Posterior Pelvic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Overview

Posterior pelvic pain can feel like a deep ache or sharp discomfort in the back of your pelvis, particularly around the sacroiliac joints where your spine meets your pelvis. While especially common during pregnancy, affecting approximately one in three expectant mothers, this condition impacts people of all genders and backgrounds, including athletes, office workers, and those in physically demanding jobs.

Living with posterior pelvic pain can significantly impact your daily life, from making it difficult to climb stairs to causing discomfort during simple activities like sitting or walking. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and targeted physical therapy treatment, most people experience significant improvement in their symptoms and can return to their regular activities comfortably.

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we understand that each person's experience with posterior pelvic pain is unique. Our specialized approach combines evidence-based treatments with individualized care to address not just your symptoms, but the underlying causes of your discomfort.

Symptoms

Understanding the signs of posterior pelvic pain helps you identify when to seek treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Deep, aching pain in the back of your pelvis that may feel worse on one side. This discomfort might extend into your buttocks or the back of your thighs, making it challenging to find comfortable positions throughout the day.
• Movement-related pain that intensifies during specific activities. You might notice increased discomfort when climbing stairs, walking on uneven surfaces, or transitioning between positions like sitting to standing.
• Difficulty with single-leg activities such as putting on pants or shoes. The pain often becomes more noticeable when bearing weight on one leg or performing asymmetrical movements.
• Morning stiffness or pain that improves somewhat with gentle movement but may worsen again after prolonged activity or by the end of the day.

Causes

Posterior pelvic pain typically develops due to a combination of factors affecting the stability and function of your pelvic joints and surrounding tissues. Common contributing factors include:

• Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin increases joint flexibility to prepare for childbirth. While necessary for delivery, this can lead to increased joint mobility and potential discomfort.
• Mechanical Stress: Changes in posture, repetitive movements, or prolonged static positions can place unusual stress on your pelvic joints and supporting muscles. This is particularly relevant for office workers and those with physically demanding jobs.
• Previous Injuries: Past trauma to the pelvic region, including falls, sports injuries, or car accidents, can create lasting changes in how your pelvis moves and functions.
• Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or tension in the muscles supporting your pelvis can lead to improper movement patterns and increased stress on the joints.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we take a comprehensive approach to treating posterior pelvic pain, focusing on both immediate symptom relief and long-term resolution. Your treatment journey typically includes:

Comprehensive Assessment: Our initial evaluation goes beyond just examining the painful area. We assess how your entire body moves and functions, identifying movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and lifestyle factors contributing to your symptoms.

Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your evaluation, we develop a customized treatment program that may include:

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and decrease pain
• Therapeutic Exercise: Targeted movements to strengthen weak muscles and improve stability
• Movement Retraining: Education on optimal movement patterns for daily activities
• Postural Education: Guidance on maintaining proper alignment during work, rest, and activities

Home Program Development: We'll work together to create an effective home exercise program that fits your lifestyle and schedule, ensuring you have the tools needed for long-term success.

FAQs

How many physical therapy sessions will I need for posterior pelvic pain?
‍While every person's healing journey is unique, most patients begin experiencing improvement within 4-6 sessions. Your physical therapist will provide a more specific timeline based on your individual assessment and goals.

Can I exercise while experiencing posterior pelvic pain?
‍Yes, but modification is key. We'll help you identify which activities are safe and beneficial, gradually progressing your exercise routine as your symptoms improve.

What makes pelvic floor physical therapy different from regular physical therapy for posterior pelvic pain?
‍Pelvic floor physical therapists have specialized training in treating the complex relationship between the pelvic floor muscles, joints, and surrounding structures. This expertise allows for more comprehensive treatment of posterior pelvic pain and related conditions.

Will posterior pelvic pain come back after treatment?
‍While recurrence is possible, we'll equip you with strategies and exercises to maintain your improvement and prevent future episodes. Many patients find that the self-management techniques learned during treatment help them address minor flare-ups effectively.

Should I wait until after pregnancy to seek treatment for posterior pelvic pain?
‍Early intervention is often most effective. Pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy is safe and can help manage symptoms while preparing your body for delivery and postpartum recovery.