Top Questions Women Ask About Pelvic Pain (But Are Too Afraid to Ask)

For many women in the Twin Cities, pelvic pain is a silent struggle. It’s that nagging discomfort you ignore while rushing to work, or the chronic ache you’ve convinced yourself is “just part of being a woman.”

At PRO Therapy, we hear these questions every day in our Northeast Minneapolis and Coon Rapids clinics. The good news? You are not alone, and answers are available.

We have compiled the most commonly searched questions about pelvic pain to help you understand your body and separate fact from fiction.

Part 1: Understanding the Pain

Many women suffer in silence because they aren’t sure if what they are feeling warrants medical attention. Let’s clear up some of the confusion.

“Is it normal to have pain ‘down there’?”

The Short Answer: Common? Yes. Normal? No.
The Details: Whether it is a dull ache, sharp stabbing pains, or a feeling of heavy pressure, persistent pain in the pelvic region is your body’s signal that something is off. While menstruation can cause cramping, chronic pain that interferes with your daily life—sitting at a desk, walking the lakes, or just relaxing—is not something you have to accept. It is a treatable medical condition.

“Why do I have pelvic pain even though I haven’t had a baby?”

The Short Answer: Your pelvic floor is a muscle group, and muscles can get injured or tight regardless of pregnancy.
The Details: There is a major misconception that pelvic health is only for mothers. In reality, active women, runners, weightlifters, and those with high-stress jobs often develop pelvic pain. Just like you can hold tension in your shoulders from stress, you can hold tension in your pelvic floor. Factors like chronic stress, heavy lifting, hip injuries, or even sitting for long periods can cause these muscles to become shortened and painful (hypertonic).

“Is my lower back (or hip) pain actually coming from my pelvic floor?”

The Short Answer: It is very likely.
The Details: The pelvic floor is the “floor” of your core. It connects directly to your hip rotators and tailbone. If your pelvic floor is weak or too tight, your lower back and hips often compensate, leading to chronic stiffness or pain that traditional treatments just can’t seem to fix. If you have treated back pain for years without relief, the missing piece of the puzzle might be your pelvic floor.

Part 2: Treatment & Myths

When you search for relief online, you are bound to find conflicting advice. Let’s bust the biggest myths about treating pelvic pain.

“Will doing Kegels fix my pain?”

The Myth: “Kegels are the cure-all for every pelvic problem.”
The Reality: If you have pelvic pain, Kegels can actually make it worse. Pain is often caused by muscles that are “high-tone,” meaning they are too tight and unable to relax. Imagine walking around with a clenched fist all day—it would eventually hurt. Doing Kegels on an already tight pelvic floor is like squeezing that clenched fist even harder. At PRO Therapy, our first goal with painful conditions is often down-training: teaching your muscles to let go, relax, and lengthen before we ever worry about strengthening.

“Why does my C-section scar still hurt years later?”

The Myth: “The skin is healed, so the pain shouldn’t be there.”
The Reality: Healing on the surface doesn’t always mean healing underneath. A C-section is major abdominal surgery. As the incision heals, scar tissue can form adhesions—bands of tissue that stick to nearby muscles and organs. This can restrict movement and cause pulling or pain years down the road. Physical therapy can use manual techniques to mobilize this tissue and relieve that deep, pulling sensation.

“What actually happens during a pelvic health PT session? Is it awkward?”

The Myth: “It’s invasive and scary.”
The Reality: It is a professional, private, and empowering medical appointment. We know it can be intimidating. While an internal assessment can provide the most accurate data about your muscles, it is never mandatory. We treat you, not just a body part. We can learn a massive amount about your pelvic health by assessing your breathing, your hip alignment, your core strength, and your posture. We will always work within your comfort level to build a plan that feels right for you.

Get Answers and Relief in the Twin Cities

You don’t have to rely on Google for your health. If you are dealing with pelvic pain, you deserve an expert who listens.

Ready to get to the root of your pain? Contact PRO Therapy in Northeast Minneapolis or Coon Rapids today to schedule your evaluation.