Understanding Pelvic Pain: Finding Relief, Connection, and Confidence
Pelvic pain can affect every part of your life — from how you move and exercise to how you connect with your partner. For many, it’s a pain that’s hard to describe and even harder to talk about.
Whether it feels like burning, pressure, or tightness in the pelvic region, these symptoms are not just “in your head” and they’re definitely not something you have to live with. Pelvic pain is incredibly common, yet often misunderstood — and getting the right care can make all the difference in reclaiming comfort, confidence, and intimacy.
What You Need to Know About Vaginismus
One of the most common causes of pelvic pain we see at ATL Pelvic Health is vaginismus, an involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles that makes penetration (during sex, tampon use, or pelvic exams) painful or even impossible.
Symptoms of vaginismus can include:
Burning, stinging, or sharp pain with insertion
Involuntary tightening or “clenching” of the pelvic floor
Anxiety or fear around sexual activity or pelvic exams
Avoidance of intimacy due to pain or frustration
Vaginismus is a muscle and nervous system response, not a psychological failure. Your body is simply trying to protect you — but with the right guidance, you can retrain those muscles, reduce pain, and reconnect with your body and partner.
Other Common Pelvic Pain Conditions
While vaginismus is one form of pelvic pain, there are several other conditions that can cause similar discomfort:
Painful Bladder Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis): Ongoing bladder pressure, urgency, or pain that isn’t explained by infection.
Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region that lasts longer than six months, often linked to muscle tension, inflammation, or nerve sensitivity.
Pudendal Neuralgia: Nerve-related pelvic pain that can cause burning, aching, or numbness in the pelvic area, perineum, or genitals.
Each condition is unique, but they all share a common thread — the pelvic floor muscles are often involved, either as a cause or as part of the body’s protective response to pain.
The Role of Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a cornerstone of effective treatment for pelvic pain. At ATL Pelvic Health, we take a personalized, whole-body approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of healing.
Your therapist will:
Assess your pelvic floor muscle tone and coordination to identify areas of tightness or guarding.
Use gentle hands-on techniques to release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and calm the nervous system.
Teach relaxation and breathing strategies to help your body feel safe and supported again.
Guide you through progressive exercises to restore flexibility, strength, and control without pain.
Provide education and home tools so you can continue healing outside the clinic.
Our goal is to help you move without fear, reconnect with your body, and restore confidence in your pelvic health.
Pelvic pain is never “normal,” and it’s not something you need to push through or hide. With the right care, healing is absolutely possible.
If you’re struggling with pain during intimacy, pelvic exams, or daily activities, our team at ATL Pelvic Health can help you find the answers — and the relief — you’ve been searching for.
Book your pelvic floor evaluation and start your journey toward comfort, confidence, and connection.
