Tailbone Pain Treatment
Sitting Shouldn’t Be Painful
Expert pelvic floor physical therapy to treat the real cause of tailbone pain — not just the symptoms.
Understanding Tailbone Pain
Why Does My Tailbone Hurt?
Tailbone pain — medically called coccydynia — is that sharp, aching, or throbbing pain right at the base of your spine. It’s the pain that makes sitting unbearable, makes getting up from a chair a dreaded event, and can turn a simple car ride into torture.
Here’s what most providers miss: tailbone pain is almost always a pelvic floor problem. The pelvic floor muscles attach directly to your coccyx (tailbone), and when these muscles are tight, spasming, or in dysfunction, they pull on the tailbone and create pain.
This is why imaging often comes back “normal” — X-rays show bones, not the muscles that are actually causing the problem. And it’s why standard treatments like cushions, anti-inflammatories, and steroid injections often provide only temporary relief.
Pelvic floor PT addresses the root cause by treating the muscles, not just the pain. Dr. Danaya has helped many women find lasting relief from tailbone pain that they’d been suffering with for months or years.
Common Causes
What’s Behind Your Tailbone Pain
Childbirth
Vaginal delivery — especially long or difficult labors — can bruise, displace, or fracture the tailbone. The pelvic floor muscles around it tighten in response and can stay that way. Learn about postpartum recovery →
Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension
Chronically tight pelvic floor muscles pull directly on the tailbone, creating constant pain. This is the most common — and most overlooked — cause. Learn about pelvic floor spasm →
Falls & Trauma
Landing on your tailbone — whether from a fall, sports injury, or slip on ice — can bruise or displace the coccyx and trigger protective muscle guarding that persists long after the injury heals.
Prolonged Sitting
Long hours sitting — especially on hard surfaces — puts direct pressure on the tailbone and can cause the surrounding muscles and ligaments to become irritated and inflamed.
Pregnancy
The weight and postural changes of pregnancy shift stress to the tailbone. Hormones that loosen ligaments can also make the coccyx more mobile and vulnerable. Learn about pregnancy & birth prep →
Hip & Low Back Dysfunction
Problems in the hips, SI joints, or lower back can alter how forces travel through the pelvis, putting extra stress on the tailbone. Learn about hip & back pain →
How PT Helps
Treating the Muscles Behind the Pain
Effective tailbone pain treatment goes beyond cushions and painkillers. It requires treating the pelvic floor muscles that are driving the pain.
Treatment Includes:
- Internal Pelvic Floor Release: Gentle manual therapy to release the pelvic floor muscles that attach directly to the tailbone — this is often where the most relief comes from
- External Manual Therapy: Treatment of the muscles around the tailbone, hips, and lower back that contribute to coccyx pain
- Coccyx Mobilization: Gentle techniques to improve mobility if the tailbone has become stiff or displaced
- Dry Needling: Trigger point dry needling to release deep muscle tension in the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles
- Posture & Sitting Strategies: Practical guidance on how to sit, stand, and move in ways that reduce tailbone stress
- Home Exercise Program: Stretches and relaxation exercises to maintain progress between sessions
What to Expect
Most patients notice improvement within 4-6 sessions. Significant relief typically comes within 8-12 sessions. Dr. Danaya takes a thorough approach — assessing not just the tailbone, but the entire pelvic floor, hips, and lumbar spine to identify everything that’s contributing to your pain.
Patient Stories
What Patients Say
“Worth every penny. For anyone on the fence about pelvic floor pt, just go. You won’t regret it!”
— Rachel Q — Pelvic Health
*Reviews reflect Dr. Danaya’s work at her previous Utah Valley practice
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions About Tailbone Pain
Can physical therapy actually help tailbone pain?
Yes! Pelvic floor PT is one of the most effective treatments for tailbone pain. The pelvic floor muscles attach directly to the tailbone, and releasing tension in these muscles often provides significant, lasting relief.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI first?
In most cases, no. Imaging often comes back “normal” because it shows bones, not the pelvic floor muscles that are usually causing the pain. A skilled pelvic floor PT can identify the source through hands-on assessment.
Will I need a donut cushion forever?
No! A cushion can help manage symptoms temporarily, but the goal of PT is to treat the underlying cause so you can sit comfortably without modifications.
How long does treatment take?
Most patients see noticeable improvement within 4-6 sessions, with significant relief within 8-12 sessions. Longer-standing pain may take a bit more time, but the vast majority of patients improve with consistent PT.
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