Bowel Dysfunction

***If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. The information provided here should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding your medical condition.

Fecal incontinence, bowel leakage, anal incontinence, bowel frequency, fecal urgency, chronic constipation and consistent straining with emptying bowels can all be treated with pelvic floor therapy. There are many times that bowel irritants; weak anal sphincter; decreased sensation in the rectum; anal sphincter dysfunction or discoordination; pelvic floor weakness; pelvic floor dysfunction; and/or poor bathroom habits can be the cause or causes of these impairments.

A pelvic floor therapist can evaluate your pelvic floor and anal sphincter condition; help identify your impairments; provide education on your condition and help you identify possible bladder/bowel irritants you may be ingesting that are contributing to your symptoms. Additionally, your pelvic floor therapist can provide you with appropriate manual therapy interventions; postural training; therapeutic exercise; abdominal/pelvic pressure management training; and they can help you identify poor bathroom habits you may have acquired so that you may begin to heal, decrease and eliminate your symptoms. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone and there is help out there for you.