Bowel + Digestive Conditions

Struggling with bowel and digestive issues are common yet important to address.

Fecal Incontinence + Loose Stool

Let’s talk about something that’s often hard to discuss but important to address: trouble with bowel control.

Stool, Gas, Streaks: These can be signs of a problem
Urgency: When you can't make it to the toilet in time
Endless Wiping: If you find yourself wiping and wiping and wiping, that’s not normal.

Constipation

Did you know you can be constipated even if you’re having daily bowel movements (BM)? Here are some signs to watch for:

Decreased Frequency: Going less often than usual
Incomplete Emptying: Feeling like you need to go back multiple times to feel empty
Small Volume: Only passing small amounts each time
Dry Stool: Hard, pebble-like stools that may be painful to pass
Hemorrhoids or Fissures: Painful cracks or swollen veins in the rectum or anus
Bright Red Blood: Seeing blood when you wipe after BM

Bowel + Digestive Conditions

Let’s talk about some common bowel and digestive issues that many people face:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common condition that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. It’s a long-term issue that requires managing diet, lifestyle, and stress.
Ulcerative Colitis: A chronic inflammatory condition of the colon that leads to sores and ulcers in the digestive tract. It can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and the need for frequent bowel movements.
Crohn's Disease: An inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It often causes abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
Diverticulitis: Occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. It can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
Cancer: Digestive system cancers, such as colon cancer, can cause symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. Early detection and treatment are crucial. Discover more about our cancer treatments here.
Bloating and Gas: Common digestive issues that cause discomfort and a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen. They can result from diet, stress, or other digestive conditions.
Endometriosis: Occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain, especially during menstruation. It can also lead to bowel and digestive issues. Read more about this common condition here.
Abdominal Pain: Stems from a variety of causes, ranging from indigestion and gas to more serious conditions like ulcers, gallstones, or appendicitis. It’s important to pay attention to the type and duration of pain.
Rectal Pain: Can be caused by pelvic floor muscle tightness and conditions like hemorrhoids, fissures, infections, or inflammatory bowel diseases. It often presents as a sharp or aching discomfort in the rectal area.
Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause itching, discomfort, and bleeding. They are often related to straining during bowel movements or increased pressure during pregnancy.
Fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard or large stools. They can lead to pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
Painful Bowel Movements: Can be due to pelvic floor muscle tightness and various conditions like hemorrhoids, fissures, constipation, or infections. It’s important to address the underlying cause to find relief.

How does pelvic floor physical therapy help?

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy at Well Women Physical Therapy is all about understanding and caring for your entire body. It involves a complete assessment of your body and uses hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercises, breathing methods, pain neuroscience education, lifestyle advice, and basic nutrition tips to tackle issues in your abdomen, back, hips, and pelvic area. This therapy can be a game-changer for women, helping to relieve pain, improve bowel and bladder function, boost overall pelvic stability, and empower you with self-care techniques. Ultimately, it’s about improving your quality of life so you can move and function daily without pain.

Book my free consultation

Kathryn

"I never expected to love pelvic floor and physical therapy this much and for it to provide so much improvement in my daily life so quickly with such easy exercises that I look forward to doing because of the relief it gives me."