Real Talk: Why constipation can be a pelvic floor issue
Constipation is one of those topics people seem to whisper about like it’s a secret.
Most people assume constipation is caused by not enough fiber, not enough water, or bad digestion. And it can be.
But oftentimes the gut is not the issue at all. The pelvic floor is.
If you have ever felt the urge to go but nothing happens, straining, never feeling empty, or just feeling like your bowel movements are just difficult….
Your pelvic floor may be working against you instead of for you.
How? Your pelvic floor muscles need to fully relax to have a good bowel movement. This is the key that most people don’t realize.
Most people think their pelvic floor muscle are weak but that is not always the case.
In some cases, the pelvic floor muscles becomes too tight and uncoordinated. It can feel like someone is trying to open a door with someones pushing against it on the other side.
This can be called pelvic floor dysfunction or dyssynergic defecation and it is more common than people realize.
What are the signs constipation may be stemming from your pelvic floor? Straining, feeling stuck, incomplete emptying, constipation that doesn’t improve with fiber, needed to change positions to go. pelvic pressure or heaviness, tailbone or pelvic pain, urinary urgency or leaking.
The body LOVES teamwork. When one area gets tense, the neighboring system often join the chaos parade!
Why does this happen? pregnancy, post-partuum state, chronic stress, prolonged sitting, painful bowel movements, pelvic surgery, core dysfunction, chronic holding, and anxiety.
Sometimes people clench their pelvic floor muscles for years and don’t even realize it!
How can therapy help? Muscle coordination, relaxation, breathing coordination, posture and pressure management, bowel habits, mechanics when toileting.
The bottom line: Constipation is incredibly common but it is not something you have to live with. If you feel like you have tried everything and still struggle, your pelvic floor may be the issue. Your body is not broken. Sometimes, it just needs better coordination, less tension, and the right support.
If you are looking for pelvic floor physical therapy in the surrounding Elmhurst, IL 60126 area, reach out to me (Dr. Melissa Scholl) at THE HEALTHY PELVIS.