Beyond Basics Physical Therapy, LLC

A Full Service Physical Therapy Practice Specializing in
Manual Techniques, Orthopedics, & Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Gastro-Intestinal Disturbances/Bowel Disorders

Types of Bowel Disorders

Constipation
It is defined as delayed or abnormal colonic transport which may result from tight and/or weakened pelvic floor and abdominal musculature.

Constipation can be managed through a balance of nutrition, exercise, physical therapy, postural re-education, and medications (as needed). Dietary modification would include increasing daily fiber (soluble vs. insoluble fiber) and water intake.
Physical therapy consists of patient education, bowel stimulation through abdominal massage, and trigger point release of abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.

Diarrhea
It is defined as the passage of an increased amount of feces. Chronic diarrhea (diarrhea that lasts more than three weeks) is a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and medication. Medications that cause diarrhea include digoxin, laxatives, antacids, certain antimicrobial agents, thiazide diuretics, and alcohol. Anti-diarrheal drugs include immodium, lomotil, and diastop.

Hemorrhoids
These are painful, swollen, and inflamed veins around the anus and rectum. They occur usually due to straining with bowel movements. They can be seen with pregnancy, chronic constipation, and/or diarrhea. Hemorrhoids can be external (skin around the anus) or internal (inside the anal canal).

If the muscles or tissues surrounding the hemorrhoid are restricted or in spasm then it will be more difficult for the hemorrhoid to heal; therefore physical therapy can help increase mobility and reduce muscle spasms in the affected area.

Inflammatory Bowel (IBD)
This group includes Crohn's Diseases and Ulcerative Colitis. Crohn's Disease is an inflammation of the digestive tract (anywhere from mouth to anus). It can affect all layers of the intestine and most commonly affects the small intestine (ileum).

Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammation of the top layer of the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum). The inflammation can result in ulcers in the top layer.

Signs and Symptoms of both may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever, arthritis, and skin problems.

IBD may result in abdominal and pelvic floor muscle tightening and trigger points as a response to the pain/discomfort from either Crohn's or Ulcerative colitis; therefore, worsening the pain/discomfort. Pain also may be felt in the low back, leg and buttocks area.

Physical Therapy Treatment may consist of:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Group of symptoms that represent the most common disorder of the GI (gastro-intestinal) system. Signs and symptoms of IBS may include abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel pattern, such as more frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, and/or constipation. IBS and constipation can be treated with physical therapy through abdominal, back, gluteal and pelvic floor myofascial trigger point release.

Our Specialties

Musculoskeletal/Sports-Related Injuries
Musculoskeletal/Sports-Related Injuries Back Pain, Pre and Post–op Sports related injuries, TMJ, Coccygodynia, Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Pelvic Pain
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Pelvic Pain Pelvic Pain, Pudendal Neuralgia, Bladder Dysfunctions, Sexual Dysfunction, Gastro-Intestinal, Disturbances/Bowel, Disorders
Men --- Women --- Children
Women's Health
Women's Health Pre-Natal, Post-Partum, Diastasis Recti
Lymphedema
Breast Health Breast Health, Pelvic Congestion, Upper/Lower Extremity Lymphedema