We’ve all been there—bloated, backed up, or running to the bathroom without warning. It’s frustrating, uncomfortable, and sometimes even embarrassing. But if you’re asking yourself, “Why are my guts not working?”, the answer might lie in a place you haven’t considered yet: your pelvic floor.
Let’s break down what could be going on—and how pelvic floor dysfunction might be at the root of your digestive troubles.
What Do We Mean by “Guts Not Working”?
When people say their “guts aren’t working,” they often mean:
- Chronic constipation
- Diarrhea or urgency
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Difficulty fully emptying the bowels
These symptoms can have many causes—diet, stress, medications, infections—but when the usual suspects are ruled out and you’re still struggling, it’s time to look deeper. Or lower.
The Pelvic Floor’s Role in Digestion
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports your pelvic organs—including the rectum and parts of the colon—and helps control bowel (and bladder) function. These muscles are meant to relax and contract at the right times to allow smooth, coordinated elimination.
When the pelvic floor isn’t functioning properly, it can seriously interfere with your gut’s ability to do its job.
Some common issues include:
1. Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia (a fancy word for poor coordination)
This is when your pelvic floor muscles tighten instead of relax during a bowel movement, making it difficult or even painful to go.
2. Pelvic Floor Tension
Chronic stress or trauma can lead to a tight, overactive pelvic floor. This can slow down the movement of stool and contribute to constipation and bloating.
3. Gut- Brain
Bidirectional pathway involving communication between the gut and the brain, affecting digestion and nervous system response to stress.
4. Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
A weak pelvic floor can lead to poor control over the bowels, potentially causing urgency, leakage, or incomplete evacuation.
5. Microbiome Impact
An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to visceral hypersensitivity and altered responses, affecting the pelvic floor.
Signs Your Pelvic Floor Might Be Involved
If you’re dealing with gut issues and any of the following sound familiar, your pelvic floor could be playing a role:
- You strain a lot during bowel movements
- You feel like you never fully empty your bowels
- You have to change positions or use your hands to help pass stool
- You often have both urinary and bowel symptoms
- You’ve had pelvic surgery, pregnancy, or trauma
What Can You Do?
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Working with a trained pelvic floor therapist can make a huge difference. We assess how your pelvic muscles are functioning and create a customized plan that might include:
- Biofeedback
- Muscle retraining
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Manual therapy
- Education around toileting posture and habits
Lifestyle & Gut Health
We’ll also talk about the importance of fiber, use of probiotics, hydration, stress management, and how your daily habits might be affecting your pelvic floor and gut health.
Looking to optimize your well being with pelvic floor physical therapy? Reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at [email protected]