Painful Sex

Sex shouldn’t hurt. There’s a reason and a way forward.

If sex is uncomfortable, painful, or just not what it used to be—you’re not alone. Painful sex is incredibly common and often under-discussed. But it’s not “just in your head,” and it’s not something you have to live with.

At Arrow Pelvic PT, we specialize in treating the physical root causes of painful sex with a full-body, trauma-informed approach that’s tailored to your comfort.

You might be experiencing:

Why this happens

Painful sex (also called dyspareunia) can be caused by a variety of physical factors—often related to pelvic floor muscle tension, scar tissue, nerve sensitivity, or core pressure imbalances.

Sometimes, the muscles of your pelvic floor are too tight or reactive, making penetration painful. 

This tension may be due to:

Many people are told it’s “normal” or that nothing’s wrong. But that’s not the full story—and it’s not the end of yours.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps

Pain with sex is real—and it has a physical explanation.

Often, the muscles of the pelvic floor are overactive, tense, or holding onto trauma. If those muscles can’t relax or coordinate properly, penetration (even from a tampon or pelvic exam) can become painful or impossible.

But here’s the good news: your pelvic floor can be retrained. With the right approach, your body can learn to feel safe again—and pain can be reduced or completely resolved.

Here’s how therapy helps:

Pain is not just about tissue—it’s also about protection. When the brain senses threat, it can keep muscles in a guarded state. We use gentle, hands-on techniques and movement strategies to help your pelvic floor and nervous system relax and feel safe again.

Many people with painful sex struggle to sense or coordinate their pelvic floor. We teach you how to tune in, recognize tension, and learn how to consciously relax these muscles—something most of us were never taught to do.

Healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. We go at your pace, with or without internal work, and help you reconnect with your body in a way that feels safe and empowering. This can be deeply healing—not just for sex, but for your relationship with your own body.

You won’t be handed a list of stretches and sent on your way. We’ll walk with you through every stage—from reducing pain, to reintroducing movement, to reclaiming intimacy—on your terms.

Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about muscles—it’s about restoring comfort, confidence, and connection. And it works.

Why Choose Us

You deserve a provider who understands how complex—and sensitive—this issue is.

Here’s what makes Arrow Pelvic PT different:

Whether you want to lift, run, jump, or just laugh without worry—we’re here for it.

Ready to start your recovery?
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FAQ

Not at all. Internal assessments are always optional and only done with your full consent. There are many other effective ways we can treat this without internal work.

Yes. We’ve helped many clients who were experiencing pain with sex—sometimes for years—find relief through our full-body, muscle and nerve-focused approach.

Yes! Many clients start in person and then continue virtually. We coach you through self-release techniques and provide app-based videos so you can make progress from home.

That depends on the root cause of your pain. Many clients begin to feel relief within a few sessions. We’ll create a plan tailored to your body and goals.