Constipation is a common digestive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. While occasional constipation is normal, chronic constipation can significantly impact one's quality of life. While they might not seem related, the digestive system and the pelvic floor muscles have to work together to ensure the proper function of our bowel system. Pelvic floor physical therapy can be an excellent treatment option for promoting function in this system - our pelvic floor physical therapists at EW Motion Therapy do this for our clients daily. Even if you decide that our pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t right for you, you can still read on as we explore the most common causes of constipation, how the pelvic floor can influence bowel function, potential home remedies, and how physical therapy can help manage and relieve constipation.
What can cause constipation?
- Dietary factors: A lack of fiber in the diet is one of the leading causes of constipation. Insufficient fiber intake can result in harder and drier stools, making them difficult to pass. Additionally, inadequate fluid intake can also contribute to constipation.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can lead to sluggish bowel movements. Regular exercise helps stimulate bowel contractions, aiding waste movement through the digestive system.
- Medications: Certain medications, including painkillers, antidepressants, and iron supplements, can cause constipation as a side effect.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can slow down digestion and contribute to constipation.
- Medical conditions: Various conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism, and diabetes, can disrupt normal bowel function and cause constipation.
The bowels and pelvic floor muscles
The bowels, which include the large intestine and rectum, are responsible for storing waste material and eliminating it from the body. The pelvic floor muscles, located at the base of the pelvis, play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, including the rectum. When the pelvic floor muscles function correctly, they relax and allow the rectum to straighten, creating a clear pathway for the stool to pass through the anal canal and out of the body.
Simultaneously, the abdominal muscles contract, providing the necessary force to propel the stool out. However, if the pelvic floor muscles are weak, tight, or imbalanced, they may not coordinate effectively with the other muscles involved in the bowel movement process. Weak pelvic floor muscles may not adequately support the rectum, causing difficulty in emptying. Conversely, tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles may not relax properly, creating a blockage or resistance to stool passage. These imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles can result in incomplete bowel movements, straining, and constipation.
Notably, the coordination between the bowels and the pelvic floor muscles is essential for maintaining optimal bowel function. An imbalance or dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles can affect the normal process of stool elimination, leading to constipation or other bowel disorders.
Home remedies for constipation
- Increase fiber intake: Consuming a fiber-rich diet helps add bulk to the stool and facilitates movement through the digestive system. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking adequate water helps soften the stool, making it easier to pass. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling, promotes bowel motility and prevents constipation.
- Establish a routine: A regular bowel routine by allocating time after meals to use the bathroom can help train the body and promote regular bowel movements. You can set aside time however fits best in your routine, whether first thing in the morning, after meals, or before bed.
- Natural laxatives: Certain foods, such as prunes, flaxseeds, and aloe vera juice, have natural laxative properties that can help relieve constipation. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before relying solely on natural remedies.
How physical therapy can help
Physical therapy, specifically pelvic floor rehabilitation, focuses on improving the strength, coordination, and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. Physical therapy can help by focusing on the underlying causes and providing targeted interventions to improve bowel function. Here are some ways in which physical therapy can help with bowel issues:
- Pelvic floor muscle training: Physical therapists specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation can teach exercises specifically targeting pelvic floor muscles. These exercises help strengthen weak muscles and improve coordination and relaxation of tight or overactive muscles. By enhancing the function of the pelvic floor muscles, bowel control and elimination can be improved.
- Manual therapy: Physical therapists trained in pelvic floor rehabilitation may use manual techniques such as colon massage to address muscle tension and dysfunction in the pelvic region. These techniques can help release tight muscles, reduce trigger points, and improve muscle function. Manual therapy can benefit individuals with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction contributing to bowel issues.
- Education and lifestyle modifications: Physical therapists can provide education and guidance on lifestyle modifications that support healthy bowel function. This may include advice on dietary changes, such as increasing fiber intake or managing fluid intake. They can also guide optimal positioning during bowel movements and strategies to promote regularity.
- Bowel retraining: Physical therapists can assist in implementing a bowel retraining program. This may involve keeping a bowel diary to establish a consistent routine for bowel movements, promoting regularity, and improving bowel control. The therapist may work with individuals to develop a suitable time for bowel movements, provide strategies to relax the pelvic floor muscles, and offer support throughout the retraining process.
It's important to note that physical therapy for bowel issues is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may involve collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as gastroenterologists or dietitians. A thorough evaluation by a physical therapist with expertise in pelvic floor rehabilitation is essential to determine the underlying causes of bowel issues and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Constipation is a common issue that can significantly impact an individual's well-being. Understanding pelvic floor muscles’ causes and role and implementing home remedies can help manage and alleviate constipation. Physical therapy, particularly pelvic floor rehabilitation, can provide valuable support in addressing constipation related to pelvic floor dysfunction. If you are experiencing chronic or severe constipation, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan. Remember, with proper management, relief from constipation is attainable, and your digestive system can regain its regularity. Physical therapy can often be a viable treatment option, and our team of pelvic floor physical therapists at EW Motion Therapy can develop a personalized treatment plan that helps regulate your bowel function. If you are curious whether pelvic floor physical therapy would be right for you, click the button below to answer the questions in our self-assessment.
