Buttock Pain in the Athlete: the Role of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Purpose of Review: Pelvic floor dysfunction is an often overlooked cause of buttock pain in the athlete. Literature on pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes is limited, and therefore, it is frequently missed on evaluation and left untreated. This purpose of this article is to review the role that pelvic floor dysfunction plays in several musculoskeletal conditions experienced by athletes and to discuss pertinent history and physical examination findings that will help healthcare providers identify and treat athletes with pelvic floor dysfunction. Recent Findings: Recent studies show the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes is higher than one might expect. Structural changes in pelvic floor muscles have been identified in athletes, although the effect of these changes on pelvic floor function is not clear. Muscles of the pelvic floor are involved in controlling motion at the hip, sacroiliac joint and lumbar spine. Dysfunction in these muscles may contribute to a number of conditions that present with buttock pain. Summary: It is important to recognize pelvic floor dysfunction as a potential cause of buttock pain in athletes, particularly in cases that have remained refractory to other conservative therapies.