Understanding Constipation and the Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Constipation can be more than just uncomfortable—it can affect your daily life and overall health. But did you know that pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) can help you manage and even prevent constipation? Let’s talk about how your pelvic floor muscles play a role in healthy bowel movements and what you can do to take control of constipation.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation happens when you have trouble passing stool (poop). You might have constipation if you:

• Have fewer than three bowel movements per week

• Have hard, dry, or lumpy stools

• Strain or feel pain when you try to poop

• Feel like you didn’t completely empty your bowels

Constipation is common and can happen for many reasons, like not drinking enough water, not eating enough fiber, or not moving around much. But sometimes, your pelvic floor muscles can also cause or worsen constipation.

What Do I Need to Know About the Impacts of Constipation?

Constipation isn't just an isolated issue; it can lead to a host of other pelvic health problems:

• Urinary Symptoms: Straining during bowel movements increases intra-abdominal pressure, which can negatively impact the bladder, leading to symptoms like urinary urgency, frequency, and even urinary incontinence.

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Chronic constipation and straining can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues, increasing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse, where pelvic organs descend into or outside of the vaginal canal.

How Pelvic Floor PT Helps

Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on making sure your pelvic muscles are working the way they should. Here’s how it can help with constipation:

1. Muscle Relaxation Techniques

A pelvic floor PT can teach you how to relax your pelvic floor muscles. Sometimes, we hold tension in these muscles without realizing it. Learning how to relax them can make it easier to have a bowel movement.

2. Breathing Exercises

Your breathing patterns affect how your body works, especially your pelvic floor. A pelvic floor PT can show you the right way to breathe while trying to poop, which can help your pelvic muscles relax.

3. Body Mechanics

Your posture matters when you're trying to poop. A pelvic floor PT can show you the best position to sit on the toilet for easier bowel movements. For example, raising your feet on a small stool while sitting on the toilet helps align your body for a smoother release.

4. Strengthening and Stretching

For some people, the pelvic floor muscles may be weak, while others may have muscles that are too tight. Your PT can create a plan to strengthen or stretch your muscles, depending on what you need.

Ready to Take Control of Your Pelvic Health?

You don’t have to live with constipation—and you don’t have to figure this out on your own!

At Renew Health in East Longmeadow, MA, we specialize in helping individuals overcome chronic constipation by addressing root causes, restoring healthy bowel function, and improving overall well-being--so they can feel more comfortable, and in control of their body again.

Curious if pelvic floor therapy is right for you? Fill out our contact form to chat with one of our pelvic health specialists!

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