Bowel health

Bowel Health Physiotherapy for Improved Function

What is it?
Physiotherapy for bowel health focuses on managing conditions like constipation, faecal incontinence, and urgency. Pelvic floor therapy can enhance muscle function and coordination, promoting healthier bowel habits and reducing bowel-related symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Difficulty initiating or completing bowel movements
  • Straining or discomfort during bowel movements
  • Bowel urgency or involuntary leakage (faecal incontinence)
  • Feeling of incomplete emptying
  • Abdominal bloating or pain associated with bowel movements

Common Causes

  • Weak or overactive pelvic floor muscles: These can impair bowel control, leading to incontinence or difficulty passing stool.
  • Neurological conditions: Disorders affecting nerve function can disrupt bowel control.
  • Chronic constipation and straining: Over time, this can weaken or damage pelvic floor muscles.
  • Dietary and lifestyle factors: Low-fiber diets, dehydration, and lack of exercise can contribute to bowel dysfunction.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

  • Pelvic floor muscle training to strengthen muscles responsible for bowel control
  • Bowel retraining techniques to promote regular bowel movements and reduce urgency
  • Lifestyle and dietary guidance to increase fiber intake, hydration, and regular exercise
  • Biofeedback therapy to help patients gain awareness and control over pelvic floor muscles
  • Relaxation exercises to alleviate tension in overactive muscles

** Get support for bowel health and function with physiotherapy at Activ8 Physio.