Did you know that your lower back pain might actually stem from your pelvic floor muscles? These muscles are deep inside and really important for keeping your spine, pelvis and core stable. If they're too weak or too tight, your back can really start to hurt.
At Sterling Physiotherapy in Hamilton, we get that back pain can be a puzzle. We don't just look at the surface – we try to find the real reason why you're hurting and get your whole body back in balance.
Your pelvic floor is basically a group of muscles and ligaments at the bottom of your pelvis. They hold up your bladder, uterus (if you're a woman), and bowel, and also help you stand up straight and stay steady.
If these muscles aren't working right – maybe they're weak, tight, or just not working together – you might have:
Your pelvic floor is part of a team with your core muscles, diaphragm, and spine to keep you stable.
If your pelvic floor isn't doing its job, your lower back often tries to make up for it. That leads to tightness, stiffness and pain.
Here are some common ways back pain and pelvic floor problems are linked:
Muscle problems: If some pelvic floor muscles are too active and others aren't active enough, your spine can get out of line.
Posture problems: Bad posture or sitting too much can put extra stress on your back and pelvis.
Weak core: If the deep muscles in your abs and pelvis are weak, you'll feel unstable.
After having a baby or surgery: Pregnancy, childbirth or surgery in your pelvic area can change how these muscles work together.
A pelvic floor physiotherapist can use hands-on techniques, exercises, and advice to get your muscles working right and support your spine better.
Here's what you can expect in treatment:
1. Pelvic Floor Checkup
We'll take a close look to see if you have any muscle tightness, weakness, or coordination problems that might be affecting your back.
2. Hands-On Therapy
We'll use our hands to release tension in your lower back, hips and pelvic area.
3. Core Exercises
We'll show you exercises to make your deep stabilizing muscles stronger, including your pelvic floor, abs, and lower back.
4. Posture and Breathing Help
We'll teach you how to breathe and stand properly to take pressure off your spine and pelvic muscles.
5. Advice and Self-Care
We'll teach you how to use and relax your pelvic floor muscles the right way so you can prevent future pain and move better.
Here are some simple things you can do to help yourself:
These tips can help your blood flow better, ease muscle tension, and keep your spine healthy in the long run.
Think about getting a pelvic floor checkup if you have:
Getting these problems taken care of early can stop pain from becoming a long-term issue and make your life better overall.
At Sterling Physiotherapy, we specialize in pelvic floor physiotherapy in Hamilton. Our physiotherapists use proven methods to check and treat both pelvic and spinal problems, so you can move comfortably and confidently.
We give you personalized, one-on-one care that focuses on getting your body back to its natural strength and stability.
Book your Pelvic Floor & Back Checkup today and see how physiotherapy can help you live without pain!
The pelvic floor is a set of muscles that form a “hammock” across the base of your pelvis and support organs like the bladder, bowel, and (in women) the uterus. These muscles also work together with your core and back-muscles to stabilize your spine and pelvis. If the pelvic floor isn’t working properly, it can place extra strain on your lower back.
Yes. Research shows that people with lower back pain often show decreased pelvic floor muscle function compared to those without back pain. Dysfunction may include weakness, over-tightening, or poor coordination of pelvic floor muscles—each of which can impact posture, alignment and spinal loading.
Not necessarily “definitely,” but it is a possibility to consider—especially if you have back pain along with pelvic floor-type symptoms. Because the spinal and pelvic systems are interconnected, addressing only the spine may miss key contributing factors.
Improvement timelines vary depending on individual condition, severity and commitment to rehabilitation. Some people begin to notice changes within a few weeks when they consistently engage in therapy and guided exercise. Others may take longer. It’s important to work with a specialist and follow a structured plan.
