Pelvic pain can affect your comfort, movement and quality of life.

Pelvic pain is a common condition that can affect both women and men. It may develop suddenly or gradually and can be related to the muscles, joints, nerves or organs within the pelvis. Pelvic pain may occur during pregnancy, after childbirth, following surgery, or alongside other pelvic health conditions.

While pelvic pain can have many different causes, it is not something you should simply have to live with. A thorough assessment can help identify the contributing factors and guide the most appropriate treatment.

At Better Bodies Physiotherapy, we provide personalised assessment and rehabilitation to help reduce pain, improve function and get you back to doing the things you enjoy.

Common causes of pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can have many different contributing factors, including:
  • Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
  • Pregnancy or postpartum changes
  • Maternal birth injuries
  • Pelvic girdle or sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  • Endometriosis
  • Bladder or bowel conditions
  • Pain following pelvic or abdominal surgery
  • Persistent pelvic pain
  • Muscle, joint or nerve irritation around the pelvis

Pelvic pain can sometimes be associated with medical conditions such as endometriosis, bladder pain syndrome or prostatitis. While physiotherapy does not treat these conditions themselves, it can play an important role in managing the musculoskeletal and pelvic floor factors that may be contributing to your pain, often as part of a multidisciplinary team. Many people experience more than one contributing factor, which is why a comprehensive assessment is important. 

Common symptoms

Pelvic pain may present in many different ways, including:
  • Pain in the pelvis, groin or lower abdomen
  • Pain around the tailbone or sitting bones
  • Pain during pregnancy or after childbirth
  • Pain during or after exercise
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Difficulty sitting for long periods
  • Pain associated with bladder or bowel function
  • A feeling of tension or tightness through the pelvic floor

How can physiotherapy help?

Pelvic health physiotherapy aims to identify the underlying contributors to your pain and develop an individualised treatment plan to support your recovery.

Treatment may include:
  • Assessment of movement and pelvic function
  • Pelvic floor rehabilitation
  • Individualised exercise prescription
  • Hands-on physiotherapy where appropriate
  • Breathing and relaxation strategies
  • Education about pain and symptom management
  • Advice on returning to everyday activities, work and exercise

Every treatment plan is tailored to your symptoms, goals and lifestyle.

Learn more about our Pelvic Health Physiotherapy service and how we can support your recovery.

Book an appointment

If pelvic pain is affecting your daily life, exercise or confidence, we're here to help.

Our pelvic health physiotherapists provide evidence-based assessment and treatment to help you better understand your symptoms and support your recovery.

Book an appointment with Better Bodies Physiotherapy in Palmerston North today.

Pelvic Pain FAQ

Will I need an internal pelvic floor assessment?
Not always. Your physiotherapist will discuss your symptoms and explain whether an internal assessment would be beneficial. Internal examinations are only performed with your informed consent and are not required for every appointment.
Do I need a referral to see a pelvic health physiotherapist?
No. You can book directly with Better Bodies Physiotherapy without a referral. 
Is pelvic pain normal?
Pelvic pain is relatively common, and can be influenced by many different factors, but it should not be considered something you simply have to accept. Persistent or bothersome pelvic pain should be assessed to identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Can pelvic pain affect men?
Yes. Although pelvic pain is often associated with pregnancy and women's health, men can also experience pelvic pain related to pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder or bowel conditions, prostate issues and persistent pelvic pain.
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