What is constipation and how is it related to the pelvic floor?
Constipation occurs when you are unable to have a complete bowel movement or have irregular/infrequent bowel movements. If you have less than 3 bowel movements per week, or have the feeling that you didn't fully empty your bowels while toileting, constipation is likely. Constipation can be multi-factorial and occur due to mental and emotional stress, nutritional imbalances, dehydration, hormonal changes, or can occur because of tightness in the pelvic floor. When the pelvic floor muscles are tense and unable to relax, there is a decreased ability to allow stool to exit the rectum.
Constipation can cause problems with stool evacuation which can contribute to hemorrhoids and fissures. Due to straining and the increased pressure of stool on the pelvic floor, constipation can accompany other symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary leakage and urinary urgency and can also cause significant lower back pain and abdominal bloating.
Constipation can cause problems with stool evacuation which can contribute to hemorrhoids and fissures. Due to straining and the increased pressure of stool on the pelvic floor, constipation can accompany other symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary leakage and urinary urgency and can also cause significant lower back pain and abdominal bloating.
How can pelvic floor PT help with managing symptoms of constipation?Pelvic floor physical therapists will assess any other contributing factors to your constipation including pelvic floor muscle tension, hydration status, bowel habits, toileting mechanics, and lifestyle factors that may be playing a role in your symptoms.
Pelvic floor therapists provide hand-on manual treatments, individualized exercises and discuss lifestyle modifications in order to reduce pelvic floor muscle tension and pain to alleviate constipation. The key to managing constipation is to discover the root cause of it. |
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"Since having kids I just assumed so many of the body changes I experienced were normal. I am forever grateful for teaching me what is and is not normal and giving me the tools to fix it."
What is the Vivid difference?
At Vivid Women’s Health your Doctor of Physical Therapy will:
- Find the root cause of your symptoms.
- Address how your pelvic floor is functioning with your whole body; it isn't just Kegels.
- Treat your for one-hour with hands on treatments.
- Be with you one-on-one for the entire session; no aides or techs.
- Treat you with compassion in a private, stress free environment.