If you are struggling with constipation, you are not alone.
Millions of people experience constipation every year, and while many try to manage it with changes in diet, increased water intake, or over the counter medications, these approaches do not always solve the underlying problem. In some cases, the cause of constipation is not related to what you eat at all. Instead, it may be linked to the way your pelvic floor muscles are functioning.
Many people are surprised to learn that pelvic floor physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for constipation. When the muscles of the pelvic floor are too tight, poorly coordinated, or unable to relax properly, passing stool can become difficult, even if everything else is functioning normally.
If you are searching for the best pelvic floor physical therapy for constipation, the experienced therapists at Empower Physical Therapy are here to help. Our Andover and Newton locations both have therapists who specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy and provide individualized treatment plans designed to address the underlying cause of constipation rather than simply managing the symptoms!
What Is Constipation?
Most people think of constipation as simply not having enough bowel movements, but there is much more to it than that.
Constipation can include infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, excessive straining, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or the sensation that stool becomes stuck during a bowel movement.
For some individuals, constipation is occasional. For others, it becomes a chronic issue that affects daily life, work, travel, exercise, and overall comfort.
If constipation continues despite healthy lifestyle changes, it may be time to consider whether the pelvic floor is contributing to the problem.
What Does the Pelvic Floor Have to Do With Constipation?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs while also helping control bowel and bladder function.
When it is time for a bowel movement, the pelvic floor muscles should relax and lengthen. This allows stool to pass comfortably.
However, some people unknowingly tighten these muscles instead of relaxing them. Others have muscles that remain tight all the time or do not coordinate properly during a bowel movement.
This condition is sometimes referred to as pelvic floor dysfunction or dyssynergic defecation. Regardless of the name, the result is often the same. The muscles are working against the body instead of helping it.
Because of this, stool becomes much more difficult to pass, leading to repeated straining, discomfort, and frustration.
Signs Your Pelvic Floor May Be Contributing to Constipation
Many people assume constipation is always related to diet, but there are several signs that suggest the pelvic floor may be involved.
These include:
- Difficulty passing stool despite feeling the urge
- Frequent straining
- Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Needing excessive time on the toilet
- Pain during bowel movements
- Using your fingers or changing positions to help empty your bowels
- Pelvic pain
- Rectal pressure
- Abdominal discomfort
- Chronic constipation despite fiber and hydration
If these symptoms sound familiar, a pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation may help identify the cause.
Why Fiber Alone Does Not Always Solve the Problem
Fiber is often the first recommendation for constipation, and for many people it is helpful.
However, adding more fiber will not correct muscles that are not relaxing properly.
Imagine trying to push through a door that is only partially open. No matter how much pressure you apply, the door still needs to open before you can get through.
The same concept applies to the pelvic floor. If the muscles remain tight or poorly coordinated, increasing fiber alone may not fully resolve your symptoms.
That is why addressing muscle function can be an important part of long term relief.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on restoring normal muscle function.
Rather than simply treating the symptoms of constipation, your therapist works to identify why the muscles are not functioning efficiently.
Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, movement patterns, medical history, and goals.
Your therapist may work with you to improve muscle coordination, reduce unnecessary muscle tension, improve breathing patterns, optimize toileting posture, and teach healthy bowel habits.
These changes often help patients have more comfortable and efficient bowel movements while reducing the need for excessive straining.
What Happens During Your First Appointment?
At Empower Physical Therapy, your first visit begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms and health history.
Your therapist wants to understand how long constipation has been occurring, what treatments you have already tried, how your symptoms affect your daily life, and whether other factors may be contributing.
Your evaluation may include assessment of posture, breathing, core strength, hip mobility, movement patterns, abdominal function, and other areas that influence the pelvic floor.
Depending on your symptoms and comfort level, your therapist may also discuss whether a pelvic floor examination would be appropriate. Every evaluation is personalized, and you are always involved in decisions regarding your care.
A Whole Body Approach to Treatment
One of the biggest misconceptions about pelvic floor physical therapy is that treatment only focuses on the pelvic muscles.
In reality, successful treatment often involves the entire body.
The diaphragm, abdominal muscles, lower back, hips, and pelvic floor all work together during breathing, movement, and bowel function.
If one part of this system is not functioning well, the others often compensate.
That is why your treatment plan may include improving posture, breathing mechanics, core coordination, flexibility, and movement patterns in addition to addressing the pelvic floor itself.
Taking a comprehensive approach helps address the root cause instead of only managing symptoms.
Constipation Can Affect More Than Your Digestive Health
Living with chronic constipation can impact much more than bowel movements.
Many people report avoiding travel because they worry about using unfamiliar restrooms. Others become anxious before social events or spend significant amounts of time planning meals around their symptoms.
Chronic straining may also contribute to hemorrhoids, pelvic pain, abdominal discomfort, and additional stress on the pelvic floor.
Addressing constipation early may help reduce these complications while improving overall quality of life.
Who Can Benefit From Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Constipation?
People of all ages can benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy if muscle dysfunction is contributing to constipation.
Adults with chronic constipation, postpartum women, older adults, individuals recovering from surgery, and people with long standing bowel issues may all benefit from a specialized evaluation.
Many patients have lived with constipation for years before learning that the pelvic floor may be playing a role. Once the underlying muscle dysfunction is identified, treatment often becomes much more targeted and effective.
Why Choose Empower Physical Therapy?
If you are looking for the best pelvic floor physical therapy for constipation, choosing a clinic with specialized training is important.
At Empower Physical Therapy, both our Andover and Newton locations have therapists who specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy. Our team understands that constipation is a sensitive topic, and we strive to create a comfortable, supportive environment where you can openly discuss your symptoms and receive individualized care.
Rather than providing the same treatment for every patient, we develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs, goals, and the underlying cause of your symptoms. Whether your constipation has been present for a few months or many years, our goal is to help you improve bowel function, reduce discomfort, and return to daily activities with greater confidence.
If constipation has become a regular part of your life, know that help is available. Pelvic floor physical therapy may provide the missing piece that allows your body to function more naturally and comfortably again.
Click here to schedule.
📍 Andover
826 E. Founders Pkwy STE 100
Andover, KS 67002
📞 316-348-2766
📍 Newton
715 Medical Center Dr. STE 300
Newton, KS 67114
📞 316-283-7187
