Bowel Health

Bowel symptoms can be frustrating, uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to talk about. Changes in bowel function can affect your confidence, daily activities and quality of life.

You may experience bowel leakage or urgency, constipation, difficulty emptying your bowels, pain when opening your bowels, bloating or symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These symptoms can have a range of contributing factors, including pelvic floor muscle function, bowel habits, diet, stress and changes following pregnancy, childbirth or surgery.

Pelvic health physiotherapy can help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an individualised approach to managing them. Assessment may include looking at bowel habits, toileting technique, pelvic floor muscle function and the way your muscles coordinate during bowel emptying.

Treatment may include education, strategies for bowel management, pelvic floor rehabilitation, relaxation and coordination exercises, and practical strategies to help you feel more comfortable and confident.

You don't have to feel embarrassed about bowel symptoms. They are common, and support is available.