For many women, physical changes are often met with the phrase, “That’s just part of being a woman” or “That’s your new normal.” Whether you are navigating the postpartum years or moving through mid-life, there is a common tendency to brush off persistent discomfort as an inevitable trade-off for an active life.
At Central Ohio Spine & Joint, we look at things differently. Your body is not failing you. It is communicating with you. If you are experiencing low back pain, hip stiffness, or leakage when you exercise, your pelvic floor may be the missing piece of the puzzle. These symptoms are not just physical inconveniences. They often carry a heavy emotional weight, affecting your confidence and your willingness to engage with the world.
1. Persistent Low Back Pain
We often treat the low back as an isolated structure, but it is deeply integrated with the pelvic diaphragm. Think of your core as a functional canister. The top is your breathing diaphragm and the bottom is your pelvic floor.
When the pelvic floor is holding excessive tension or lacks coordination, the canister cannot manage pressure effectively. This forces the muscles of your lower back to overwork to provide stability. It is an exhausting cycle for your body. If we only treat the back without addressing the floor, we are only treating the smoke, not the fire. More importantly, we are not addressing the underlying sense of instability that makes you feel protective of your spine.
2. Deep Hip Pain or “Pinching.”
Many patients come to me frustrated because their tight hamstrings or hip flexors never seem to loosen up despite constant stretching. Often, this is not a flexibility issue. It is a protective response from a nervous system that does not feel safe.
The pelvic floor muscles attach directly to the inside of the hip joint. If the pelvic floor is in a state of high tension, it can pull on the hip socket, leading to that nagging pinch or a feeling of instability. This can be incredibly frustrating when you are trying to stay active and pain free. We focus on restoring the relationship between your pelvic floor and hip rotators to unlock true mobility and, more importantly, to help you feel fluid and comfortable in your own skin again.
3. Exertional Leakage (Stress Incontinence)
Whether it happens during a heavy lift at the gym or home, a sneeze, or a jump, exertional leakage is one of the most emotionally heavy symptoms a patient can experience. It touches on our sense of dignity and can lead to a profound disconnection from our bodies.
This often leads to fear avoidance. You might stop running, lifting your children, or joining a fitness class because you no longer trust your body to stay dry. I want you to hear this clearly: Leakage is common, but it is not normal. It is a sign that your system’s pressure management needs a software update. It is not a permanent sentence. It is certainly not something you have to just live with. There is a path back to confidence.
Moving Toward Long-Term Independence
We address these signs using a nervous system informed framework that prioritizes your safety and autonomy.
Our first priority is always to calm the system and reduce the threat response. By using conservative care and specialized techniques, we create a window of relief where your nervous system feels safe enough to let go of protective tension. We move from calm to coordinated, focusing on breathing mechanics and pelvic floor driven stability.
Finally, we build durability. We want you to be able to lift your kids, run, and move without fear. We work with highly skilled trainers to ensure your results are durable and that you feel empowered in your body’s capacity.
Healing is Not Linear – But It is Possible
I approach every patient with the understanding that healing is a continuum. We will move at your pace. My goal is to provide you with the education and tools so that you do not just feel better for a few days, but feel equipped to manage your health for years to come. You deserve to move through the world without hesitation.
Interested in learning more about how we help patients take control of their health and manage their nagging back and hip pain through focused pelvic floor therapy?
Warmly,
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning a new treatment plan.
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