Stop Letting Tailbone Pain Slow You Down
If you’re an active individual in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, tailbone muscle pain can be a frustrating setback. Whether you’re a runner pounding pavement, a cyclist logging weekend miles, or someone who spends long hours at a desk, tailbone discomfort can sideline your performance and reduce your quality of life.
Did you know? Studies show that up to 15% of chronic lower back pain cases involve the tailbone or surrounding muscle groups. For those leading active lifestyles, pain in this area can stem from a pulled muscle near the tailbone, overuse injuries, or prolonged sitting.
In this guide, you’ll learn what causes tailbone-related muscle pain, how to distinguish it from more serious conditions, and the most effective ways to treat and prevent it—so you can get back to doing what you love, pain-free.
Understanding Tailbone Muscle Pain
What is Tailbone Muscle Pain?
Tailbone muscle pain typically refers to discomfort in the coccygeal and surrounding gluteal muscles. It can feel like a dull ache, sharp stabbing sensation, or deep soreness that radiates into the lower back and hips.
While many assume it’s a bone issue, most cases involve soft tissue: strained ligaments, muscle tension, or inflammation due to overuse. The area may feel tender when sitting, during physical activity, or even when transitioning between sitting and standing.
Can You Pull Your Tailbone Muscle?
While the tailbone itself is a small bone, the surrounding muscles—like the gluteus maximus and pelvic floor muscles—can be strained or pulled. So the answer is yes: can you pull your tailbone muscle? Absolutely. This often happens due to:
- High-impact sports or falls
- Improper form during workouts
- Prolonged sitting on hard surfaces
- Repetitive motions like squats or lunges
The result? A pulled muscle near the tailbone that can cause pain when walking, sitting, or even during sleep.
Common Causes of Tailbone Muscle Pain
Understanding the source of your pain is key to treating it effectively. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Coccydynia
Coccydynia refers to inflammation of the tailbone area, typically caused by trauma, like a fall. It can also develop from repeated pressure on the coccyx, common among cyclists or desk-bound workers.
Muscle Strain or Overuse
Athletes and gym-goers may experience pain from overusing the glutes, hip rotators, or lower back muscles. This can lead to knots, tight fascia, or minor tears that affect the tailbone region.
Sciatica
Though sciatica originates in the lower spine, it can radiate to the tailbone. A compressed sciatic nerve can mimic tailbone muscle pain, making diagnosis tricky.
Postural Imbalance or Weak Core
Poor posture and weak core muscles shift extra load to the lower spine and glutes, placing strain on the coccyx-supporting muscles.
Effective Treatments for Tailbone Muscle Pain
There are several proven ways to treat pain around the tailbone and prevent it from coming back.
1. Tailbone Massage Therapy
A tailbone massage provided by a skilled therapist can release tension in the gluteal, lower back, and pelvic floor muscles. Techniques like deep tissue massage or myofascial release are especially effective in reducing inflammation and restoring mobility.
Check out our deep tissue massage for pain relief and myofascial cupping massage services to help release stubborn muscle tension around the coccyx.
2. Manual Osteopathy
Manual osteopathy uses gentle, hands-on techniques to restore alignment and function to the spine, pelvis, and surrounding soft tissues. It can be particularly helpful for structural issues causing tailbone pain.
3. Shockwave Therapy
Chronic pulled muscle near the tailbone? Shockwave therapy may help by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation.
4. Strengthening & Stretching
Rehabilitation exercises focusing on the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back can improve posture and prevent recurrence. Key moves include:
- Hip bridges
- Child’s pose
- Seated spinal twists
- Glute foam rolling
5. Supportive Seating & Lifestyle Changes
If prolonged sitting worsens your symptoms, consider using a coccyx cushion and changing your seated position frequently. Standing desks and better lumbar support also help.
After-Massage Soreness: What’s Normal?
Feeling sore after a massage is completely normal, especially for active individuals in the Edmonton and Sherwood Park areas. This soreness is often the body’s natural response to muscles being manipulated, stretched, and stimulated—especially if the treatment included deep pressure or targeted chronic tension. The sensation is similar to post-workout soreness and often signals that your body is responding positively to the therapeutic work. Mild soreness typically subsides within 24 to 48 hours.
To help ease post-massage discomfort:
- Drink plenty of water
- Apply ice or heat to sensitive areas
- Stretch gently
- Avoid intense workouts for a day
On Your Way to Recovery and Peak Performance
Tailbone pain doesn’t have to be a constant obstacle. With the right care—like tailbone massage, osteopathic treatments, or corrective exercises—you can find relief and regain control over your active lifestyle.
If you’re struggling with persistent pain in the coccyx area, consider visiting one of our convenient locations like the South Edmonton massage clinic for athletes to begin your recovery journey.
Your wellness and mobility are worth investing in. Let’s get you back in motion.
