Living with IBS
When Your Gut Dictates Your Day
For the millions of Americans living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the most ordinary parts of life — a morning commute, lunch with friends, or a work meeting — can become sources of anxiety and discomfort.
IBS, a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and unpredictable bowel habits, affects an estimated 10 to 15 percent of the population. Yet, despite its prevalence, IBS remains deeply misunderstood and challenging to manage.
What makes IBS especially challenging is its invisibility. Unlike more visibly disruptive conditions, IBS operates silently, often leaving sufferers to navigate their symptoms alone. It’s not uncommon for patients to see multiple doctors before receiving a diagnosis — and even then, effective treatment can be elusive.
Diet and IBS
Diet plays a central role in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), with evidence supporting the use of specific supplements (like certain fibers), individual foods, and whole-diet approaches such as the low-FODMAP diet limiting certain carbohydrates known to cause digestive distress. The stigma around discussing digestive health adds a layer of isolation which may compound mental health issues.
Mental Health and IBS
Mental health conditions are prevalent among IBS individuals with various studies reporting numbers from a low as 27% to 60% for anxiety. Depression ranges from 28-50% in research. This leads to many that explore cognitive behavioral therapy to address the these conditions.
These mental health conditions can both trigger and exacerbate IBS symptoms, creating a feedback loop where psychological stress leads to digestive distress, and vice versa. This strong overlap is largely due to the gut-brain axis — the bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.
The Role of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
Pelvic health physical therapy is an emerging and effective treatment option for individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), particularly those who experience chronic pelvic pain, bloating, or issues with bowel movements. This specialized form of therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the pelvic floor — the group of muscles that support the bowel, bladder, and uterus — which can often become tense, uncoordinated, or dysfunctional in people with IBS.
Through a combination of manual therapy, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, and guided exercises, pelvic health physical therapists help patients improve muscle control, reduce abdominal and pelvic discomfort, and establish more regular bowel habits. For many, this approach not only alleviates physical symptoms but also addresses the stress-related component of IBS by calming the nervous system and improving gut-brain communication. It’s a holistic, body-aware strategy that’s gaining recognition as a valuable complement to dietary and medical management.
References
- https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(24)00238-3/abstract?dgcid=tlcom_carousel5_whod_reviews25_langas
- https://medicine.missouri.edu/news/irritable-bowel-syndrome-patients-suffer-high-rates-anxiety-and-depression
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10237074/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31157418/
