It's time to talk about a topic that many humans face but often hesitate to discuss openly – fecal incontinence. This condition can impact not just your physical well-being, but also your emotional state, affecting your overall quality of life. The consequences often ripple into reduced social interactions, feelings of isolation, and even avoidance of activities you love. It's not uncommon for depression and anxiety to tag along.

Unveiling the Power of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Wondering if there's a solution? Can pelvic floor physical therapy really help with fecal incontinence? Let's delve into the potential benefits and find out how pelvic floor physical therapy can come to your rescue.

Understanding Fecal Incontinence: What's the Deal?

First off, let's get clear on what we're talking about. Continence means having control over your bladder and bowel functions. Incontinence, on the other hand, is when this control slips away unintentionally. We're tackling the bowel aspect here, where you might find yourself struggling with fecal incontinence, also known as accidental bowel leakage.

Picture this: unexpected leakage of solid or liquid stool that catches you off guard. It might come with a sudden urge for a bowel movement that you can't wrangle in time. From minor leaks to more noticeable accidents, the range of severity can be quite diverse.

Fecal incontinence is something that many people deal with, yet it often remains underreported due to embarrassment or discomfort in seeking help.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: A Ray of Hope

Now, here's the good news – pelvic floor physical therapy can indeed come to your rescue.

A focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles—the supportive structure holding your pelvic organs in place—can improve control over the anal sphincter and the awareness of the urge to poop.

No- it’s not just kegels. Yes, we will be working on the pelvic floor muscles (the rectal ones specifically!) We work on these muscles to ensure they contract effectively when you need them most. And yes, we're talking about the muscles that are essential for preventing those untimely bowel movements. By focusing on these muscles, we're giving extra support to the internal sphincter muscle, reducing the chances of leakage.

That’s just the start. We absolutely have to dive into the coordination of your entire core canister. Correct breathing techniques come into play – turns out, how you breathe affects this condition too. It's about training your body to work together the way it should, so there's no unnecessary pressure on your pelvic floor.

We also address the sensitivity of your rectum, helping you recognize the urge for bowel movements. And let's not forget the lifestyle piece – from your diet and fluid intake to your bowel habits, we cover it all.  What you eat, drink, how you prep or position yourself for a number two can impact the consistency and frequency of your bowel movements.

Take a Step Toward Freedom:

Fecal incontinence doesn't have to keep you from living your life to the fullest. The effects of this condition can extend far beyond the physical realm, impacting your mental and emotional well-being. If you're dealing with fecal incontinence, remember that there's help available. Don't stay silent and let it dictate your life. Reach out to our team for a free 15-minute phone consultation. This is what we specialize in, and you don't have to face it alone. Your well-being deserves the spotlight.