Constipation
Constipation can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and disruptive to daily life. It may show up as infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, straining, or a constant feeling of incomplete emptying. For many people, constipation becomes a long-term issue even after trying diet changes, supplements, or laxatives.
At Viva Pelvic Health, constipation is treated with pelvic floor physical therapy that focuses on how the pelvic floor muscles, breathing patterns, core function, and nervous system work together. Treatment is individualized and designed to improve bowel function, not just manage symptoms.
How This Often Shows Up
Straining During Bowel Movements
You may need to push or strain to have a bowel movement, even when stool feels soft or frequent enough.
Feeling of Incomplete Emptying
After using the bathroom, it may feel like you are not fully empty, leading to repeated trips or lingering discomfort.
Infrequent or Irregular Bowel Movements
Bowel movements may occur less often than expected or feel unpredictable despite dietary changes.
Abdominal Discomfort or Pressure
Constipation may be accompanied by bloating, pressure, or discomfort in the abdomen or pelvic area.
Why This Happens
Constipation is not always caused by diet alone. In many cases, it develops when the pelvic floor muscles do not relax or coordinate properly during bowel movements.
Contributing factors may include pelvic floor muscle tension, poor coordination between breathing and abdominal pressure, habitual straining, nervous system dysregulation, past injuries or surgeries, pregnancy and childbirth, or chronic stress. When the pelvic floor is unable to lengthen and relax at the right time, stool can be difficult to pass even when stool consistency is normal.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps
Straining During Bowel Movements
Pelvic floor therapy retrains the muscles to relax and lengthen appropriately during bowel movements, reducing straining and difficulty.
Feeling of Incomplete Emptying
Treatment focuses on how breathing patterns and abdominal pressure affect bowel function and pelvic floor movement.
Infrequent or Irregular Bowel Movements
Treatment focuses on how breathing patterns and abdominal pressure affect bowel function and pelvic floor movement.
What to Expect From Treatment
Treatment for constipation begins with a thorough evaluation to understand bowel habits, symptoms, and how the pelvic floor and core are functioning. Care may include education, breathing techniques, pelvic floor muscle retraining, posture adjustments, and gradual habit changes.
Treatment is collaborative and consent-based, with the goal of improving comfort, confidence, and consistency over time.
Get Started TodayConstipation often overlaps with other pelvic health concerns. Depending on your symptoms, treatment may also address issues such as pelvic pain, urinary leakage, or feelings of pressure and heaviness.
You may find it helpful to explore other treatments like Pelvic Pain or Urinary Leakage, which can share contributing factors with constipation.
Care for constipation is available through both In-Person Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Virtual Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, depending on your preferences, schedule, and comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Treating Constipation
Yes. Pelvic floor physical therapy is often very effective for constipation related to muscle coordination and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Treatment includes education, breathing strategies, posture guidance, and muscle coordination, not just exercises.
Not necessarily. Internal exams are discussed collaboratively and only used when appropriate and with your consent.
Yes, constipation can be related to pelvic pain. Pelvic pain and constipation frequently overlap and can influence each other.
Yes, virtual care therapy is effective for constipation. Many people see meaningful improvement with skilled virtual pelvic floor physical therapy.
You Do Not Have to Struggle With Constipation
Constipation can affect comfort, energy, and quality of life. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a supportive, effective approach to improving bowel function and helping you feel more at ease in your body.