Find Support for Bowel Problems
Bowel problems can affect your comfort, confidence, and ability to go about your day without worry. Symptoms such as bowel urgency, leakage, difficulty controlling bowel movements, or changes in bowel habits can make you feel like you always need to plan around your symptoms. Physiotherapy can help address pelvic floor muscle function and other factors that may contribute to bowel dysfunction. At Ability Physiotherapy & Wellness, our physiotherapists provide supportive care to help you better understand your symptoms and work toward improved bowel control. If you are experiencing bowel problems in South East Calgary, AB and North East Calgary, AB, we are here to help.
Bowel dysfunction can have many possible causes. It may be related to changes in the pelvic floor muscles, neurological conditions, hormonal changes, medications, previous surgery, or other health conditions. Your physiotherapist can evaluate how your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are functioning and help determine which strategies may be appropriate for your needs.
Common Bowel Problems
Bowel dysfunction can look different from person to person. You may experience:
- Bowel leakage or accidental loss of stool
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements
- A sudden or difficult-to-control urge to have a bowel movement
- Difficulty coordinating the muscles needed for a bowel movement
- Changes in bowel habits
- Feeling that you have not completely emptied your bowels
- Straining or difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor during bowel movements
If bowel symptoms are affecting your daily activities, travel, exercise, work, or social life, pelvic floor physiotherapy may be able to help.
What Can Contribute to Bowel Dysfunction?
Bowel problems can be influenced by many different factors. Some may include:
- Changes in pelvic floor muscle strength or coordination
- Neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Changes following pregnancy or childbirth
- Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery
- Changes in physical activity
- Other medical conditions that affect bowel function
Your physiotherapist will take the time to learn about your symptoms and overall health to better understand what may be contributing to your concerns.
What to Expect During Physiotherapy for Bowel Problems
Your physiotherapist will begin by discussing your symptoms, bowel habits, daily activities, and goals. They may assess your pelvic floor and abdominal muscle function to determine how strength, coordination, and muscle control may relate to your symptoms.
Your treatment plan will be based on your symptoms and goals, with an emphasis on helping you feel more comfortable and confident managing your everyday activities.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Exercises can help improve pelvic floor strength and coordination when appropriate for your symptoms.
- Muscle Coordination Training: You may learn how to better coordinate and relax the pelvic floor muscles during bowel movements.
- Biofeedback: Biofeedback can improve your awareness of pelvic floor muscle activity and help you learn how to use these muscles more effectively.
- Abdominal Exercises: Your therapist may incorporate exercises to support abdominal muscle function and overall movement.
- Lifestyle Education: Your therapist can discuss daily habits and strategies that may support healthy bowel function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Care for Your Bowel Health
Bowel problems can be difficult to talk about, but you deserve care in an environment where you feel comfortable discussing your symptoms. At Ability Physiotherapy & Wellness, we provide a private, supportive setting where you can ask questions, understand your options, and work with your physiotherapist toward your goals.
If you are experiencing bowel problems in South East Calgary, AB and North East Calgary, AB, contact Ability Physiotherapy & Wellness to schedule an appointment and learn how physiotherapy may help support better bowel function and control.
THE ABILITY WAY
Care That Starts With You
We believe your care should never be one-size-fits-all. Every plan is shaped around your story, your goals, and the way you want to move through life.
- One-on-one personalized care
- A plan built around your goals
- Hands-on treatment and movement support
- Education to support lasting progress
