How I Helped a Marathon Runner Beat Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can affect anyone, even elite athletes who seem to do everything right. One of my most rewarding cases at Rhode Island Pelvic Wellness involved helping a marathon runner get back to doing what she loved, pain-free. Her story is a reminder that pelvic health isn’t just about recovery, it’s about resilience, balance, and understanding how every part of your body works together.

The Background

This patient came to me after months of dealing with deep pelvic aching and hip tightness that worsened with long runs. She had already seen multiple providers and tried stretching, massage, and rest, but nothing seemed to help for long. Running was her stress relief, and being sidelined by pain was taking a toll both physically and emotionally.

Finding the Root Cause

During her assessment, we discovered that her pelvic floor muscles were constantly overactive. Instead of relaxing between strides, they stayed tight, limiting her hip mobility and creating a sense of deep pelvic tension. We also noticed her breathing pattern was shallow, which meant her core and pelvic floor weren’t coordinating well under the repetitive stress of running.

Her body was strong, but it was working in overdrive.

The Plan

Together, we built a plan that focused on restoring balance and control rather than just pushing harder.

Our sessions included:

• Diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation work to help her pelvic floor release tension

• Hip and core retraining to improve movement coordination

• Manual therapy to address pelvic floor and hip restrictions

• Education on posture, warm-ups, and running form to prevent recurrence

We also discussed how daily stress and recovery habits influenced her symptoms. By helping her build awareness and tune into her body, she began to notice patterns and make adjustments on her own.

The Results

Within several weeks, her pain levels started to drop. By two months, she was running consistently again without discomfort. Most importantly, she learned how to manage her pelvic health long-term so the pain wouldn’t return during future training cycles.

Her success story highlights that pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t always show up as leakage or postpartum issues. For runners, it can look like hip tightness, groin pain, or pressure that worsens with training. Addressing these issues early can prevent setbacks and keep you doing what you love.

Let’s Work Together

At Rhode Island Pelvic Wellness, we understand that every athlete’s body tells a story. We take time to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and create a plan that fits your lifestyle, training schedule, and goals. Our approach combines evidence-based therapy, whole-body movement, and education to help you move better and feel stronger from the inside out.

Want to learn more about who we are and why we’re different? Meet our team and philosophy here.

Not sure if your symptoms are related to your pelvic floor? Visit our FAQ page to learn more about what pelvic floor PT involves.

Ready to get back to running without pain or pressure? Explore our services and see how we can help you return to the activities you love.