Chronic constipation is more than just an occasional inconvenience; it’s a condition that can affect your daily life, confidence, and overall health. If you’re reading this, you might already be experiencing the discomfort and frustration that comes with irregular or difficult bowel movements. For women, chronic constipation is especially common, and pregnancy or postpartum recovery can often worsen the issue.
In this article, we’ll unpack what chronic constipation is, why it happens—especially during and after pregnancy—and how pelvic floor physical therapy can help you find relief.
What Is Chronic Constipation?
Chronic constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements, typically fewer than three per week, or difficulty passing stool for an extended period of time. Symptoms can include:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Hard or lumpy stools
- A sensation of incomplete emptying
- Feeling blocked or unable to go without manual assistance
For some women, this condition is a passing phase, while for others, it can persist for months or even years, leading to discomfort and frustration. Chronic constipation can also contribute to other pelvic floor dysfunctions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and pelvic organ prolapse, making it crucial to address the issue sooner rather than later.
Why Does Chronic Constipation Happen?
There are many reasons why chronic constipation occurs, and understanding the root cause is key to effective treatment. Common causes include:
1. Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, elevated progesterone levels slow down the movement of food through your digestive tract. This can make bowel movements less frequent and more difficult. Additionally, the growing uterus puts pressure on the intestines, further complicating the process.
2. Postpartum Recovery
After childbirth, chronic constipation can result from:
- Perineal tearing or episiotomy, which may cause pain and hesitation to bear down.
- Weakness or dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles.
- The lingering effects of pain medications taken during delivery or a C-section.
3. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvic floor muscles play a critical role in bowel movements. If these muscles are too tight (overactive) or too weak (underactive), they can make it difficult to coordinate the relaxation and contraction needed for proper bowel movements.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Dehydration, a low-fiber diet, lack of exercise, or stress can all contribute to constipation. Pregnancy and postpartum life often disrupt healthy routines, making these factors more prominent.
5. Medical Conditions and Medications
Certain conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or hypothyroidism, as well as medications like opioids or iron supplements, can exacerbate constipation.
Symptoms to Watch For
Beyond difficulty passing stool, chronic constipation may be accompanied by:
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
- Painful bowel movements
- Back or pelvic pain
- Feelings of pressure in the rectum
- Difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor during bowel movements
If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for an extended period, it’s time to seek help.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) offers a targeted, holistic approach to treating chronic constipation. Unlike general physical therapy, PFPT focuses specifically on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the pelvic region. Here’s how it can help:
1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment
A pelvic floor physical therapist will evaluate the strength, coordination, and flexibility of your pelvic floor muscles. Chronic constipation often involves dysfunction in these muscles, such as tightness or poor coordination.
2. Manual Therapy
Your therapist may use gentle internal and external techniques to release tight pelvic muscles, improve circulation, and reduce restrictions that contribute to constipation.
3. Biofeedback Training
Biofeedback can help you learn how to properly coordinate your pelvic floor muscles. This technique involves sensors that provide real-time feedback on how your muscles are functioning, helping you learn to relax or engage them as needed.
4. Postural and Breathing Exercises
Proper posture during bowel movements and diaphragmatic breathing can improve the mechanics of stool passage. Your therapist can teach you optimal positions for using the toilet and techniques for breathing that relax the pelvic floor.
5. Lifestyle Recommendations
Your pelvic floor therapist can provide personalized advice on:
- Increasing dietary fiber and hydration
- Incorporating gentle exercise to stimulate digestion
- Developing a bowel routine to regulate your system
6. Addressing Pregnancy and Postpartum Factors
If your chronic constipation is linked to pregnancy or childbirth, a pelvic floor therapist will tailor your treatment plan to address these unique challenges, including healing from tearing or strengthening the pelvic floor after delivery.
Tips for Managing and Preventing Chronic Constipation
In addition to pelvic floor physical therapy, there are several steps you can take to improve your bowel health:
- Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your meals.
- Stay Hydrated: Aim for at least 8-10 cups of water daily.
- Exercise Regularly: Gentle activities like walking, yoga, or swimming can help keep your digestive system moving.
- Establish a Routine: Try to use the bathroom at the same time every day, ideally after a meal when your digestive system is most active.
- Use a Squatty Potty: Elevating your feet with a small stool while on the toilet can help straighten the rectum, making bowel movements easier.
- Relax: Stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing can reduce tension in the pelvic floor muscles.
A Positive Outlook
The good news is that chronic constipation is treatable. With the right approach—including pelvic floor physical therapy—you can restore regularity, reduce discomfort, and reclaim your quality of life. Many women see significant improvement within just a few sessions of therapy, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
Why Choose Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy stands out as a personalized, non-invasive, and highly effective treatment option. Unlike medications, which may only provide temporary relief, PFPT addresses the root causes of constipation, helping you achieve long-term results. And because your treatment is tailored to your specific needs—including pregnancy or postpartum factors—you can feel confident that you’re receiving the best care possible.
Let’s Work Together
If chronic constipation is holding you back, it’s time to take action. Pelvic floor physical therapy can provide the relief you’ve been searching for, helping you feel like yourself again. Reach out to schedule your personalized consultation and start your journey toward better health today.
