Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. For many men and women in Florida, it shows up as a dull ache that lingers through the workday or sharp pain that flares during lifting, exercise, or long drives. While most people think of weak core muscles or spinal strain, few realize that the pelvic floor often plays a major role in back discomfort.
At Davenport Pelvic Therapy, we see this connection every day. The muscles that support your pelvis and spine also stabilize your bladder and bowels. When they tighten, weaken, or lose coordination, the imbalance can trigger or worsen back pain. Addressing the pelvic floor is often the missing piece in long-term relief.
How the Pelvic Floor Supports the Spine
The pelvic floor is a network of muscles and connective tissue forming a supportive base for the pelvis. These muscles interact closely with your deep abdominal and spinal stabilizers—the same ones that keep you balanced and upright.
When these muscle groups work together, pressure is evenly distributed across the core. But if the pelvic floor becomes too tight or unresponsive, it can change how you move, breathe, and bear weight. Over time, this imbalance strains the lower back.
Men and women often experience this as:
- Pain that increases when standing or sitting for long periods
- Stiffness through the hips or sacrum
- Discomfort that radiates into the groin or buttocks
- Changes in bladder control when back pain worsens
Why Traditional Back Treatments Sometimes Fall Short
Standard approaches—such as massage, stretching, or chiropractic care—can provide temporary relief but may not address why the pain keeps returning. If pelvic floor dysfunction is part of the problem, treating the back alone misses the root cause.
At Davenport Pelvic Therapy, we assess how the pelvic floor, hips, and spine interact. By treating them together, we often see faster and longer-lasting improvement.
Signs That Your Back Pain May Involve the Pelvic Floor
- Persistent tightness despite stretching or rest
- Pain that changes with urination or bowel movements
- History of pelvic pain, incontinence, or prostatitis
- Pain that worsens after long drives, cycling, or running
- A sense of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis
If any of these sound familiar, pelvic therapy can provide a more complete solution.
How Pelvic Therapy Helps
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and coordination to the deep muscles that stabilize the pelvis and spine. During your first session, we assess posture, breathing, and movement patterns to identify where pressure and muscle activity are unbalanced.
Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy to release tight muscles in the hips, abdomen, and lower back
- Pelvic floor retraining to teach proper engagement and relaxation
- Core strengthening that coordinates breathing and movement
- Biofeedback to improve awareness and control of deep stabilizing muscles
- Education about posture, lifting, and sitting habits to prevent recurrence
By combining these approaches, you can relieve pain while improving overall core stability.
Learn more about our approach on the low back pain services page.
Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Back and Pelvic Pain
For chronic cases, we may integrate SoftWave Tissue Regenerative Therapy, a form of shockwave therapy that uses gentle acoustic waves to increase blood flow and stimulate healing in soft tissue. This non invasive option helps reduce inflammation and break up tight fascial restrictions that contribute to pain.
Read more about this treatment on our shockwave therapy page.
The Role of Posture, Breathing, and Stress
Posture and breathing play a huge role in how the pelvic floor and spine function together. Many people unknowingly hold their breath or grip their abdominal muscles throughout the day, increasing pressure on the pelvic floor. Stress also triggers tension in the same region.
We teach breathing patterns that reduce strain and help the pelvic floor relax while still providing support. Over time, this improves posture, reduces back fatigue, and enhances movement efficiency.
Everyday Tips for Better Pelvic and Back Health
- Take movement breaks every 30–45 minutes when sitting at work or driving.
- Stay hydrated—muscles need water to contract and relax efficiently.
- Avoid prolonged “sucking in” of your stomach, which can overwork core muscles.
- Practice deep belly breathing several times per day.
- Use supportive seating and proper alignment when lifting.
Small daily habits often make the biggest difference in preventing recurrence.
Research and Clinical Perspective
According to the Mayo Clinic, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can affect the spine and hips as well as bladder and bowel function, which helps explain why it is often linked with low back pain. Addressing the muscles that stabilize the pelvis can improve both back pain and pelvic control. This supports what we see in clinical practice: when the pelvic floor functions correctly, back pain tends to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pelvic floor therapy help even if I have had back pain for years?
Yes. Many patients with long-term back issues experience improvement once underlying pelvic muscle tension is addressed.
Is pelvic floor therapy just for women?
No. Men benefit equally, especially if their back pain is related to pelvic tension, prostate conditions, or posture changes.
Will I need imaging or a referral first?
Most men can start therapy without a referral, but we coordinate with your medical provider if diagnostic imaging or clearance is needed.
How long before I notice improvement?
Most people report changes within four to six sessions, with continued progress as posture and muscle control improve.
Can I continue my regular workouts during therapy?
Usually yes, though we may modify certain exercises to reduce strain on your pelvic floor and back.
Taking the Next Step
Low back pain is not just a spine problem—it is often a whole-body coordination issue. By restoring balance through the pelvic floor, you can move more freely, sit more comfortably, and feel stronger in everything you do.
If you are ready to learn more, schedule a free consultation or explore additional resources on our about page. Davenport Pelvic Therapy serves clients across Central and South Florida, offering care that helps you move without pain and live with confidence.