Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, or passing hard, dry stools. Typically we expect between 1-3 bowel movements (BM) every 1-3 days. Although you may be passing stool regularly, we also consider the consistency and ease of passing stool. If you are passing dry, hard stools, sitting and taking more than 10 minutes to produce a BM or straining to pass stool, you may be constipated!
What’s causing my problems?
Contributing factors can include lifestyle, inadequate fluid intake, dietary choices, medication side effects, and other medical conditions. However, one aspect that is frequently overlooked is the role of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Passing hard, painful stools can lead to muscle guarding in the pelvic floor. From there the problem can spiral with the anticipation of pain with your next BM. This cycle can be broken!
The Pelvic Floor and Its Function:
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus (if you have one), and rectum. These muscles play a crucial role in maintaining bowel and bladder function. When the pelvic floor muscles are too tight or weak, they can disrupt normal functioning and contribute to constipation.
What do muscles have to do with Pooping?
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor are not working properly. In the case of constipation, two things can happen:
- Tight Pelvic Floor Muscles:
- One may experience tight pelvic floor muscles, which means these muscles are overly contracted and unable to relax properly.
- This tension can create a narrowed passageway in the rectum, making it difficult for stool to travel through, which may lead to straining
- Weakness of the Pelvic Floor Muscles:
- On the flip side, others may have weak or hypotonic pelvic floor muscles, leading to inadequate support for the rectum and bowel.
- Weak pelvic floor muscles can result in poor coordination during bowel movements, making it challenging to expel stool effectively.
What we do in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy:
In therapy we will assess and address dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles. After a thorough evaluation we provide treatments such as:
- Pelvic Floor Relaxation Techniques
- Coordination training
- Education on Lifestyle habits impacting Bowel function
- Water intake
- Fiber Needs
- Education on Positioning and Breathing
Constipation can be a challenging condition to manage, but the connection between pelvic floor dysfunction and this digestive issue should not be overlooked. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a non-invasive, personalized approach to address the root causes of constipation, providing relief and improving overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with constipation, consider reaching out for a FREE consult call to explore this effective and often under-utilized avenue for relief.