Virtual Therapy for Bowel Dysfunction Relief

Pelvic Floor Physical and Occupational Therapy for Bowel Dysfunction

The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting the rectum and are involved in both voluntary and involuntary bowel functions. Normally, these muscles prevent gas and stool leakage, and we can voluntarily relax them to pass stool. The anal sphincter is a complex neuromuscular structure that can detect air, liquid, and stool, triggering involuntary responses from the pelvic floor muscles.

Unfortunately, gastrointestinal issues are prevalent in the United States. Persistent gastrointestinal pain and dysfunction can negatively impact the pelvic floor muscles, further worsening gastrointestinal problems. When this system malfunctions, individuals suffer, but pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy and a coordinated interdisciplinary treatment plan can provide relief.

The Facts

Constipation impacts nearly 28% of the population.
More than a quarter of all Americans experience gastrointestinal distress.
Anal incontinence and fecal urgency affect up to 40% of postpartum women.
Constipation is three times more prevalent in women than in men, with the likelihood increasing in women over 65.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects around 30% of the population.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is present in 38% of the population.
Chronic constipation stands as a leading cause of pelvic pain and pudendal neuralgia.
Constipation worsens symptoms of bladder and pelvic pain.
Normal bowel movements range from three times a day to three times a week, with fewer than three bowel movements per week considered abnormal.

The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting the rectum and are involved in both voluntary and involuntary bowel functions. Normally, these muscles prevent gas and stool leakage, and we can voluntarily relax them to pass stool. The anal sphincter is a complex neuromuscular structure that can detect air, liquid, and stool, triggering involuntary responses from the pelvic floor muscles.

Unfortunately, gastrointestinal issues are prevalent in the United States. Persistent gastrointestinal pain and dysfunction can negatively impact the pelvic floor muscles, further worsening gastrointestinal problems. When this system malfunctions, individuals suffer, but pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy and a coordinated interdisciplinary treatment plan can provide relief.

The Facts

Constipation impacts nearly 28% of the population.
More than a quarter of all Americans experience gastrointestinal distress.
Anal incontinence and fecal urgency affect up to 40% of postpartum women.
Constipation is three times more prevalent in women than in men, with the likelihood increasing in women over 65.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects around 30% of the population.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is present in 38% of the population.
Chronic constipation stands as a leading cause of pelvic pain and pudendal neuralgia.
Constipation worsens symptoms of bladder and pelvic pain.
Normal bowel movements range from three times a day to three times a week, with fewer than three bowel movements per week considered abnormal.

Symptoms

Straining to evacuate stool
Constipation
Need for excessive toilet paper
Fecal or gas leakage and incontinence
Hemorrhoids and fissures
Pain before, during, or after bowel movements
Anal/rectal pain, burning, or itching

Symptoms

Straining to evacuate stool
Constipation
Need for excessive toilet paper
Fecal or gas leakage and incontinence
Hemorrhoids and fissures
Pain before, during, or after bowel movements
Anal/rectal pain, burning, or itching

Associated Diagnoses

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Proctalgia Fugax, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), H. Pylori, Celiac Disease, Endometriosis, Crohn”™s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, transit and motility disorders, anal fissures and hemorrhoids are associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Associated Diagnoses

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Proctalgia Fugax, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), H. Pylori, Celiac Disease, Endometriosis, Crohn”™s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, transit and motility disorders, anal fissures and hemorrhoids are associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Causes of Bowel Dysfunction

Constipation is triggered by medication use, including opiates, mood stabilizers, and oral contraceptives.
Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction involves issues like dyssynergia, tightness, or weakness.
Peripheral nerve injuries resulting from childbirth, chronic straining, or surgical trauma.
Visceral-somatic repercussions stemming from gastrointestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and others.

Causes of Bowel Dysfunction

Constipation is triggered by medication use, including opiates, mood stabilizers, and oral contraceptives.
Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction involves issues like dyssynergia, tightness, or weakness.
Peripheral nerve injuries resulting from childbirth, chronic straining, or surgical trauma.
Visceral-somatic repercussions stemming from gastrointestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and others.

Diagnostic Challenges

Even though millions of Americans experience gastrointestinal symptoms and bowel disorders, many aren’t referred to pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy, prolonging their discomfort. Factors like diet, medication, environment, and the health of our gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems all affect bowel function. However, when problems arise, people often receive disjointed treatments lacking coordination.

As pelvic floor physical and occupational therapistss, we have a special opportunity to partner with doctors and integrative health providers, ensuring that all aspects of our patient’s health are thoroughly considered and treated.

Diagnostic Challenges

Even though millions of Americans experience gastrointestinal symptoms and bowel disorders, many aren’t referred to pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy, prolonging their discomfort. Factors like diet, medication, environment, and the health of our gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems all affect bowel function. However, when problems arise, people often receive disjointed treatments lacking coordination.

As pelvic floor physical and occupational therapistss, we have a special opportunity to partner with doctors and integrative health providers, ensuring that all aspects of our patient’s health are thoroughly considered and treated.

Treatment:

How We Can Help You

The pelvic floor muscles are closely linked to our gastrointestinal system and bowel health. If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms or difficulties with bowel movements, it’s worth considering a pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy evaluation. Bowel dysfunction can be connected to pelvic floor muscles that are either too tight, too weak, or not functioning properly. Traditionally, people were advised to do Kegel exercises for bowel health, but if your pelvic floor muscles are too tight, this might worsen your symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to collaborate with a pelvic floor physical and occupational therapists either via telehealth or in-person to ensure proper rehabilitation. Sometimes, the pelvic floor muscles need to be lengthened before they can be strengthened.

In the virtual evaluation, your physical and occupational therapists engages in a detailed discussion about your medical history, symptoms, prior diagnoses, and the outcomes of past treatments. We empathize with the frustrations you’re encountering, as numerous individuals reach out to us for support after enduring prolonged discomfort.

During the examination, the therapist assesses muscles, tissues, joints, nerves, and movement patterns. After finishing the examination, your therapist discusses their findings with you. They then create an assessment that explains how your symptoms developed and establish both short and long-term treatment goals.

Typically, virtual sessions occur one to two times per week for approximately 12 weeks. You’ll also receive a home exercise program to complement your virtual sessions. Additionally, your physical and occupational therapists coordinates your recovery with other members of your treatment team. We aim to support you in your recovery journey so you can live your best life!

CONTACT US

Treatment:

How We Can Help You

The pelvic floor muscles are closely linked to our gastrointestinal system and bowel health. If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms or difficulties with bowel movements, it’s worth considering a pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy evaluation. Bowel dysfunction can be connected to pelvic floor muscles that are either too tight, too weak, or not functioning properly. Traditionally, people were advised to do Kegel exercises for bowel health, but if your pelvic floor muscles are too tight, this might worsen your symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to collaborate with a pelvic floor physical and occupational therapists either via telehealth or in-person to ensure proper rehabilitation. Sometimes, the pelvic floor muscles need to be lengthened before they can be strengthened.

In the virtual evaluation, your physical and occupational therapists engages in a detailed discussion about your medical history, symptoms, prior diagnoses, and the outcomes of past treatments. We empathize with the frustrations you’re encountering, as numerous individuals reach out to us for support after enduring prolonged discomfort.

During the examination, the therapist assesses muscles, tissues, joints, nerves, and movement patterns. After finishing the examination, your therapist discusses their findings with you. They then create an assessment that explains how your symptoms developed and establish both short and long-term treatment goals.

Typically, virtual sessions occur one to two times per week for approximately 12 weeks. You’ll also receive a home exercise program to complement your virtual sessions. Additionally, your physical and occupational therapists coordinates your recovery with other members of your treatment team. We aim to support you in your recovery journey so you can live your best life!

CONATCT US

Virtual Therapy for Bowel Dysfunction Relief

Pelvic Floor Physical and Occupational Therapy for Bowel Dysfunction

How Can We Help You?

How Can We Help You?