Constipation is a common and often frustrating condition that affects millions of people of all ages and genders every year. Whether it’s occasional or chronic, the struggle to maintain regular bowel movements can impact your physical comfort, daily life, and emotional well-being.
At Therapeutic Associates, our pelvic health physical therapists work with individuals experiencing constipation and other forms of bowel dysfunction, offering a personalized, drug-free approach to care.
If you’re frustrated with fiber supplements, laxatives, or trial-and-error routines that aren’t helping, physical therapy may offer the relief you’ve been looking for.
What is constipation?
Constipation is typically defined as infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements. It often involves hard, dry stools and the sensation that your bowels haven’t fully emptied. Sometimes, it’s a matter of stool moving too slowly through the colon. In other cases, the muscles of the pelvic floor may not be coordinating correctly during a bowel movement.
There are two main types of constipation:
- Functional constipation – where the colon appears structurally healthy but isn’t functioning optimally, often due to diet, lifestyle, or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
- Chronic idiopathic constipation – where symptoms persist despite standard treatments and may point to more complex underlying issues.
How common is constipation?
Constipation is more common than many people realize. In fact:
- It’s the most frequent gastrointestinal complaint in the U.S.
- More than 4 million Americans experience frequent constipation.
- Over $700 million is spent annually on laxatives.
- It leads to more than 5 million doctor visits each year in the U.S.
While medications may offer short-term relief, they’re not always a long-term solution, and they don’t address the root causes. That’s where pelvic health physical therapy comes in.
What are the most common causes of constipation?
Constipation can result from a range of factors, including:
- Low fiber intake (According to the Harvard School of Public Health, most adults get less than half of the recommended 25–35 grams per day.)
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Certain medications (including opioids, iron supplements, and calcium channel blockers)
- Ignoring the urge to go
- Stress or anxiety
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Underlying medical conditions
If lifestyle changes haven’t resolved your symptoms, pelvic floor physical therapy may be a key next step.
Can physical therapy help with my constipation?
Pelvic floor physical therapy may be appropriate if you experience:
- Straining or pain during bowel movements
- A sensation of incomplete evacuation
- The need to use manual techniques (such as pressing on your abdomen or perineum) to pass stool
- Bloating, gas, or irregular bowel habits
- Co-occurring pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, or pelvic organ prolapse
- Minimal improvement from diet or medication changes
How does pelvic health PT help with constipation?
Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on retraining the muscles that support bowel, bladder, and core function. When these muscles are too tight, uncoordinated, or weak, they can interfere with the ability to have a complete and comfortable bowel movement.
Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Fast Facts
- No referral needed — ask about direct access laws!
- Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes
- Average duration of care: 6–12 visits
- Pelvic PT treats both men and women of all ages
- It's a drug-free, holistic approach that complements medical care
Wondering what to expect with pelvic floor PT?
At your initial appointment, your physical therapist will:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Discuss your toileting habits, lifestyle, and goals
- Perform a gentle pelvic floor assessment (if appropriate and with your consent)
From there, you’ll work together to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level. Most sessions are 45–60 minutes, and the average plan of care ranges from 6–12 visits—though this varies by person.
Treatment is always personalized, but common therapy approaches may include:
- Biofeedback training – using sensors and visual feedback to improve pelvic muscle coordination.
- Manual therapy – hands-on techniques to release tight tissues or improve mobility.
- Breathing and pressure management – helping you use your core and breath to reduce straining.
- Toileting mechanics – working on optimal posture, timing, and routines.
- Education and habit coaching – including tips on fiber intake, hydration, and how to respond to the urge to go.
For Parents: Support for Kids Struggling with Constipation
If you’re reading this because your child is experiencing constipation, you’re not alone, and help is available. Pediatric pelvic health therapy is a gentle, effective approach designed to support children in developing healthy bowel habits and overcoming challenges related to constipation and other toileting issues.
Learn more about our Pediatric Pelvic Floor Rehab Program and how we partner with families to restore comfort and confidence.
Supportive habits for constipation relief
While physical therapy addresses the underlying muscle dysfunction, incorporating healthy daily habits can help support your progress:
- Eat a high-fiber diet (aim for 25–35 grams daily)
- Drink plenty of water (a good rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces)
- Move regularly — physical activity helps stimulate digestion
- Don’t ignore the urge to go
- Use a footstool or squatty potty to promote better bowel positioning
A natural solution for bowel dysfunction
Pelvic health physical therapy addresses the unique musculoskeletal problems of the pelvic floor that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Constipation can be more than an inconvenience, it can disrupt your health, mood, and day-to-day functioning. If you’re tired of relying on laxatives or still searching for answers, pelvic floor physical therapy offers safe, effective, and lasting relief. Our team specializes in restoring pelvic health with compassionate, evidence-based care.
Contact us today to learn how pelvic physical therapy can help you reclaim comfort, confidence, and control — naturally!
Don’t wait to take control of your pelvic health.
If you’re tired of relying on laxatives or still searching for answers, pelvic floor physical therapy offers safe, effective, and lasting relief.
