IS NERVE ENTRAPMENT BEHIND YOUR ABDOMINAL OR PELVIC PAIN?

Understanding Abdominal & Pelvic Floor Nerve Entrapments: What You Need to Know

Dr. Kat Wilkinson

If you’ve been living with lingering abdominal discomfort, groin pain, or puzzling pelvic symptoms—and all your tests come back “normal”—you’re not imagining it. We see this all the time in the clinic.

One often-overlooked cause of persistent pain in these regions? Abdominal and pelvic floor nerve entrapments. These small but mighty nerves can become compressed or irritated by things like scar tissue, surgery, muscle tension, inflammation, or even postural changes over time. And while the nerves themselves may be tiny, the impact they have on daily life can be huge.

Common Symptoms We See in Patients:

-Burning, stinging, or sharp pain in the lower belly, groin, or pelvis
– Numbness or tingling sensations along the inner thigh or into the genital area
– Pain that increases when sitting, walking, or changing positions
– Discomfort that doesn’t improve with typical approaches like stretching, rest, or even medications

Which Nerves Might Be to Blame?

Each of these nerves has its own path—and its own pattern of symptoms:

• Ilioinguinal Nerve: May cause pain in the groin, pubic area, or labia/scrotum
• Genitofemoral Nerve: Often responsible for aching or burning in the lower abdomen or upper thigh
• Pudendal Nerve: Can lead to deep rectal, perineal, or vaginal pain, especially when sitting
• Obturator Nerve: May cause weakness or ache along the inner thigh
• Iliohypogastric Nerve: Commonly irritated near surgical scars like those from C-sections or appendectomies

How Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Help?

As pelvic floor physical therapists, we specialize in restoring mobility, easing nerve tension, and calming irritated tissues—all without surgery or medication. If we suspect nerve entrapment, we tailor your care plan using techniques such as:

✅ Neural mobilization to gently glide and free up compressed nerves
✅ Myofascial and scar tissue release to reduce tension from previous injuries or surgeries
✅ Pelvic floor muscle rebalancing to relieve pressure on surrounding nerves
✅ Dry needling (when appropriate) to target muscular and nerve tension
✅ Postural retraining and movement strategies to prevent symptoms from returning

The nervous system craves space, mobility, and calm. Our job is to help restore all three.

You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Out of Options

If you’ve been told “everything looks fine,” but you know something feels off, trust your gut. Nerve entrapments are real—and treatable. You don’t have to live in chronic pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a personalized, hands-on path to relief.

Let’s uncover the root cause together.