Pelvic Floor Therapy For Constipation

Biofeedback training is the treatment of choice for medically refractory pelvic floor constipation with some studies showing improvement in more than 70 percent of patients.

Pelvic floor therapy for constipation.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to correctly relax and coordinate your pelvic floor muscles to have a bowel movement. The ultimate goal of our treatment plans at femina physical therapy is to help you fully relax the pelvic floor and to be able to have a complete bowel movement without strain or pain. During bowel movements your pelvic floor muscles are meant to relax to allow the passage of poop. In a study of biofeedback for pelvic floor dysfunction compared to laxatives the usual treatment for constipation nearly 80 of people undergoing biofeedback had improvement in constipation compared to 22 in the laxative group.

Constipation and the pelvic floor muscles normally the pelvic floor muscles tighten to hold your urine and bowel motions in. Aquacare physical therapy has pelvic floor therapists that can help you get on the right track with constipation. During a biofeedback session a special tube catheter to measure muscle tension is inserted into your rectum. Natural constipation relief can be gained using this brace and bulge bowel emptying technique.

This might include manual therapy to treat tight and guarding pelvic floor muscles that may be preventing healthy bowel movements. Learn about the symptoms and treatment options. In those with pelvic floor dyssynergia a condition where the pelvic floor muscles contract. Symptoms include constipation straining to defecate having urine or stool leakage and experiencing a frequent need to pee.

When you sit on the toilet the pelvic floor muscles should relax so that you are able to empty your bladder or bowel. This technique is an effective way of relaxing your pelvic floor avoiding straining and relieving constipation. Initial treatments include biofeedback pelvic floor physical therapy and medications. The therapist guides you through exercises to alternately relax and tighten your pelvic muscles.

Patients also learn to identify internal sensations associated with relaxation and long term skills and exercises for use at home. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that affects your ability to control your pelvic floor muscles. Relaxing your pelvic floor muscles at the right time during defecation can help you pass stool more easily. If you are having problems with constipation talk to your gi physician and consider physical therapy.