Have you been suffering from the frustrating symptoms of chronic constipation? This condition can be difficult or embarrassing to discuss with your doctor at times.
Constipation, however, is a very common gastrointestinal disorder. In fact, more than 2.5 million people seek treatment for constipation in the United States alone each year. So, if you’ve been struggling with the inconvenient symptoms of chronic constipation, you’re not alone!
Pelvic floor physical therapy at Evidence Physical Therapy in Glenn Dale, MD can provide you with the relief you seek. Please make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members by contacting our clinic today. Chronic constipation relief is just around the corner!
What is chronic constipation?
Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Chronic constipation can last several weeks or longer and is characterized by fewer than three bowel movements per week.
The following groups are more likely to suffer from chronic constipation:
- Those aged 65 and up
- Women and expectant mothers
- People who are sedentary or unable to exercise due to a spinal cord injury or physical disability
Our physical therapy staff at Evidence Physical Therapy uses a variety of tools and modalities to successfully treat chronic constipation.
What treatment can you expect in physical therapy?
Our physical therapists at Evidence Physical Therapy in Glenn Dale, MD are experts at treating chronic constipation. We can identify the type of constipation you are experiencing and create an individualized treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
It’s possible that you’re suffering from “slow transit constipation” or “functional constipation.” Slow transit constipation can be caused by a colon problem or by stress and overactivity in the pelvic floor.
When attempting to pass stools, the pelvic floor muscles contract rather than relax, resulting in functional constipation. This makes stools extremely difficult to pass. Depending on the severity of your constipation, you may be prescribed:
- Abdominal colon massage training
- Toileting postures and patterns
- Pelvic floor muscle training
- Myofascial release
If you’re looking for relief from constipation, Evidence Physical Therapy is here to support you!
What is urinary incontinence?
“Urinary incontinence” is a technical term for leaking urine. It is a common condition in the older population, but it can happen throughout the lifespan for a number of reasons. Though it is common, it is not something that should be ignored. And pelvic health physical therapy can help!
Stress incontinence is one common type of incontinence. This occurs when there is an increase in pressure on the bladder and the muscles aren’t able to hold back the urine. This commonly occurs with activities such as exercising, lifting heavy objects, laughing, coughing, or sneezing. This is the most common type of bladder control problem in younger to middle-aged women.
Fortunately, urinary incontinence can be controlled and/or cured with the help of physical therapy. If you have been struggling with urinary incontinence and you are looking for help, contact Evidence Physical Therapy in Glenn Dale, MD today to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed therapists.
Why am I experiencing stress incontinence?
There are several possible causes for urine leakage. It can be caused by a urinary tract infection, a vaginal infection, an upper respiratory illness with a cough, or constipation. These leaking episodes are typically brief and may resolve themselves once the underlying issue is resolved.
Certain medications may even temporarily impair bladder control. If your urinary incontinence persists, it could be the result of a larger underlying condition, such as:
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Tight pelvic floor muscles
- Overactive bladder muscles
- Damaged bladder nerves, typically from diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s
- Damaged pelvic floor nerves, due to injury, childbirth, or surgery
- Difficulty getting to the bathroom in time, due to conditions such as arthritis
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Blockage from an enlarged prostate
- Prostatitis
- Benign prostate hyperplasia
If any of these conditions sound familiar, don’t hesitate to contact Evidence Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment. Our team can provide you with relief and connect you with a specialist if necessary.
Contact Evidence Physical Therapy for relief!
At Evidence Physical Therapy, we know that living with constipation and stress incontinence can be limiting – and even embarrassing at times, especially when it occurs during a social setting. Our licensed physical therapists are dedicated to improving your pelvic health, so you can get back to living your very best life.
When you arrive for your initial consultation, one of our physical therapists will perform a physical examination to determine the strength of your pelvic floor. Your physical exam, along with an evaluation of your medical history and discussion of your symptoms, will help in determining the best route for your treatment plan.
If you are struggling with constipation or stress incontinence and you are looking for help, contact us today to schedule an appointment. One of our Glenn Dale, MD physical therapists will get you started on the path toward relief!
