The Obturator Internus and Its Role in Pelvic Pain

Have you been experiencing chronic pain in the hip, pelvic floor, or low back? Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy may help!

Individuals experiencing chronic pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders, will commonly have tension in the internal hip muscles (such as the obturator internus), and the pelvic floor muscles (levator ani muscles), contributing to myofascial pain. Myofascial pain is characterized by tenderness on palpation of the muscles, trigger points (knots), and local and/or referred pain. The pain is commonly experienced either in the anterior hip, groin, side of the hip and/or in the low back, as well as a discomfort or pressure sensation deep in the pelvic floor.

The internal hip rotators will often become overactive secondary to gluteal weakness. When the glutes get inhibited, either from prolonged sitting and/or due to tension in the anterior hip (hip flexor muscles), the glutes will weaken over time. Our body is great at compensating and will find ways to still achieve movement by engaging other muscle groups.  These muscles will compensate for the glute weakness, in turn becoming overactive. Treatment for tension in the deep hip rotators will focus on stretching and relaxation exercises for obturator internus, gemelli muscles, and piriformis, strengthening exercises for the glutes and hamstrings, and stretching exercises for the hip flexors. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists can also perform intravaginal assessments to assess tension in the obturator internus muscle. These internal assessments are completely optional and not mandatory with the assessment/treatment.

If your chronic hip pain, low back or pelvic pain isn’t resolving with conservative therapy, it might be time to reach out to a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist. To book an appointment, click here.