April 2024

Are you experiencing difficulty going to the bathroom? Are you having less than one bowel movement a day? Have you tried things you think will help but haven’t noticed any improvement?

Keep reading to discover why you might still be constipated, and a holistic perspective on how to get constipation relief!

Constipation is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as diet, hydration, lifestyle/habits, and even muscular function. Traditional treatment often focuses solely on dietary changes, such as increasing fiber intake or staying hydrated. While consuming enough soluble and insoluble fiber is essential, you must take a holistic approach to fully address the root causes contributing to constipation.

Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a comprehensive approach to treating constipation by addressing the muscular and functional aspects of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When these soft tissues become chronically tense or dysfunctional, it can lead to a range of pelvic floor disorders, including constipation.

Another crucial aspect that is often overlooked when treating constipation is our lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, removing waste products, and supporting immune function. When lymphatic flow is compromised, it can contribute to inflammation and dysfunction within the pelvis, pelvic floor, and organs, potentially exacerbating constipation.

While consuming enough soluble and insoluble fiber is essential, you must take a holistic approach to fully address the root causes contributing to constipation.

At Renew Pelvic Health, we’re trained on techniques used to promote optimal lymphatic flow. To address lymphatic flow and pelvic floor dysfunction, we utilize a variety of techniques for hands-on manual therapy involving gentle soft tissue mobilization to release tension and improve mobility. For example, a sluggish liver with poor bile production can also make it more difficult for food to move through the digestive system, causing constipation.

Once we work on improving your lymphatic flow,  we want to work on stimulating your liver with hands-on techniques for drainage. We often suggest using castor oil packs as well. Additionally, vibration plates and rebounders are used to stimulate circulation and enhance lymphatic drainage, thereby promoting healthier pelvic function, lymphatic flow, and bowel movements.

By incorporating these holistic approaches to treatment, our pelvic floor physical therapists can help you achieve long-term relief from constipation. Rather than simply masking symptoms with temporary fixes, this approach aims to address the root causes of pelvic floor dysfunction, promoting lasting improvements in your bowel function and overall quality of life.

Pelvic floor physical therapy at Renew Pelvic Health empowers you to take an active role in your health and well-being. Through our education and personalized treatment plans, you’ll also learn how to optimize your pelvic floor function through lifestyle modifications, exercise, and self-care techniques.

I hope this is helpful! What questions do you have about constipation or how pelvic physical therapy can help you?

We’d love to answer your questions and work with you!

Click the button below to schedule an appointment with us if you’re ready to get relief!