Have you been struggling with constipation? Did you know physical therapy can help you resolve your symptoms? Our physical therapists at GoodLife Physical Therapy are skilled at helping you improve the health of your pelvic floor and get you the relief you’ve been looking for!
A recent study found that chronic constipation causes people to miss work, pay several thousand dollars a year in medical costs, and have a lower health-related quality of life. Fortunately, many people with chronic constipation can find relief by incorporating specific lifestyle changes and therapies, including pelvic floor therapy.
Call GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park or Evergreen Park, IL in today to request an appointment and get more information about how our physical therapists can help you find relief!
What are the most common causes and solutions for bowel dysfunction?
Bowel dysfunction and constipation are common conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Poor diet and dehydration are common causes, but various other conditions slow the movement of the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract that causes constipation, including:
- Lack of physical activity
- Neurological disorders (i.e., Multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease)
- Metabolic conditions (i.e., diabetes and hypothyroidism)
- Hormonal changes
- Medications (i.e., opioids, antidepressants, and antacids)
- Surgical Scarring
- Dyssynergic Defecation
- Pelvic Floor Muscle spasm
Changing your diet and getting enough fluids is vital to relieving constipation. Having our GoodLife Physical Therapy physical therapists guide you through exercises can also be helpful.
What to expect at your GoodLife Physical Therapy sessions
Physical therapy can also treat bowel dysfunction and constipation through exercises to improve the coordination and strength of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.
Therapists at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park and Evergreen Park, IL will also teach you strategies like self-massage, targeted stretches to help stimulate movement through the gastrointestinal tract, and techniques like biofeedback.
Biofeedback can help improve awareness of the muscles of the pelvic floor and the muscles that control bowel movements, which can assist in identifying and correcting muscle imbalances to help you find relief from your constipation.
It’s also important to note that while constipation is a common condition, it can be a symptom of other serious conditions and it’s essential to consult with our Homer Glen, Orland Park and Evergreen Park, IL physical therapists to help rule out any underlying conditions.
