Bowel/Constipation Issues

What is Constipation & Bowel Dysfunction?

Constipation refers to having fewer than three bowel movements per week, or experiencing difficulty or discomfort while passing stool. Bowel dysfunction encompasses a variety of conditions related to poor bowel control, such as incomplete evacuation, straining, bloating, and pain. Fecal incontinence, or the inability to control bowel movements, can also fall under this category and is often caused by pelvic floor dysfunction, which involves the weakness or poor coordination of the muscles responsible for bowel control.

Bowel dysfunction and fecal incontinence are more common than many people realize, and they can often be managed and treated effectively with the right approach to physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Common Causes of Constipation & Bowel Dysfunction

1. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

   • Weakness, tightness, or poor coordination of the pelvic floor muscles can lead to difficulty with bowel movements, constipation, or fecal incontinence. Pelvic floor issues can develop due to pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, aging, or certain medical conditions.

2. Dietary and Lifestyle Factors

   • A diet low in fiber, inadequate hydration, sedentary lifestyle, and high stress levels can contribute to constipation. These factors may also affect the muscles involved in bowel function, exacerbating issues like fecal incontinence.

3. Post-Surgical Changes

   • Surgeries involving the pelvic region (e.g., colorectal surgeries, C-sections, or pelvic organ prolapse repair) can affect the functioning of the pelvic floor, leading to bowel issues like constipation or fecal incontinence.

4. Medications

   • Certain medications, such as pain relievers, antidepressants, or those used for other chronic conditions, can slow down bowel function and lead to constipation or incontinence.

5. Hormonal Changes

   • Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can also affect bowel function and contribute to both constipation and fecal incontinence.

Services Provided for Constipation, Bowel Dysfunction & Fecal Incontinence

1. Pelvic Floor Therapy for Bowel Dysfunction

   • Pelvic Floor Assessment and Rehabilitation: A comprehensive evaluation of pelvic floor muscles to determine their role in bowel dysfunction. We focus on strengthening and coordinating the pelvic floor to improve bowel control.

   • Biofeedback Therapy: Using biofeedback technology to teach patients how to relax or activate pelvic floor muscles to improve bowel function, reduce constipation, and manage fecal incontinence.

   • Manual Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release and trigger point therapy to release tight or overactive pelvic muscles that may be contributing to bowel dysfunction or incontinence.

2. Bowel Movement Training

   • Timed Bowel Training: Establishing a regular routine for bowel movements to reduce constipation and encourage the body to evacuate more effectively.

   • Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Teaching proper breathing techniques to relax the pelvic floor during bowel movements and reduce straining, which can help prevent fecal incontinence.

3. Dietary and Lifestyle Education

   • Fiber and Hydration Guidance: Educating patients about the importance of a fiber-rich diet and adequate water intake to support healthy digestion and prevent constipation.

   • Exercise and Physical Activity: Recommending exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, improve abdominal muscle function, and enhance overall mobility, which can help with both constipation and fecal incontinence.

   • Stress Reduction Techniques: Stress can affect bowel function, so we teach techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation to improve digestion and reduce pelvic floor tension.

The Benefits of Treatment for Constipation, Bowel Dysfunction & Fecal Incontinence

• Improved Bowel Regularity: Treatment helps establish more consistent and comfortable bowel movements, reducing constipation and associated discomfort.

• Reduced Straining: Strengthening and coordinating the pelvic floor helps reduce the need for excessive straining, which can lead to hemorrhoids, prolapse, or other complications.

• Decreased Bloating and Discomfort: Effective therapy reduces bloating, abdominal discomfort, and pain related to constipation or fecal incontinence.

• Enhanced Pelvic Floor Function: For those experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, treatment restores coordination and strength to the muscles responsible for bowel control, improving both constipation and incontinence.

• Increased Confidence: Our treatment plans address fecal incontinence, helping you regain control and confidence in daily activities.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

Each patient’s treatment plan is personalized to their specific needs and the type of bowel dysfunction or fecal incontinence they are experiencing. During your initial consultation, we’ll assess your medical history, diet, lifestyle, and any relevant surgical history. From there, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan that includes pelvic floor therapy, dietary changes, bowel movement training, and other techniques designed to address your concerns.

Our goal is to empower you with the tools and education you need to manage bowel health and improve your quality of life.