IBS and Pelvic PT
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects 10-15% of the population in the United States, though only 5-7% of adults have actually been diagnosed with the disease. Women are twice as likely to develop IBS compared with men. People younger than 50 are more likely to develop IBS compared with people over 50.
IBS is characterized mostly by abdominal pain, but many can also experience gas, abdominal bloating, and cramping. Individuals with IBS can have constipation, diarrhea, or both. Stool consistency and frequency can change and be variable.
Symptoms and Causes
The cause of IBS is poorly understood and requires more research, though some causes may include:
- stressful or difficult early life events
- certain mental disorders, such as depression and/or anxiety
- bacterial infections in your digestive tract
- small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, an increase in the number or a change in the type of bacteria in your small intestine
- food intolerance or sensitivity
- family history
Tips for Home:
- Belly massage (refer to Toileting Tips)
- Toileting Position (refer to Posture for Easier Bowel Movements)
- Diaphragmatic Breathing (refer to Mechanics of Deep Breathing)
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Body Harmony offers one-hour, one-on-one sessions in private treatment rooms for individuals with pelvic floor and orthopedic issues. Pelvic physical therapy for IBS can include manual techniques, such as visceral manipulation and internal pelvic floor muscle release, bowel retraining, and relaxation techniques.
Visceral mobilization consists of gentle manual techniques. This can help to improve strains in the connective tissue of the viscera that can result from surgical scars, adhesions, illness, posture or injury, and, therefore, improve organ function. The interval pelvic floor muscles may be evaluated including the internal rectal pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles will be assessed for any tenderness, in-coordination, or weakness that may result in bowel dysfunction. Your physical therapist will educate you on proper toileting techniques and diet, and review different stretches and self care techniques for your home program to improve bowel emptying.
