Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a holistic approach to treating IBS by addressing the nervous system, lifestyle behaviour modifications, pelvic floor dysfunction, visceral motility, breathing impairments, pressure management, and posture, just to name a few.
At Beyond Basics, we specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy to help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Our goal is to improve your digestive health and quality of life by treating the root causes of your symptoms.
What Causes IBS?
While the exact cause of IBS is unclear, pelvic floor dysfunction can play a significant role in aggravating the symptoms. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles located at the base of your pelvis, forming a hammock-like structure. These muscles stretch from the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone at the back and also extend between the sits bones on either side. The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, intestines, and the uterus.
When the pelvic floor muscles are too tight or uncoordinated, it can impact digestion resulting in symptoms such as difficulty with bowel movements, bloating, and abdominal pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help alleviate these symptoms by improving the function of these muscles and promoting better digestive health.
Symptoms of IBS Related to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction can potentially make IBS symptoms worse. These symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Difficulty with bowel movements or constipation
- Persistent bloating and gas
- A feeling of incomplete bowel movement
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Straining during bowel movements
If these Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms sound familiar, pelvic floor physical therapy could be a beneficial part of your treatment plan.
Treat your IBS today.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps with IBS
At Beyond Basics, our specialized pelvic floor physical therapy helps to address the digestive tract issues associated with IBS. Here’s how it can help you:
- Reducing Pelvic and Abdominal Pain: By relaxing tight pelvic floor muscles, we can alleviate some of the discomfort and pain that accompany IBS.
- Improving Bowel Movements: Strengthening and retraining pelvic floor muscles can make it easier to pass stool, relieving constipation and improving bowel habits.
- Enhancing Digestive Function: General guidance and/or recommendation on dietary changes or lifestyle behavior modifications to enhance digestive function.
- Regulating Nervous System: Addressing the connection between the gut and the brain to help improve symptoms, comfort, and function.
What to Expect During Your Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Sessions
During Your Initial Appointment
We’ll explain each step of the process so you know exactly what to expect and ensure you feel comfortable throughout the appointment.
During Your Additional Appointments
In subsequent sessions, we’ll guide you through exercises and techniques designed to improve pelvic floor function. This includes hands-on therapy, specialized exercises, and relaxation methods to help relieve your IBS symptoms. Each session builds on the progress made in previous appointments, gradually improving your muscle control and digestive health.
With time and consistency, you’ll experience less discomfort and more control over your bowel movements, helping to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improving your overall well-being.
Client Testimonials
Beyond Basics: We Can Help
At Beyond Basics, we are committed to treating pelvic floor issues with sensitivity to each individual’s needs, regardless of sex, race, identity, age, or orientation – we treat the whole person with a comprehensive, caring biopsychosocial approach.
Since 2003, Beyond Basics has been a place of hope and healing for our patients. We believe skilled and compassionate healing can restore your body’s harmony and balance. Founder, Amy Stein, and co-founder, Corey Hazama are renowned experts and leaders in pelvic floor PT.
The skilled physical therapists at Beyond Basics receive extensive training to qualify them to be the world’s leaders in pelvic floor rehabilitation. All of our therapists have been carefully selected to work at Beyond Basics because they possess the right expertise, kindness, and empathy to allow them to excel at our practice. Our therapists have completed hundreds of additional hours outside of their doctorates both internally and externally through institutes such as Herman and Wallace and the American Physical Therapy Association, to help hone their practice and provide exceptional treatment efficiently and compassionately. In addition to being the world’s first and foremost experts in pelvic floor dysfunction, our individual therapists have cultivated additional skills unique to their own personal interests. Read more about each one of our therapists here.
Get help now from a pelvic floor therapist.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
— Beyond Basics PT | Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can pelvic floor physical therapy help with IBS?
What are common symptoms of IBS related to pelvic floor dysfunction?
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and difficulty with bowel movements. These symptoms often worsen due to pelvic floor dysfunction, making it harder for your digestive system to function properly.
Can pelvic floor physical therapy prevent severe symptoms of IBS?
How do I know if pelvic floor dysfunction is contributing to my IBS?
If you experience bloating, abdominal discomfort, or difficulty with bowel movements that don’t seem to improve with diet or lifestyle changes, pelvic floor dysfunction might be a factor. An evaluation with one of our physical therapists can help determine if pelvic floor issues are contributing to your IBS.
Is pelvic floor physical therapy effective for treating IBS?
Many individuals find pelvic floor physical therapy very effective in managing IBS symptoms by improving muscle function, promoting better bowel habits, and relieving discomfort. It’s a holistic approach that complements other treatments for IBS.
