While there can be many medical reasons for bowel disorders, physical therapists at Zion Physical Therapy are able to evaluate and treat the musculoskeletal components of bowel dysfunction. Physical therapy can be successful in identifying and treating musculoskeletal dysfunctions such as tightness or weakness in the abdomen, low back or pelvic floor musculature caused by IBS, constipation, and other bowel disorders. Treatments such as myofascial release, biofeedback, trigger point release in the abdomen, back, gluteals, and pelvic floor, and neuromuscular re-education of these muscle groups can be very successful in minimizing and/or eliminating symptoms.
Your physical therapist will coordinate care with your gastroenterologist and dietician or nutritionist to address all aspects of bowel dysfunction.
The pregnancy term is divided into three trimesters and ranges between 37-40 weeks. Many physical changes occur as early as the first trimester. For example, postural changes occur to accommodate the growing fetus/uterus, ligaments become more lax, hormone levels change (specifically Relaxin), the abdominal wall weakens, and the posterior core muscles or hip muscles may tighten. These changes can all contribute to the symptoms listed below. Most physical symptoms experienced during pregnancy can be treated with physical therapy .
