28 Pelvic Floor Decompression
This module teaches the release of the pelvic floor muscles, which support the pelvic organs and influence sacral nerve function.
Step 1
Understanding the Problem
The pelvic floor is a dynamic muscular system that supports:
the organsthe spinenerve pathwayspressure regulation
When functioning properly:
👉 it responds, adapts, and releasesWhen in spasm:
👉 it compresses nerves
👉 it restricts circulation
👉 it disrupts normal function
Step 2
The Clinical Problem
Clients may present with:
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pelvic pain
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pressure or heaviness
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discomfort when sitting (feeling of sittiing on a golf ball)
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sexual dysfunction
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constipation
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urinary irregularities
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deep hip or groin tension
A key pattern:
👉 symptoms are often vague, diffuse, and persistent, but can become intense
👉 the worst case of this is called a vaginal migraine - which can only be relieved by releasing the coccygeus
And frequently:
👉 traditional treatments fail to resolve them
Step 3
Why This Happens
The pelvic floor is composed primarily of the levator ani group and the coccygeus muscle. Together they support the pelvic organs, stabilize the pelvis, assist bowel and bladder function, contribute to sexual function, and protect the pudendal nerve as it travels through the region.
Like any skeletal muscle, these muscles can become fatigued. When fatigue progresses beyond the muscle's ability to recover, involuntary muscle spasm will develop. Instead of relaxing completely, portions of the pelvic floor remain chronically shortened.
This persistent contraction can create several mechanical problems simultaneously:
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Compression of the pudendal nerve
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Reduced local circulation
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Restricted mobility of the coccyx and pelvic tissues
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Increased tension throughout the connective tissues of the pelvic outlet
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Compression of the rectum - which causes constipation
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Tension based distortion of the urethra which can cause leakage or blockage
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Dysfunction of the genitals for both men and women
Because the pudendal nerve supplies sensation and motor function to much of the perineum, external genitalia, anal sphincter, and portions of the pelvic floor, even relatively small amounts of chronic muscular compression may produce widespread symptoms.
The Releasology model proposes that restoring normal muscle length reduces unnecessary mechanical pressure on the nerve and surrounding tissues. As tension decreases, normal movement, circulation, and nerve function have the opportunity to recover, allowing the body to return toward normal physiology.
Step 4
Anatomy
Overhead of Levator Ani and Coccygeus muscles - the Pelvic Floor
Coccygeus
Levator Ani
The pelvic floor muscles can enter a chronic holding pattern.
When this happens:
👉 they contract involuntarily
👉 they lose their ability to relax
👉 they begin compressing structures passing through them
These include:
-
pudendal nerve
-
obturator nerve (via surrounding structures)
-
vascular pathways
Step 5
Palpation & Tissue Assessment
Coccygeus
Levator Ani - stretch ischial attachment from coccyx attachment
Levator Ani - stretch ischial attachment from coccyx
Coccygeus
Levator Ani Group
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pubococcygeus
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iliococcygeus
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puborectalis
👉 form the main pelvic floor sling
Coccygeus
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posterior support muscle
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stabilizes coccyx
Obturator Internus
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lines the inner pelvis
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connects via fascial raphé to levator ani
👉 critical bridge between:
-
hip
-
pelvic floor
Pudendal Nerve
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travels through pelvic floor region
-
highly sensitive to compression
Obturator Nerve
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passes through obturator region
-
influenced by obturator musculature
System Insight
👉 pelvic floor is not isolated
It is connected to:
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deep hip rotators
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obturator system
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sacrum and coccyx
Step 6
Neurological Consequences
When compressed:
👉 the pudendal nerve cannot glide
This may lead to:
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pain
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altered sensation in genitals and pelvic region
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dysfunction
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erectile dysfunction
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lubrication problems
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pain in pelvic floor
Important:
👉 the nerve is not damaged
👉 it is compressed
Step 8
Worksheet Exercise
Download the PDF worksheet below.
Using a red drawing tool on your phone or tablet:
Draw:
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coccygeus
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levator ani
Include:
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origin
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insertion
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movement
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nerve supply
Save the image to your device.
Upload the completed worksheet by clicking the white "UPLOAD WORKSHEET" button below
If the correct file has uploaded, click the submit button
This memorization exercise works amazingly well. You will be glad you took the time to do this.
Step 9
Practice Assignment
Clinical Skill Development
Set up a massage table and recruit a practice subject for your first pelvic floor complex release practice session.
Position:
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client relaxed
Approach
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begin with cross-fiber palpation feeling back and forth across the fibers to locate their path and attachments to the sacrum, coccyx and ischium bones.
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stretch this muscle with one hand and hold the pressure point to also stretch and increase pressure on the tightest point in the tightest fibers. perform the yang phase by increasing the pressure and stretch in this positioin for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Once the maximum pressure and stretch has been maintained for this duration, slowly make it feel like you are beginning to reduce pressure, but very slowly. Make it feel like you are initiating this reduction, but do not give up and space. Creating these two sensations togeether triggers the Yin phase. This is when the muscle fibers begin to relax through their length and into adjacent muscles within the the same fascial lining.
- This wave of relaxation also travels through your body as a conduit to the ground. In fact, static electrons that had kept the muscle tissue in spasm are being discharged through your body as the muscle releases.
- Do these steps for the:
-
levator ani
-
coccygeus
-
Focus on:
👉 releasing these muscles until :
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their texture turns from a solid to a bag of liquid
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the space between the bones they are attached to opens
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the bones they attach to become more mobile instead of stiff
You are not forcing access.
👉 you are creating release
Watch the technique video again and pause frequently.
Practice slowly until you can clearly feel:
• correct finger positioning
• correct practitioner body mechanics
• the Yang engagement phase
• the Yin release phase
The goal is not force.
The goal is precise engagement of the tightest fibers.
Once you have performed the release successfully, proceed to the next step.
Step 10
Treatment Recording
In this step, you will record yourself performing the Pelvic Floor Complex Release Sequence
so your form and body mechanics can be evaluated.
You will need:
• a massage table or treatment surface
• a practice subject
• a tripod or stable support for your phone or camera
• good lighting so your hand placement is clearly visible
Position:
-
client relaxed
Approach
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begin with surrounding structures
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release:
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obturator internus
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deep hip region
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sacral attachments
-
Focus on:
👉 correctly locate each of these muscles using very narrow, and slow, cross-fiber palpation - to feel just back and forth across the fibers of these muscles 👉 move just enough to cross their fibers, but be careful to not pinch the skin because there is not a lot of space.
👉 correctly comprehend which direction you need to stretch these muscles in to stretch their tightest points within their tightest accesible fibers to begin the Yin Phase
👉 after performing the yang phase for 15 seconds, or so, begin to make it feel like your pressure is subsiding while also not giving up any space. This triggers the yin flow, and you will feel the fibers of these muscles finally begin to melt and lengthen. When this happens, the binding symptoms between their pubic bone, tailbone, and ischium bones are all simultaneously released,
Use massage oil to avoid chafing the skin
You are not forcing access.
👉 you are carefully releasing space
Step 11
Client Testimonial
Ask your practice subject to rate their symptoms before and after the treatment using a 0–10 scale.
Ask:
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how does the pelvic area feel?
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is pressure reduced?
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is sitting more comfortable?
Upload the testimonial video.
Documenting real clinical outcomes is an essential part of Releasology training.
Step 12
Knowledge Check & Module Completion
To pass:
👉 80% or higher
You Must Understand:
-
pelvic floor anatomy
-
nerve relationships
-
obturator connection
-
decompression strategy
Key Insight (Refined)
👉 pelvic dysfunction is often a result of compression, not weakness
👉 releasing surrounding structures restores function
System Insight
👉 hip → pelvic floor → nerve function
1. This complex primarily influences:
A. Shoulder
B. Abdominal region
C. Pelvis
D. Wrist
2. Dysfunction can affect:
A. Urination and cause pain in the sit bones (ischial tuberosities)
B. Bone structure
C. Only muscles
D. Ligaments only
3. Why is this region significant in Releasology?
A. It controls the spine
B. It reduces circulation
C. It strengthens muscles
D. It acts as a central pressure hub for the reproductive organs, urethra and colon
4. A symptom may include:
A. Abdominal tightness
B. Foot pain
C. Constipation
D. Jaw clicking
5. Release restores:
A. Urethral, rectal and genital blood flows and normal pressure
B. Balanced abdominal pressure, motility and mobility
C. Muscle growth
D. Ligament elasticity