Fecal Incontinence

ByBody Harmony Physical Therapy November 21, 2022November 2, 2023

Whether you’re reading this blog on incognito mode, or hiding to read this, know that you are not alone.

Fecal incontinence is a common symptom resulting from a myriad of conditions, but it is not normal, and it is an indicator of your quality of life.

Fecal incontinence is an involuntary loss of rectal contents (gas/stool) through the anus, and the inability to postpone evacuation until socially convenient. This loss can be a smear, chip sized or even more; and incidences lasting at least one month. It can happen for any of the following reasons:

Sphincter issues
Altered stool consistency due to:
- GI problems
  - IBS
  - Diverticulitis
- Lifestyle and habits
- Chronic conditions
  - Celiac disease
  - Constipation
  - Dementia
Storage issues in rectum
Nerve damage due to:
- Childbirth
- Trauma
- Surgery
- Cancer

All of these impact your pelvic floor muscles, causing tightness, weakness, and dysfunction which contributes to symptoms of fecal incontinence.

Here are some simple things you can try at home:

Making a symptom diary, understanding what causes this for you is the first step!
Altering your lifestyle and habits
- Prioritize your bowels- go per urge without waiting for the end of your 8 hour shift.
- Avoid habitual straining

Physical therapy can aid in managing symptoms of fecal incontinence by

Improving evacuation of bowels
Teaching you toileting techniques/ideal posture
Addressing pelvic floor muscle dysfunction – tightness/weakness
Managing nerve symptoms (if present)

We Can Help!

Body Harmony Physical Therapy offers one pelvic health physical therapist to one patient evaluation and treatment sessions. Our treatments are for up to one hour in a private treatment room (not a booth). We provide individualized home programs to every patient. We offer a quick call back option for potential patients who have questions or concerns related to physical therapy.

Book an Appointment

References:

Saldana Ruiz, N., & Kaiser, A. M. (2017). Fecal incontinence – challenges and solutions. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 23(1), https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v23.i1.11

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Parsa Hamidnia

18:05 11 Jun 23

One of my good friends introduced me to Body Harmony after her own successful experience, and I could have not been happier! The process to start therapy was quiet easy as the staff are very helpful and responsive. Most importantly, the therapist that I have been seeing for four months now, Isha Mody, is exceptionally knowledgable, professional, respectful and genuinely a caring provider. Isha went above and beyond to ensure that the source of my pain is correctly identified and then began to instruct me to make practical changes in my habits and use correct stretches to relive and eliminate pain. I am very pleased with the care that I have been receiving from Body Harmony and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a great physical therapy provider

Philip Soloway

14:47 04 Jun 23

I had one-on-one therapy with my therapist for a male pelvic floor issue. My therapy lasted about 3 months. My therapist was very professional, answering my questions and providing explanations that were clear and thorough. The facility was clean and sessions were conducted in a private room. I would recommend this practice for anyone experiencing a pelvic floorissue.

Alex A.

17:53 13 Apr 23

If there’s one thing I actually looked forward to postpartum, it’s every PT session I attended at Body Harmony with Cheyenne. I thought my postpartum body was my forever body but investing in PT made me realize that anything can be repaired with proper breathing, form and consistency. All things that can easily overlooked when thrown into the chaos of motherhood!Body Harmony was very professional, highly educational and I would even say ESSENTIAL after a long painful pregnancy and labor journey. I’m excited to get back into running thanks to the program Cheyenne had created for me. Front desk was also super nice and welcoming.Surprised there aren’t any more reviews of this place - it was a godsend. I went from feeling like a floppy noodle on Day 1 to getting my core back and into my regular workout routine 15 weeks after. Definitely worth the investment. Thank you!!

Christopher Birstler

19:04 30 Mar 23

Body harmony PT studio is a hidden gem inside of the iconic Woolworth building. I am so great full that my medical provider listed them among recommended practices for my therapy needs. To start they got me in for my initial evaluation for pelvic floor treatment on the same day right after I left my provider with the referral. They continue to be accommodating to my scheduling needs and always welcome me with such kindness and a smile. I see Dr. Rosanne and only have the great things to say about her. Shes a veteran in her feild of pelvic floor therapy and it really shows with her breadth of knowledge and understanding of the body. She’s very warm, caring, sensitive and all around such a great therapist and human. She knows how to put you at ease and treats you like family as does the entire practice. I highly recommend BHPT and it’s so worth making the trip from Staten Island.

Lucy Shah

18:05 10 Mar 23

Words really cannot express how grateful I am for the amazing care that I've gotten from all of the kind and knowledgeable PTs at Body Harmony and especially from my primary PT Roseanne. Before I started treatment I was in so much pain, was limited in my daily activities and felt hopeless and defeated- in fact I was told by several doctors that surgery was my only option. I've now have regained my quality of life, resumed my previous level of activity and live almost pain-free- and without surgery. She's also taught me strategies and a home exercise program so that I can continue to manage independently. My experience here has been life-changing.

Rachel Cassidy

15:38 10 Mar 23

Dani has changed my life. I came in with severe pelvic floor dysfunction and through my work with Dani, I have fully recovered! I can now live my life in peace, without having to work around my symptoms. She is so knowledgable and takes time to educate you on the ways your body functions so that you can improve your health and wellbeing. I felt seen, heard, and cared for in her office, and I can't recommend her enough! She not only treated the pelvic dysfunction, but helped me to see my body as the integrated being that it is. Thank you for everything, Dani!

Shanice A

02:03 26 Feb 23

Prior to our initial session at Body Harmony, we were very unaware of what Pelvic Floor Therapy was, rather it was something highly recommended by our midwives after a traumatic birthing experience.Thanks to the team here, from the secretary who greets you by name, to my amazing therapist Isha, my husband and I have learned so much! We leave every session feeling confident and knowledgeable of the progress we’ve made and the progress to come. I’d recommend Body Harmony to EVERYONE, Im now a fierce Pelvic Floor therapy advocate!

Fecal Incontinence

We Can Help!

References:

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Athletes

What is MRKH Syndrome?

Type of Treatment for Interstitial Cystitis

What Physical Therapy Can Do For Arthritis

Breathing, it’s the new Chill Pill

What is a pelvic floor evaluation?

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