Coccydynia

Coccydynia Physiotherapy in Singapore

Coccydynia refers to pain in the coccyx (tailbone), the small triangular bone located at the base of the spine. The coccyx plays an important role in supporting body weight while sitting and provides attachment points for muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Pain in the tailbone can make everyday activities such as sitting, standing up, or climbing stairs uncomfortable. Coccydynia may develop after trauma, prolonged sitting, repetitive strain, or muscle dysfunction around the pelvis.

At ACE PHYSIO SPORTS, located on East Coast Road in Singapore, our physiotherapists provide personalised treatment programmes to relieve tailbone pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to their daily activities comfortably.

What Causes Coccydynia?

Coccydynia can develop due to several different factors affecting the coccyx and surrounding structures.

Common causes include:

Direct Trauma

One of the most common causes is falling onto the tailbone, particularly when landing on a hard surface. This can lead to bruising, inflammation, or displacement of the coccyx.

Muscle Dysfunction

Muscles surrounding the coccyx, including the gluteal muscles, piriformis, and adductors, may become tight or go into spasm. This can create abnormal tension around the coccyx and cause pain.

Prolonged Sitting

Long periods of sitting, especially on hard surfaces or with poor posture, can increase pressure on the tailbone.

Repetitive Strain

Certain sports or activities that involve repeated pressure on the pelvis may contribute to coccydynia.

Symptoms of Coccydynia

The main symptom of coccydynia is pain at the base of the spine, particularly when sitting.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or aching pain in the tailbone
• Increased pain when sitting for prolonged periods
• Difficulty standing up from a seated position
• Pain when leaning back while sitting
• Tenderness around the coccyx
• Pain during bowel movements
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Localised swelling or bruising after trauma
• Radiating pain into the lower back, buttocks, or legs in some cases

Symptoms may worsen during activities that place pressure on the coccyx.

What Should You Do If You Have Coccydynia?

If you are experiencing symptoms of coccydynia, it is important to seek professional assessment from a physiotherapist.

A physiotherapist will evaluate:

• Coccyx alignment and mobility
• Muscle tension around the pelvis
• Posture and sitting habits
• Movement patterns and daily activities

In the meantime, you may reduce symptoms by:

• Applying ice packs to the painful area
• Using a cushion or donut pillow when sitting
• Avoiding prolonged sitting on hard surfaces
• Limiting activities that aggravate the pain

Early physiotherapy intervention can significantly improve recovery.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Coccydynia

Physiotherapy is often highly effective in treating coccydynia by addressing muscle tension, joint mobility, and posture.

At ACE PHYSIO SPORTS, treatment programmes are tailored to each patient’s symptoms and lifestyle.

Treatment may include:

Soft Tissue Therapy

Massage and soft tissue techniques help release muscle tension around the coccyx and pelvis.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Targeted exercises improve flexibility and strengthen muscles supporting the pelvis and lower spine.

Postural Correction

Improving posture during sitting and daily activities helps reduce pressure on the tailbone.

Core Stability Training

Strengthening the core muscles helps stabilise the pelvis and reduce stress on the coccyx.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor rehabilitation may be recommended when muscle tension contributes to coccyx pain.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy techniques may be used to improve mobility in the sacrum, pelvis, and lower spine.

Ergonomic Advice

Physiotherapists provide guidance on seating position, cushions, and daily habits to reduce pressure on the coccyx.

What Should You Avoid With Coccydynia?

If you have coccydynia, it is important to avoid activities that worsen your symptoms.

These include:

• Prolonged sitting on hard surfaces
• Activities or sports that aggravate the pain
• Poor sitting posture
• Ignoring persistent symptoms

However, complete rest is not recommended. A balanced rehabilitation programme helps promote healing while maintaining mobility.

Long-Term Outlook for Coccydynia

Most cases of coccydynia respond well to physiotherapy and conservative treatment.

Early rehabilitation can help:

• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Restore normal movement of the pelvis
• Improve posture and muscle balance
• Prevent recurrence of tailbone pain

If symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation around the coccyx.

Even when injections are required, continuing physiotherapy is essential to address underlying causes and support long-term recovery.

Coccydynia Treatment at ACE PHYSIO SPORTS

At ACE PHYSIO SPORTS, our physiotherapists specialise in treating pelvic pain, spinal conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Our personalised rehabilitation programmes focus on:

• Reducing tailbone pain
• Improving pelvic mobility and posture
• Strengthening supporting muscles
• Restoring normal sitting and movement patterns
• Supporting safe return to daily activities

Our clinic is conveniently located on East Coast Road in Singapore, serving patients from Katong, Marine Parade, and surrounding areas.

To arrange an appointment:

📞 Call +65 81535374 🌐 Visit acephysiosport.com