Blog

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with an estimated 25% of women and 10% of men experiencing symptoms at some point in their lives. While it’s often associated with urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, many people are unaware of the connection between pelvic floor dysfunction and digestive health. This article will explore this connection in more detail and discuss how Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Edmonton can help.

What is the Pelvic Floor?

A pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a sling-like structure in the pelvis, supporting the bladder, uterus or prostate, and rectum. These muscles are vital in regulating urinary and bowel functions and sexual functions. When these muscles become weakened or overactive, they can cause pelvic floor dysfunction.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a range of conditions when the pelvic floor muscles are not functioning correctly. There are two main types of pelvic floor dysfunction: hypotonic and hypertonic.

Hypotonic pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are weak and lack tone, leading to urinary incontinence and difficulty controlling bowel movements. Hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are overly tense and have difficulty relaxing, leading to chronic pain, constipation, and difficulty passing stool.

The Connection Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Digestive Health

Pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly impact digestive health, as the pelvic floor muscles play a critical role in regulating bowel function. When these muscles are weak or overactive, they can lead to a range of digestive issues, including:

1. Constipation: When the pelvic floor muscles are weak and lack tone, pushing stool out of the rectum can be challenging, leading to constipation. This can cause discomfort, bloating, and pain.
2. Difficulty Passing Stool: In hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction, the pelvic floor muscles are overly tense, making it difficult to pass stool. This can cause straining, pain, and discomfort.
3. Fecal Incontinence: Pelvic floor dysfunction can also lead to fecal incontinence, where stool leaks from the rectum due to weak pelvic floor muscles.
4. Anal Pain: Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause pain in the anal area, making sitting or passing stool uncomfortable.

How Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Help?

A pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on strengthening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. By working with a trained pelvic floor physiotherapist, individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction can learn exercises and techniques to help improve their bowel function and alleviate symptoms.

Some common techniques used in pelvic floor physiotherapy include:

1. Pelvic Floor Exercises: Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises can help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve bowel control, and alleviate symptoms of constipation and fecal incontinence.
2. Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique that uses sensors to measure muscle activity in the pelvic floor muscles. This information is displayed on a screen, allowing individuals to see how well they contract and relax their muscles. By learning to control their pelvic floor muscles through biofeedback, individuals can improve their bowel function and alleviate symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
3. Education: Pelvic floor physiotherapists can provide education on proper bowel habits and techniques for improving bowel function. This can include advice on diet, hydration, and posture, as well as techniques for reducing straining and improving bowel movements.

In Step Physical Therapy offers specialized pelvic floor physiotherapy services to help individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction improve their bowel function and alleviate symptoms. Our team of experienced and certified pelvic floor physiotherapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your individual needs and goals.

Our pelvic floor physiotherapy services include the following:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Our pelvic floor physiotherapists will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your pelvic floor muscles to determine the extent of your pelvic floor dysfunction and develop a personalized treatment plan.
2. Pelvic Floor Exercises: Our pelvic floor physiotherapists will teach you exercises to help strengthen and relax your pelvic floor muscles, improve your bowel function, and alleviate symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
3. Biofeedback: We offer biofeedback to help you learn to control your pelvic floor muscles and improve your bowel function.
4. Education: We provide education on proper bowel habits and techniques for improving bowel function, including advice on diet, hydration, and posture.
5. Manual Therapy: We offer manual therapy techniques to help alleviate pain and tension in the pelvic floor muscles.
6. Lifestyle Modifications: We can guide lifestyle modifications to help alleviate symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, increasing fibre intake, and practicing stress management techniques.

In addition to the services we offer at In Step Physical Therapy, there are several lifestyle modifications that individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction can make to help alleviate symptoms and improve bowel function.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help soften stool and make it easier to pass.
2. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a fibre-rich diet can help promote regular bowel movements. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can irritate the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.
4. Practice stress management: Stress can exacerbate symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine.
5. Maintain good posture: Poor posture can put unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to tension and discomfort. Instead, sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor and your shoulders relaxed.
6. Avoid straining: Straining to pass stool can worsen symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. If you’re having difficulty passing stool, relax and take your time. You may also want to consider using a stool or footrest to help support your feet and elevate your knees.

Incorporating these lifestyle modifications into your daily routine can help improve your bowel function and alleviate symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. However, it’s important to remember that every individual is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why it’s crucial to seek professional medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly impact digestive health, leading to a range of issues such as constipation, difficulty passing stool, fecal incontinence, and anal pain. However, with the help of pelvic floor physiotherapy, individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction can learn exercises and techniques to help improve their bowel function and alleviate symptoms. If you’re experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms, seeking professional medical attention promptly is essential. Our experienced and certified pelvic floor physiotherapists at In Step Physical Therapy can provide tailored treatment plans to help you achieve your health goals. Contact us at +1 (587) 409–1754 to learn more about our pelvic floor physiotherapy services.