Soft Tissue Massage
✨ What Is Soft Tissue Massage in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Gentle, Targeted Hands-On Care to Support Healing, Mobility, and Nervous System Calm
What Is Soft Tissue Massage?
Soft tissue massage is a hands-on technique used by physical therapists to work with the muscles, fascia (connective tissue), ligaments, and skin of the body. It’s not the same as a spa massage—it’s more focused, therapeutic, and tailored to your unique needs and symptoms.
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In pelvic floor physical therapy, soft tissue massage may be used on areas such as:
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The abdominals and lower back
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The hips, thighs, and inner groin
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The glutes and sacrum
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The pelvic floor muscles (both externally and internally, if appropriate and with consent)
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Scar tissue (e.g., from childbirth, surgery, or injury)
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This work helps release tension, reduce pain, improve circulation, and restore mobility—especially when tissues are tight, guarded, or stuck in holding patterns due to pain, stress, injury, or trauma.
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Why Might You Need It?
Soft tissue tension can play a major role in pelvic floor dysfunction. Over time, muscles and fascia can become:
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Shortened and tight from stress, posture, injury, or guarding
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Painful or tender due to trigger points or chronic holding
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Restricted from scar tissue or surgical adhesions
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Disconnected from the brain’s movement and sensory systems
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This tension can cause or worsen symptoms such as:
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Pelvic pain
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Low back or hip pain
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Painful sex
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Urinary urgency or leakage
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Constipation
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Feelings of tightness, heaviness, or pressure in the pelvis
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By releasing these restrictions, soft tissue work can create space for your body to heal and move more freely.
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What Does It Feel Like?
Soft tissue techniques used in pelvic PT are usually gentle to moderate pressure, always based on your comfort and feedback. Techniques may include:
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Myofascial release (slow, sustained stretching of connective tissue)
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Trigger point release (gentle pressure to tender spots to help them release)
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Scar tissue mobilization (to reduce restriction and improve circulation)
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Gliding, kneading, or compression techniques tailored to your unique anatomy
Some sessions may involve external bodywork only (hips, abdomen, thighs), and others—if appropriate and with your consent—may include internal soft tissue work on the pelvic floor muscles.
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What Are the Benefits?
✅ Decreased pain and tenderness
✅ Improved muscle length, mobility, and coordination
✅ Better bladder and bowel function
✅ Improved pelvic alignment and postural support
✅ Nervous system downregulation (less tension, more calm)
✅ Improved tissue healing and circulation
✅ Better connection to your core and pelvic floor muscles
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Is It Safe?
Yes—when performed by a licensed, specially trained pelvic health physical therapist, soft tissue massage is a safe and research-supported part of a well-rounded treatment plan. Your PT will always work with your comfort, consent, and feedback as the top priority.
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In Short:
Soft tissue massage is more than just relaxing—it’s a powerful tool to reduce tension, pain, and restriction in the muscles and tissues that support your core and pelvic health.
Whether you’re healing from childbirth, managing chronic pain, recovering from surgery, or trying to reconnect with your body after years of discomfort, this gentle, hands-on care can help you feel more at ease, more mobile, and more at home in your body.
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You Deserve Gentle, Expert Care
If your body has been carrying tension, guarding, or pain for a long time, you don’t have to keep living that way. Soft tissue work can be a safe, respectful, and effective step toward feeling better—one layer at a time.