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Have you been told you have pelvic floor muscle tension? Try these pelvic pain stretches to help relax the pelvic floor muscles and manage your pelvic pain.

How do pelvic pain stretches work?

There are many muscles that make up and surround the pelvis and stretching these muscles can help reduce tension in the pelvic floor muscles. In fact, our entire musculoskeletal system is encompassed in a giant fascial sheath. This means that really, every muscle affects muscles up and down the rest of the body. Flexibility in one set of muscles can allow more optimal movement in other muscles. This is how reducing tension in the muscles surrounding the pelvic floor muscles can help to relieve tension in the pelvic floor as well.

Muscles connected to the pelvic girdle and pelvic floor:

1. Adductors
2. Rectus Abdominis
3. Piriformis
4. Gluteal muscles
5. Quadriceps muscle
6. The hip internal and external rotators
   • piriformis, obturator internis, obturator externus, gemellus inferior, gemellus superior, and the quadratus femoris.
7. Transverse Abdominis
8. Diaphragm
9. Psoas

This is a great read about how the body is connected from the feet to the pelvic floor to the diaphragm via facia

Foot to pelvic floor to diaphragm: how it is all connected and how to capitalize on it!

Who would benefit from pelvic pain stretches?

These pelvic pain stretches could be a great addition to your life if you:

1. Feel that you have trouble relaxing in general
2. Have experienced pain with intercourse or use of a tampon
3. Feel that you carry tension in the pelvic floor muscles
4. Have experienced pain during a pelvic exam
5. Have gone through a season of increased stress or anxiety
6. Have a history of urinary tract infections or other complications that cause pain in the pelvic floor area

Common Diagnoses associated with pelvic pain

1. Vaginismis- Muscle spasms of the pelvic floor muscles
2. Vulvodynia- pain or increased sensitivity in the vulva (the area outside of the vagina.. AKA the perineal area or perinium)
3. Vestibulodynia- Pain right at the opening of the vagina (aka the introitus)
4. Dyspareunia- Painful intercourse (general definition with various causes)
5. Endometriosis- When uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, inside the abdominal cavity
6. Interstitial Cycstitis (IC) AKA Painful Bladder Syndrome- Chronic bladder and pelvic pain, often associated with increased urinary frequency.
7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)-

Try these pelvic pain stretches!

Helpful tools/Equipment:

1. Stretch strap
2. Yoga Block
3. Massage Balls

I also love this morning stretching flow:

Start your morning off with this 5 minute stretching flow.

Download this free pelvic pain stretches PDF file and print for daily use

Medical Disclaimer

Information on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult your primary care physician or specialist before adding any new treatment or exercises.

References

1. Dominguez S. Foot to pelvic floor to diaphragm: how it is all connected and how to capitalize on it! – Foundational Concepts. Foundational Concepts. Published November 18, 2021. Accessed April 11, 2024. https://www.foundationalconcepts.com/the-pelvic-chronicles-blog/foot-to-pelvic-floor-to-diaphragm-how-it-is-all-connected-and-how-to-capitalize-on-it/
2. ‌What is Interstitial Cystitis(IC)/Bladder Pain Syndrome? – Urology Care Foundation. Urologyhealth.org. Published 2024. Accessed April 11, 2024. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/i/interstitial-cystitis