Chronic constipation is a common issue that significantly affects daily life and well-being. What many don’t realize is that pelvic floor dysfunction often plays a role in chronic constipation. The pelvic floor muscles help to control bowel movements, and when these muscles become weak, tense, or uncoordinated, they can hinder the ability to pass stool effectively. Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton offers various techniques to address pelvic floor dysfunction and manage constipation, providing a non-invasive and lasting solution for patients.
The Role of the Pelvic Floor Techniques in Constipation
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. They play an essential role in regulating bowel movements by controlling the anal sphincter. Dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles may lead to difficulty relaxing during defecation, incomplete evacuation, or the sensation of blockage, all of which contribute to chronic constipation. Addressing this muscle dysfunction through pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton can help restore healthy bowel function.
Pelvic Floor Techniques for Constipation Relief
Manual Therapy
Chronic constipation can be linked to tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles, hindering proper relaxation during bowel movements. Physiotherapists use manual therapy to release this tension, improving flexibility and reducing discomfort in the pelvic floor area.
- How it works: Physiotherapists work on the muscles around the pelvic floor to encourage relaxation through gentle, targeted pressure. This hands-on technique helps relieve muscle spasms and tension, making it easier for patients to have smooth, strain-free bowel movements.
- When it’s useful: Manual therapy is particularly effective for patients whose constipation is caused by pelvic floor muscle tightness or excessive tension.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles helps to manage constipation, especially when the muscles are weak or lack coordination. Pelvic floor muscle training involves exercises designed to contract and relax these muscles, improving their strength and control over bowel movements.
- How it works: Physiotherapists guide patients to isolate and engage the pelvic floor muscles through exercises such as Kegels. These involve tightening the muscles as if trying to stop the urine flow, holding for a few seconds, and then slowly relaxing.
- Frequency: Practicing these exercises several times a day for weeks or months helps to enhance muscle strength and improve bowel function.
Perineal Massage Therapy
Perineal massage is a lesser-known yet highly effective technique for relieving chronic constipation. This technique involves massaging the muscles and tissues around the perineum (the area between the anus and genitals) to stimulate relaxation and support proper muscle function.
- How it works: Perineal massage involves gently applying pressure to the area between the genitals and anus, helping relax the pelvic muscles and reduce tension that may contribute to constipation. Using circular motions and gentle strokes with clean hands and lubricant promotes muscle relaxation and improves circulation, which supports bowel health. Performed for 3-5 minutes daily or as recommended, this massage can ease constipation when combined with other pelvic floor exercises.
- Perineal massage helps ease the process of passing stool by reducing discomfort and promoting a more natural and coordinated defecation effort.
Deep Squat Positioning
One lesser-known but effective technique for promoting better bowel movements is deep squatting. This positioning mimics the natural posture humans traditionally use for defecation and helps relax the pelvic floor and align the rectum for easier stool passage.
- How it works: The patient practices sitting in a deep squat with their feet flat on the ground, knees bent, and torso leaning slightly forward. This position opens the pelvic floor, reduces strain, and facilitates smoother bowel movements.
- When to use: Deep squat positioning can be incorporated into a daily routine or during bathroom visits to encourage more natural bowel movements.
Diaphragmatic Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Tension in the pelvic floor muscles can often exacerbate chronic constipation, and diaphragmatic breathing is a crucial technique for relaxing these muscles. Proper breathing promotes pelvic floor relaxation and can ease bowel movements without straining.
- How it works: Diaphragmatic breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths by expanding the abdomen and diaphragm rather than the chest. This helps calm the nervous system, reduces pelvic floor tension, and promotes relaxation during bowel movements.
- In addition to facilitating more effortless bowel movements, diaphragmatic breathing can reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen constipation symptoms.
Postural Adjustments
Beyond exercises, physiotherapists may recommend certain postural adjustments during bowel movements to help patients pass stool more easily through pelvic health physiotherapy. For example, sitting with elevated knees (using a small footstool) can help align the rectum and promote easier evacuation.
- How it works: One effective exercise physiotherapists recommend for improving bowel movements is sitting with elevated knees during bathroom visits. Using a small footstool to raise the knees above hip level, the rectum aligns more effectively, allowing for easier passage of stool. This position helps relax the pelvic floor muscles and reduces the need for straining, making bowel movements smoother and more efficient. Alongside this adjustment, physiotherapists often advocate lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, staying well-hydrated, and maintaining a high-fibre diet to support better digestion and prevent constipation.
Strengthen Your Core to Ease Constipation
Managing chronic constipation requires pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton. By focusing on the health and function of the pelvic floor muscles, patients can find lasting relief through targeted physiotherapy techniques. At Next Step Physiotherapy Clinic, our skilled team is dedicated to helping you manage chronic constipation with expert female pelvic floor physiotherapy. We focus on pelvic floor physiotherapy for women and emphasize providing care for male pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward healthier bowel movements and improved comfort.
