How Can Pelvic Physiotherapy Help with Constipation?

pelvic floor physiotherapist

Constipation is a common digestive issue with infrequent, complex, or painful bowel movements. It can significantly impact daily life, leading to discomfort, bloating, and a sense of incomplete evacuation.

While various treatments exist, including dietary changes and medications, pelvic floor physiotherapy is a practical and often overlooked approach to managing constipation. This specialized physiotherapy focuses on the pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in bowel function. Here’s how pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with constipation.

1. Understanding the Pelvic Floor’s Role

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues located at the base of the pelvis. It supports the bladder, intestines, and uterus in women and is involved in various bodily functions, including bowel movements. Proper coordination and strength of the pelvic floor muscles are essential for the smooth passage of stool through the rectum and out of the body.

When these muscles are too tight, weak, or uncoordinated, they can contribute to constipation by making it difficult to relax the muscles needed for bowel movements or not providing enough force to expel stool. Pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to address these issues, improving muscle function and coordination.

2. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

One of the primary techniques used in pelvic floor physiotherapy near me is pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). This involves exercises designed to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles. For individuals with constipation, physiotherapists often focus on relaxation techniques to reduce tension in the pelvic floor muscles. This can include breathing exercises, gentle stretching, and specific relaxation techniques.

PFMT can also involve biofeedback, a technique in which sensors provide real-time feedback on muscle activity. This helps patients learn to control and coordinate their pelvic floor muscles better, making it easier to pass stool without straining.

3. Manual Therapy

In addition to exercises, pelvic floor physiotherapists may use manual therapy techniques to help alleviate constipation. This can include internal or external massages to relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and enhance the mobility of the pelvic organs. Manual therapy can help release tension in the pelvic floor muscles and alleviate discomfort associated with constipation.

Physiotherapists may massage abdominal muscles to stimulate bowel movements and improve gut motility. These techniques can be particularly beneficial for individuals with slow-transit constipation, where the movement of stool through the colon is delayed.

4. Education and Behavioral Modifications

Pelvic floor physiotherapy also includes education on proper toileting posture and habits. Physiotherapists teach patients the best positions to adopt during bowel movements to facilitate the process. This might consist of using a footstool to elevate the knees above the hips, which can help align the rectum and make it easier to pass stool.

Patients are also educated on dietary and lifestyle modifications that can support bowel health. This can entail eating more fibre, drinking plenty of water, and exercising frequently. These changes can complement pelvic floor exercises and improve overall bowel function.

5. Individualized Treatment Plans

Every individual’s experience with constipation is unique, and pelvic floor physiotherapy offers personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient. The physiotherapist conducts a thorough assessment to identify the underlying causes of constipation and designs a treatment plan that addresses these issues. This individualized approach ensures that patients receive the most effective care for their condition.

Find Relief from Constipation with Pro Health Oshawa Physio!

Struggling with constipation? Pro Health Oshawa Physio offers specialized pelvic floor physiotherapy to help improve bowel function and alleviate discomfort. Our expert therapists provide personalized treatment plans, including muscle training, manual therapy, and education on healthy habits.

Book your appointment!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top