When we talk about the pelvic floor, most people jump straight to the Kegels or the ‘squeeze and lift’ muscles. But there’s a deeper, often-forgotten player that holds more sway than you might think: the obturator internus (OI).

If you’ve ever experienced deep glute pain, sacroiliac discomfort, hip restriction, or stubborn pelvic floor tension that just won’t shift—this muscle might be part of the picture.