Bowel Health

What is normal bowel health?

Did you know that healthy bowel habits can be emptying your bowels anywhere from 1-3 times per day to three times per week?

As well as regular and consistent bowel motions, a healthy bowel routine includes not needing to strain, feeling satisfied that you have emptied and being on and off the toilet within five minutes.

Signs and Symptoms

Sudden and or prolonged changes in normal bowel routine i.e. you usually go every morning but now only go 1-2 times per week
Needing to strain to initiate or continue a poo
Feeling unsatisfied or like there is still more to come out
Pain around the anus
Soiling or having poo accidents
Getting a sudden urge to do a poo and needing to race to the toilet

Common causes of bowel problems:

Ineffective pooing positions and pushing technique
Chronic constipation
Overactive and tight pelvic floor muscles
Poor diet/not enough fluid intake
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other bowel conditions such as Chron's and Colitis
Hormonal changes

How we can help?

Physiotherapy for bowel concerns?

Our trained physiotherapists can assist with:

Addressing any factors that may be influencing your bowel problem
Bowel training and setting a schedule
Teaching you proper positioning and pushing techniques
Pelvic Floor Exercises to strengthen or lengthen your pelvic floor muscles depending on your need
Urge delay techniques
Education and advice on healthy bowel habits