculoskeletal system. Pelvic therapy can help uncover what’s going on and offer a path toward lasting relief.
3. Low back and/or hip pain that won’t go away
If you’ve been dealing with lingering low back or hip pain and nothing seems to help, your pelvic floor might be the missing link.
The pelvic floor is a core stabilizer — literally. It works in harmony with your abdominals, diaphragm, low back, and hip muscles. One of those hip muscles (the obturator internus) can actually be accessed internally and is often involved in stubborn pain patterns.
We’ve worked with many patients who’ve tried chiropractic care or traditional PT — both of which are great — but still had symptoms because no one had assessed the pelvic floor. Once that missing piece is addressed, the difference can be game-changing.
4. Constipation and/or straining to poop
Let’s talk about pooping — because when it’s not going well, it can seriously impact your day-to-day.
You may have heard of the Squatty Potty — and yes, it actually works. Why? Because of a muscle called the puborectalis, which wraps around the rectum like a sling. When it’s too tight or not relaxing properly, it creates a bend in the rectum that makes it harder to pass stool. Squatting helps change the angle to allow things to move more easily — but that’s just one piece of the puzzle.
The pelvic floor muscles play a major role in bowel movements. If those muscles are overactive, weak, or not coordinating well, it can lead to straining, incomplete emptying, or that frustrating feeling of always being “backed up.” Add in shallow breathing or poor pressure management through your core, and the body just doesn’t have the support it needs to go with ease.
At The Pelvic Model, we look at all of it — not just the muscles, but also how your breath, posture, and daily habits influence your bowels. A bonus? Your pelvic therapist is trained to give you practical, doable lifestyle tips for better gut health — from how you sit on the toilet, to hydration and fiber strategies that actually fit into real life.
5. Tailbone pain
If sitting is uncomfortable, or you find yourself constantly shifting to one side, your tailbone might be trying to tell you something.
The tailbone — or coccyx — isn’t just a random bone at the end of your spine. It’s an anchor point for several key pelvic floor muscles, which help with posture, core stability, bowel and bladder function, and even sexual function. When these muscles become tight, imbalanced, or irritated, they can pull on the tailbone, leading to pain — especially when sitting, during transitions (like standing up), or even during bowel movements.
Tailbone pain can happen after a fall, childbirth, prolonged sitting, or seemingly out of nowhere. And because it’s often not visible on imaging, people are sometimes told there’s “nothing wrong” — even though they’re in pain.
At The Pelvic Model, we assess how your pelvic floor, posture, and muscle tension might be contributing to your tailbone pain. Through hands-on treatment, movement retraining, and education, we help get to the root of the issue — so you can sit, move, and live with more comfort.
If any of these symptoms hit home, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to keep guessing.
Pelvic pain is common, but not something you have to “just deal with.” At The Pelvic Model, we provide expert pelvic floor physical therapy right here in Highland Park, Los Angeles, and we’re passionate about helping people feel at home in their bodies again.
Whether you’re navigating chronic symptoms or are just curious if pelvic therapy could help, we’re here to talk it through.
👉 Reach out with a question — we’re always happy to help.
