When Pelvic Pain Isn’t Just in Your Head
As women, we’re often quick to dismiss our own discomfort, especially when it comes to sensitive areas like the pelvis. Many of my patients—and even women I know personally—have been told their pelvic pain is “normal” or worse, “all in their head.” I want to reassure you: pelvic pain is real, and you deserve answers and compassionate care.
As a pelvic floor physical therapist, and as a mom who understands how pain can interfere with daily life, I know how frustrating it feels when your body doesn’t cooperate the way you need it to. Pelvic pain can affect intimacy, exercise, and even the simplest routines, leaving you feeling discouraged and unseen.
This blog is here to shed light on the truth: pelvic pain has real causes, it is not something you have to endure in silence, and with the right support, healing is possible.
Why Pelvic Pain Is Misunderstood
Historically, women’s health concerns—especially pain—have often been minimized or misunderstood. When answers aren’t clear, some providers may default to suggesting it’s “just stress” or “in your head.” This stigma leaves women feeling dismissed, ashamed, or even questioning their own experiences.
The truth is that pelvic pain is complex. It often involves multiple systems—muscles, nerves, hormones, bladder, and bowel. While stress and emotions can influence how pain is experienced, they do not create the problem on their own. Pain is a signal from the body that something needs attention.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can show up in many ways and come from several sources. Some of the most common causes include:
Pelvic floor muscle tension: Tight, overactive muscles can cause pain with sitting, exercise, or intimacy.
Endometriosis or hormonal changes: Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone can affect tissue sensitivity and inflammation.
Painful bladder or bowel conditions: Interstitial cystitis, IBS, or constipation often contribute.
Scar tissue: After C-section, hysterectomy, or birth injuries, scar adhesions can limit mobility and cause pain.
Low back or hip dysfunction: Because the pelvis is so interconnected, pain may originate in nearby joints or muscles.
None of these conditions are “imagined.” They are physical, diagnosable contributors that deserve proper evaluation and treatment.
The Mind-Body Connection
While pelvic pain is never “just psychological,” the mind and body are deeply connected. Stress, anxiety, and past trauma can amplify pain signals or increase pelvic floor muscle guarding. This doesn’t mean the pain is in your head—it means your body is responding to emotional stress in physical ways.
When treatment addresses both the physical and emotional layers—through pelvic floor therapy, mindfulness, or collaboration with other providers—women often find deeper, lasting relief.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
At FeminoCentric PT, pelvic floor physical therapy begins with listening to your story. We look beyond symptoms to evaluate posture, breath, muscle coordination, scar mobility, and core strength.
Treatment may include:
Hands-on techniques to release muscle tension or scar adhesions
Guided exercises for strength, flexibility, and pelvic floor coordination
Breathwork and relaxation techniques to reduce guarding
Education on bladder, bowel, and sexual health
Many women feel relief within a few sessions once the true source of their pain is identified and treated with compassion.
When to Seek Help
It may be time to reach out if you experience:
Pain with intimacy (dyspareunia)
Ongoing pelvic, hip, or low back discomfort
Pain with urination or bowel movements
Pelvic pain lasting more than three months
A sense of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
You do not have to wait until pain is unbearable. Early intervention can make recovery faster and more effective.
Final Thoughts
Pelvic pain is not “just in your head.” It is a real, complex condition that deserves validation, understanding, and specialized care. As women, we are often told to push through or minimize our discomfort, but you don’t have to live that way. Healing is possible, and you deserve it.
At FeminoCentric PT, we specialize in women’s pelvic health and provide personalized care for conditions like pelvic pain, painful intercourse, postpartum recovery, and perimenopause changes.
If pelvic pain is interfering with your life, know that you’re not alone—and support is here. Schedule a consultation today to learn how pelvic floor therapy can help you restore comfort, confidence, and connection to your body.
