Fecal Incontinence

A physical therapist is highly skilled in evaluating and treating various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions affecting the body. This profession focuses on assessing any underlying factors, such as strength, neuromuscular control, balance, coordination, skeletal alignment, and endurance, which may be contributing to impaired functional mobility, activity, participation, and quality of life.

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Of course, most people only seek physical therapy when they’re suffering from a common injury or condition, such as whiplash, tendinitis, lower back pain, or ligament sprains. Perhaps lesser known is that chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction, especially issues with incontinence, can respond positively to physical therapy intervention.

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What should I do if I’m experiencing fecal incontinence?

Approximately 13 million Americans are incontinent. Oftentimes, the cause of incontinence is aging. The body’s muscles just don’t work as well as they used to. However, it is possible for anyone to experience incontinence for various reasons.

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Fortunately, physical therapy treatment can improve specific organ and pelvic-floor muscle function. Incontinence is a common condition that may be caused by an underlying condition, but the most common reason it goes untreated is due to embarrassment.

For the prevention of fecal incontinence, one of the most important things you can do is attend your yearly physicals and seek help. Attending yearly physicals or reaching out to a pelvic health physical therapist and being honest with your doctor/therapist, no matter how embarrassed you may feel, is the best way to treat or avoid this condition from worsening. With our physical therapists, you can work together to create a treatment plan that will correct this condition right in the comfort of your home.

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Treating fecal incontinence

Visceral manipulation (hands-on therapy for your organs), specialized core exercise training, and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, known as pelvic floor rehabilitation, can help people who are living with fecal incontinence. 

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Mild to moderate cases of common types of incontinence can be greatly improved or even cured by manual, behavioral, or exercise therapy. We can also teach you habits and techniques to control your incontinence.