Bowel Dysfunction
Problems with normal bowel function can be distressing, particularly when they become chronic (happen for a long period). Everyone knows the relief of a good ‘poo’ after a bout of constipation. Anna’s husband never hears the end of it. Physiotherapy can address a number of dysfunctions that relate to the bowel.
Types of Bowel Dysfunction can include:
- Constipation +/- diarrhoea
- Incontinence – Faecal or flatal (unintentional leaking of faeces or wind)
- Anal pain or proctalgia fugax
- Prolapse including bowel or rectal prolapse
- Intussception (telescopic rectum)
- Excessive perineal descent
- Obstructed defecation meaning it feels like there is a block to emptying.
- Sensation changes
Assessment can or may involve:
- Lots of questioning about how you poo, how often you empty, if it feels complete, pain, straining, diet influence, leaking, urge to go, stress etc
- Daily Bowel Motion Diary
- Internal vaginal or rectal assessment where indicated. This can be useful in assessing the pelvic floor muscles and or the anal sphincter muscles. Sometimes mechanical changes such as a prolapse may affect your ability to poo.
Risk factors often linked to bowel dysfunction:
- Pregnancy
- Vaginal deliveries including instrument assisted deliveries or 3rd or 4th degree tears
- Poor diet or bowel habits or fluid intake
- History of straining to poo
- Coccyx or sacral injuries
- Ageing / menopause
- Chronic pelvic conditions such as IBS or IBD or endometriosis
- Pelvic or anal surgery
How Anna B can help:
- Education and understanding
- Strategies for better stool consistency
- Learning how to empty your bowels well
- May require retraining of a better coordination of the pelvic floor (*balloon retraining coming later in 2025)
- Exercises for strength and endurance where indicated
- Specific Exercises for down-training of those muscles that are switched on too much and not helping when at the loo.
- Pessary fitting where indicated that may help with the mechanics inside.
I understand that addressing concerns related to the bowel or anus can feel confronting, even a little scary or embarrassing. Please know that I approach these issues with empathy, care, and complete discretion. Sessions are always confidential, and I take the time to ensure you feel fully informed, comfortable, and in control before any assessment or treatment begins.
Please note if you have blood in your stool it is strongly recommended to check in with your GP before coming.