Constipation
Constipation is a common disorder. In addition to addressing any anatomic, disease, and diet related causes for a patient’s constipation, the pelvic floor muscles should be addressed. According to the Mayo Clinic, 50% of patients with chronic constipation have pelvic floor dysfunction.
The pelvic floor muscles must contract properly to maintain urinary and fecal continence and relax properly in order for you to void.
When the pelvic floor muscles fail to relax and contract properly this can cause constipation, which is referred to as dyssynergic defecation or anismus. This can then lead to straining with bowel movements and feelings of incomplete evacuation. In patients with constipation related to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), the muscles around the anal region often contract instead of relax during attempted bowel movements. Unfortunately, PFD is not widely recognized as a possible cause of chronic constipation. As a result, many patients with constipation do not receive the treatment that enables them to recover normal bowel habits.
How can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy help?
It is the mind/body connection between you and your pelvic floor that controls these muscles and your responses to bodily signals. I will you identify your pelvic floor muscles and guide you into proper contraction and relaxation of these muscles. Altering some toileting habits and lifestyle changes may also help!
