How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help Manage Bowel Problems Naturally

Many women struggle in silence with bowel problems like chronic constipation, obstructed defecation, or faecal incontinence. These issues can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, or even painful but relief is possible through pelvic floor physiotherapy , a gentle, non‑invasive, and highly effective approach. At Praxis Rehab Physiotherapy, our specialist women’s pelvic floor physio, Sangeeta Sharda is personalised to guide, support and empower you.

Why Do Bowel Problems Happen?

Your pelvic floor plays a crucial role in bowel control coordinating muscle relaxation and contraction during passing. When that system is out of sync tight, weak, or uncoordinated you may experience:

• Chronic constipation: fewer than two bowel movements per week, straining, or feeling incomplete.

• Obstructed defecation: feeling as though stool is stuck, even if it’s soft.

• Faecal incontinence: leakage or urgency without warning.

These problems are three times more common in women, particularly after childbirth, during menopause, or following pelvic surgery and yet many women don’t seek help due to embarrassment.

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps

Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a natural solution by targeting root causes restoring coordination, strength, and movement patterns rather than relying solely on laxatives or surgery.

Here’s how it works:

1. Muscle Re‑training

Pelvic floor physiotherapists guide you through techniques to learn how to relax and activate properly. This helps release tension in obstructed defecation and builds strength for continence in faecal incontinence.

2. Breathing & Co‑ordination Exercises

Learning to breathe deeply and use your diaphragm can support easier, strain‑free bowel movements.

3. Correct Toilet Posture & Timing

Simple changes like positioning your feet, leaning forward, or avoiding “just in case” toileting can make a big difference.

4. Lifestyle & Dietary Strategies

We tailor fibre and fluid intake advice, and suggest supplements or stool softeners when needed for smoother, more regular bowel motions.

5. Gentle Manual Techniques

Hands‑on therapy can ease tight muscle bands and reduce pelvic floor tension contributing to bowel strain.

By combining these methods, women experience real relief without reliance on medication making pelvic floor therapy for bowel issues a powerful, natural treatment.

Who Is This Treatment Right For?

This care is ideal for women dealing with:

• Ongoing constipation despite dietary changes

• Straining or pain when passing stools

• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

• Sudden or uncontrolled bowel leakage

• Pelvic or anal pressure with bowel motions

Our team supports women of all ages whether you’re postnatal, menopausal, or recovering from pelvic surgery with proven, compassionate care tailored to your body.

What Happens in Your First Session?

Here’s what you can expect at Praxis Rehab:

1. Your Story & Symptoms We explore what’s been happening and how it impacts your daily life.

2. Assessment We assess how your pelvic floor, breathing, posture, and abdominal coordination are working.

3. Personalised Plan You’ll walk away with clear guidance pelvic muscle training, bowel problems, physiotherapy strategies, and lifestyle tips.

4. Practical Practice Learn hands-on techniques, breathing support, and correct posture for more effective bowel movements.

5. Home Advice & Review A safe, simple plan to follow at home, with ongoing check‑ins to support progress.

Real Benefits You’ll Notice

Within a few weeks, many women report:

• Fewer nights waking to use the toilet

• Less pain or straining

• Ability to pass stools smoothly with more complete emptying

• Reduced urgency or leakage

• Improved comfort during daily activities

Treating bowel issues at the pelvic floor level helps create stronger, more reliable function naturally.

Why Trust Praxis Rehab?

• Localised clinics in Belair within trusted health centres

• Specialised women’s pelvic floor physio 

• A gentle, respectful environment where your concerns are heard

• Techniques grounded in evidence and best practice

• Ongoing education and support for lasting improvement

If you’ve searched for a physiotherapist near me Belair , you’re in the right place.

Four-Week Starter Plan Example

Week	Focus Zones	Goals
1	Gentle breathing & muscle introduction	Establish awareness only
2	Posture/breath retraining	Improve coordination & emptying
3	Kegels + relaxation control	Build muscle timing & control
4	Lifestyle tweaks + consistency	Set up freedom and function

Final Thought

It’s time to stop accepting bowel problems as a fact of life. With pelvic physiotherapy for women, you can find real relief without pills or embarrassment. If bowel control, incomplete emptying, or urgency are affecting your day-to-day, reach out to the supportive team at Praxis Rehab for a natural, effective solution. You deserve comfort, confidence, and control and pelvic floor physiotherapy can help get you there.

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FAQs

Can physio really help with bowel problems? 

Yes, especially when issues stem from poor muscle control or coordination. Many women experience marked improvement within weeks.

What is "women’s pelvic health and bowel issues?

 This phrase refers to how pelvic function impacts bowel health in women covering constipation, incontinence, muscle tension, and collaborative physiotherapy care.

Is this a natural treatment for bowel problems without medication?

 Absolutely. The focus is on retraining your body’s own muscles and habits, with minimal reliance on laxatives or medications.

How many sessions do I need? 

It depends on your symptoms. Many clients feel progress within 4–6 visits, though long‑standing issues may require ongoing support.

Do I need an internal pelvic assessment? 

Only if it’s needed and you're comfortable. External assessment plus movement analysis often provides plenty of guidance to build your plan.

References: 

Hayman, M., Thornton, L., O’Hara, B., et al. (2023). Public health guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy from around the world: A scoping review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(14), 940–949. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106216