Bladder and bowel dysfunctions are a common health problem affecting millions of Americans, mostly women. Due to the symptoms of bladder and bowel dysfunction, those who experience this dysfunction will choose to decrease their physical activity and social interactions. Can Physical Therapy Help?
How do I know if I have a bladder or bowel dysfunction? The most common symptoms of bowel disorder are:
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Bowel frequency, urgency or retention
- Constipation
- Rectal and/or abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Difficulty with initiation or incontinence
Below is a list of the various types of bladder or bowel dysfunctions:
- Diarrhea: passing loose watery stools for three or more times a day
- Fecal Incontinence: unexpected leakage of stool from the rectum
- Hemorrhoid Pain: swollen or inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum
- Rectal Prolapse: part or all of the wall of the rectum slides out of place
- Anal Fissure: tear in the tissue of the anal canal
- Inflammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD): conditions with chronic or recurring immune response and inflammation of the GI tract. Common IBD diseases are Chrohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): affects the muscle contractions of the colon
How will physical therapy help me with my bladder/bowel dysfunction? Often people with bladder or bowel dysfunction are prescribed a laxative or fiber-supplementation.
Do you know that these interventions fail to address the real problem and are ineffective? A physical therapist has the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and manage a large range of musculoskeletal components that affect bowel and bladder dysfunction. Through the releasing of myofascial trigger points in the abdomen, back, pelvic floor along with re-education of the muscles, bladder and bowel dysfunction can be treated.
At Oklahoma Physical Therapy we will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that will vary by condition and may include the following:
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Trigger Point Dry Needle
- Connective tissue manipulation
- Hot and Cold Therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- TENS
- Biofeedback for pelvic floor muscle strengthening
- Postural training and correction
- Core exercises
Contact us today at 405-749-6281 or visit us at www.oklahomaphysicaltherapy.com/make-appointment/ to make an appointment with one of our physical therapist who will partner with you to create a custom treatment plan!