Support for your Bowel Dysfunction and Fecal Incontinence
Bowel Dysfunction
What is Bowel Dysfunction?
Bowel dysfunction includes several issues pertaining to the gastrointestinal (GI) system and pelvic floor function during bowel movements.
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Constipation (hard or infrequent bowel movements)
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Fecal Urgency (a strong sensation to have a bowel movement which impacts your lifestyle)
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Bowel Frequency (multiple bowel movements, especially loose/watery stools)
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Fecal Incontinence (leakage of solid, liquid or gas from the anus)
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Abdominal pain, bloating
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Pain with bowel movements
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Rectal spasm or thin stool diameter
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Hemorrhoids, fissures
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Straining with bowel movements
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IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
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Any change in bowel habits or frequency which is abnormal for your body, new, or impacts your life or recreational activities
Fecal Incontinence
What Is Fecal Incontinence?
Fecal incontinence includes the involuntary loss of gas and/or stool. Patients have a difficult time reporting this condition due to fear and embarrassment and for this reason it is
under-reported and therefore under-treated. As physical therapists, our role is to identify individual risk factors which include dietary influences, gut motility, and pelvic floor sensitivity and coordination.
Risk Factors for Fecal Incontinence
Obstetric injury (forceps or vacuum delivery) is highly associated with the development of fecal incontinence and present in as many as 62% of women with instrument-assisted births. In deliveries where instrumentation is used, 3rd and 4th degrees perineal tears are more common, thus affecting the integrity of the anal sphincter (the circular muscle around
the anus).
Why Choose Gaia Women’s PT to help with your bowel dysfunction or fecal incontinence
At Gaia Women’s Physical Therapy and Wellness, you and your story are important. These conditions can be managed very well with physical therapy which may include education on how your body can and should effectively work well, behavior changes to put your body back in charge of your bowel habits, exercises to improve a balanced muscular system, manual therapy for tense or painful tissues, organs, or muscles near the area and muscle retraining to properly control your bowel movements. Let’s find out how we can work together, please contact us today.
You are not alone; we support you.
