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While it might be an uncomfortable topic to discuss, painful poops can indicate an underlying problem that shouldn’t be ignored. In this blog post, we’ll explore common causes of painful bowel movements and discuss the pivotal role that your pelvic floor plays in this discomfort. We’ll also shed light on how a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you find relief.
The Role of the Pelvic Floor: The pelvic floor comprises a group of muscles at the bottom of the pelvis, forming a bowl-shaped structure. These muscles provide stability to the core, spine, and hips while supporting the internal organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Consequently, they play a crucial role in urinary, bowel, and sexual functions.
The outer layer of the pelvic floor consists of sphincter muscles, responsible for controlling the openings of your urethra, rectum, and, in females, the vagina. When these sphincter muscles are unusually tight, they can impede the emptying of your bowels, leading to straining and placing excessive pressure on your pelvic floor muscles, resulting in painful bowel movements.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help: If you’re experiencing painful bowel movements due to issues with your pelvic floor, seeking help from a pelvic floor physical therapist can be a valuable solution. During an assessment, a pelvic floor physical therapist can thoroughly examine your pelvic floor muscles and identify any tightness or dysfunction. They can then prescribe exercises and interventions to help address and manage the pain.
Painful bowel movements are not something you should simply live with. By understanding the common causes of this discomfort and recognizing the role of your pelvic floor in the process, you can take proactive steps to find relief. If you suspect issues with your pelvic floor are contributing to your pain, consider consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist who can provide personalized care and guide you towards a more comfortable and pain-free experience during bowel movements. Don’t let the discomfort persist; take control of your bowel health today.
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