Constipation might not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s one that many people deal with, often in silence. If persistent trips to the bathroom leave you feeling frustrated or like nothing’s moving, know that you’re not alone. And here’s the good news—help is available, judgment-free!
One promising solution that may reduce or replace the need for medication or laxatives is pelvic floor therapy, a natural approach to managing constipation and improving your overall quality of life.
Can pelvic floor dysfunction cause constipation?
Pelvic floor health and dysfunction have become part of the mainstream conversation about health, especially around pregnancy and postpartum issues that have gone untreated and underreported for decades. Surveys suggest that up to 50% of people with recurring constipation are dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction—a condition where the muscles in your pelvic region don’t coordinate properly.
To understand this better, it helps to know what your pelvic floor does. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support critical abdominal organs like your bladder, rectum, and intestines. These muscles also help control bowel movements. When they aren’t functioning properly—perhaps they’re too tight, too weak, or not relaxing at the right times—it can make bowel movements difficult or painful.
Think of it this way: if the muscles in your hands cramped every time you tried to open a door, you’d struggle to use your keys. Similarly, when the pelvic floor muscles aren’t operating in sync with one another, they can obstruct stool movement, leading to constipation.
If you’ve been relying on laxatives, fiber-enriched diets, or drinking endless amounts of water with limited success, treating the pelvic floor muscles may be the missing piece of the puzzle.
How pelvic floor therapy helps constipation
Pelvic floor therapy focuses on improving the function of the pelvic muscles through tailored techniques, exercises, and lifestyle adjustments. If pelvic floor dysfunction is a factor in your constipation, this targeted and personalized form of physical therapy can make a world of difference.
There are several ways pelvic floor therapy may help with symptoms like constipation, most commonly using relaxation techniques, bowel management routines, or biofeedback therapy.
Relaxation techniques
For many people, constipation related to the pelvic floor stems from overactive or tight muscles. Pelvic floor therapy teaches you how to relax these muscles, making it easier to pass stool.
Deep breathing exercises and specific stretches can help alleviate tension in the pelvic area and retrain your muscles to work in sync with your body’s natural cues.
Bowel management routines
Did you know your GI tract and pelvic floor muscles may be creatures of habit? Some constipation treatments include bowel management education, training you on creating a regular rhythm that your body aligns with to make it simpler and more efficient to go. This means eating meals at regular times, having the right position and muscle movements while on the commode, and conditioning your body to want to go at regular times of the day.
Biofeedback therapy
One of the more surprising benefits of pelvic floor therapy is how it can improve your awareness of the muscles you rarely think about. Learning how to connect with these “hidden” muscles can make it easier to consciously control them in the future.
This is where biofeedback therapy can be life-changing for both constipation and your overall pelvic floor health. Biofeedback therapy uses sensors to give you real-time feedback on how your pelvic floor muscles are functioning. Here’s what happens during a session:
- Sensors are placed on your skin to monitor muscle activity.
- A therapist guides you through exercises while the system provides visual or auditory feedback, showing you when you’re clenching and relaxing to help you feel what it’s like to use these muscles.
Over time, this training helps you develop better control and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. For constipation, biofeedback therapy can retrain your body to relax the right muscles at the right time, allowing bowel movements to happen naturally and without strain.
Pelvic floor therapy for any symptom in New Orleans
Whether constipation is tied to your pelvic floor or you’re experiencing other pelvic-related challenges, Rehab Access is here to help. Our specialized therapists offer personalized treatments designed to address your unique needs, helping you find relief and regain confidence in your body.
Start the conversation today with no judgment by calling one of our nearby clinics or by requesting an appointment online.
