Is Constipation An Issue?

In the clinic, we see a lot of people struggling with constipation.  Among other reasons, it can often be a sign of overactivity and poor coordination of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.

Common signs of constipation:

• Feeling of incomplete emptying in greater than 25% of bowel movements
• Sensation of  obstruction/blockade in greater than 25% of bowel movements
• Manual maneuvers to help empty greater than 25% of bowel movements (e.g, digital evacuation, support of the pelvic floor)
• Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
• Loose stools are not present, and criteria for irritable bowel syndrome are insufficient

Common Causes of Constipation:

• Lack of fibre in your diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Medications, including iron and calcium supplements
• Dairy intake
• Dehydration
• Abuse of laxatives
• Travel
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Pregnancy
• Luteal phase of menstruation (after ovulation and before menses)
• Colorectal problems
• Intestinal dysfunction

Treating Constipation:

There are several ways of treating constipation, including changes to diet and exercise, use of laxatives, down-training the pelvic floor and scheduled toileting.

These treatments include:

• Increasing fibre and fluids in the diet
• Increasing physical activity
• Learning muscle coordination and relaxation
• Learning proper toileting techniques and toileting modifications
• Designing and sticking  to a toileting schedule

source: 2007 Herman & Wallace | Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute