Understanding Constipation and How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Difficulty with bowel movements can be frustrating and uncomfortable. While dietary habits and lifestyle factors often contribute, pelvic floor dysfunction is a frequently overlooked cause. Let’s explore common causes of constipation, how pelvic floor dysfunction can play a role, and how pelvic floor therapy offers a solution.
Common Causes of Constipation
1. Dietary Factors
- Low Fiber or Fluids: Insufficient fiber or inadequate hydration can lead to hard stools and constipation.
2. Lifestyle Habits
- Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle may slow digestion.
- Ignoring the Urge: Delaying bowel movements can worsen constipation over time.
3. Medical Conditions
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS often disrupts normal bowel patterns.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can slow digestive processes.
- Neurological Issues: Conditions affecting the nervous system can impair bowel control.
4. Medications
- Side Effects: Many medications, including pain relievers and antidepressants, may cause constipation.
5. Emotional Factors
- Stress or Anxiety: Mental health can directly impact bowel function.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Constipation
The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in bowel movements. When these muscles don’t function properly, constipation can occur.
1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Coordination
- Muscle Tension: If the pelvic floor muscles are too tight or not coordinating properly, they may obstruct stool passage.
- Dyssynergic Defecation: A lack of synchronization between pelvic floor and abdominal muscles can make defecation difficult.
2. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Rectal Prolapse: A shifting or bulging of pelvic organs, such as the rectum, can hinder bowel movements.
3. Connective Tissue Differences
- Hypermobility: Differences in connective tissue structure can affect gastrointestinal tract function, contributing to constipation.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor therapy addresses the underlying mechanics of bowel function, offering relief from constipation through targeted techniques.
1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Relaxation
- Releasing Muscle Tension: Therapy focuses on relaxing tight muscles like the puborectalis, which can obstruct stool movement.
- Techniques Used: Biofeedback, manual therapy, and specialized exercises help patients learn to relax the pelvic floor muscles effectively.
2. Improving the Puborectalis Angle
- Role of the Puborectalis Muscle: This muscle forms a sling around the rectum, creating a bend to maintain continence. Relaxing it straightens the angle for easier stool passage.
- Therapeutic Focus: Therapy improves coordination and relaxation of this muscle, facilitating smoother bowel movements.
3. Abdominal Breathing and Massage
- Diaphragmatic Breathing: Deep abdominal breathing helps relax pelvic and abdominal muscles, reducing straining.
- “I L U” Massage: Therapists can teach self-massage techniques to mobilize stool and ease constipation.
4. Postural Adjustments and Exercises
- Optimal Toilet Positioning: Using a footstool to mimic a squatting position can straighten the anorectal angle and ease stool passage.
- Pelvic Tilts: Exercises to improve alignment and posture aid in achieving a functional defecation position.
5. Strengthening and Stabilization
- Strengthening Muscles: Specific exercises stabilize the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles to improve physical ability to pass stool.
- Connective Tissue Support: Techniques to enhance connective tissue health can be included in therapy.
A Combined Approach
Pelvic floor therapy is most effective when combined with other lifestyle changes:
- Dietary Adjustments: Increase fiber and fluid intake.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity supports healthy digestion.
- Behavioral Modifications: Don’t ignore the urge to go, and establish regular bathroom habits.
Conclusion
By addressing muscle tension, coordination, and proper positioning, pelvic floor therapy can significantly reduce constipation and its associated discomfort.
Take the First Step Today
Looking to optimize your bowel movements with pelvic floor physical therapy?
Contact the Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ, for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment.
- Call: 908-443-9880
- Email: receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com