Say Goodbye to Constipation: How Pelvic Floor Physio Can Help You Poop with Ease!

Written by: Celina Daglaras

Let’s be real – everyone poops, or at least, everyone should poop. But for some of us, getting things moving can feel like an uphill battle. Constipation is more common than you might think, with millions of people experiencing that frustrating, uncomfortable feeling of being "backed up." Whether it’s a passing issue or a more chronic struggle, constipation can turn your bathroom trips into a daily stress-fest. But here’s the good news: pelvic floor physiotherapy can be a total game-changer for constipation!

Yep, you read that right. If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of constipation, it might be your pelvic floor muscles making things more difficult than they should be. Let’s dive into how pelvic floor physio can get things flowing smoothly again!

So, What’s “Normal” Pooping Anyway?

Before we talk about what might be going wrong, let’s get clear on what’s right when it comes to pooping. Ideally, your bathroom routine should look something like this:

●        You poop anywhere from 3 times a day to 3 times a week (yes, that’s quite the range!).

●        There’s no straining or struggling – things move out comfortably and easily.

●        Your stools are soft, well-formed, and look something like a 3 or 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart (yes, that’s a real thing, and it’s super helpful!).

If that sounds a little off from your current situation, you might be dealing with constipation. But don't worry – we’ve got your back (and your gut)!

Is It Really Constipation?

How do you know when you’re officially constipated? Besides not pooping regularly, constipation can show up in a few key ways:

●        Straining or feeling blocked when trying to poop.

●        Hard, lumpy stools that are tough to pass.

●        The sensation of not fully emptying your bowels (like there’s more left but it just won’t come out).

If any of these sound familiar, there’s a good chance your pelvic floor muscles are playing a role.

What Do Your Pelvic Floor Muscles Have to Do with Pooping?

Your pelvic floor muscles are basically the gatekeepers of your body’s most important functions – including pooping! They control when things stay in and when they get to come out. If these muscles aren’t working properly, they can make pooping a real challenge. Here’s how:

1. Tight Muscles Mean Trouble!

Your pelvic floor muscles need to *relax* when it’s time to poop. But if they’re too tight or overactive, they won’t let things move as they should. Instead of easily passing stool, you might feel blocked, strained, or even experience pain. Sound familiar? A tight pelvic floor could be to blame.

2. Mixed Signals from Your Muscles

Sometimes, the pelvic floor muscles just get *confused*. Instead of relaxing when you need to go, they contract and close up – making it feel like you're pushing against a wall! This is known as pelvic floor dyssynergia and can seriously mess with your ability to poop.

3. Fear of Pooping Makes It Worse

If pooping is painful, your brain starts associating the process with discomfort, and suddenly, you're holding it in – which only makes things worse. Holding stool for too long can cause it to dry out, making it even harder (and more painful) to pass. Talk about a vicious cycle!

How Pelvic Floor Physio Can Save the Day

Now for the exciting part: pelvic floor physiotherapy can be a total game-changer when it comes to constipation. Here’s how working with a pelvic floor physio can help get you back on track:

1. Muscle Training for Smooth Poops

Your pelvic physio will teach you how to properly relax your pelvic floor muscles, ensuring they work in harmony when it’s time to go. Think of it like retraining your body to poop the way it’s supposed to – easy and pain-free!

2. Manual Therapy for Relief

If your pelvic floor muscles are tight or overactive, manual therapy can work wonders. A pelvic physio can use internal and external techniques to release tension, ease pain, and help your muscles regain flexibility. It’s like giving your pelvic floor a well-deserved spa day!

3. Abdominal Massage

Stomach massage isn’t just relaxing – it can also stimulate your bowels and help get things moving. Your physio will show you how to do this at home to relieve discomfort and encourage more regular bowel movements.

4. Lifestyle Hacks

In addition to working on your muscles, your pelvic physio can offer some seriously helpful advice on diet, hydration, and bathroom habits (ever heard of using a toilet stool? It’s a game-changer for improving your posture on the loo!).

Pro Tips for Beating Constipation

Here are a few extra tips you can incorporate into your routine for happier, healthier poops:

●        Stay active! Regular movement helps stimulate digestion and keeps things moving.

●        Use a toilet stool: Elevating your feet when sitting on the toilet can help open your pelvic muscles, making it easier to pass stool.

●        Practice deep breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing can relax your pelvic floor muscles and relieve tension. Bonus: it’s great for stress relief too!

Time to Get Things Moving!

Constipation doesn’t have to control your life – and you definitely don’t have to live with the discomfort it brings. Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a safe, effective, and natural way to tackle constipation and get your body back on track. If you’ve tried all the usual tricks and still can’t get things flowing, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pelvic floor physio.

Ready to start pooping with ease again? Book a session with a pelvic floor physiotherapist!