What is Colorectal Physio?
Colorectal physiotherapy is relatively new to Pivotal, so let’s discuss what it is and why someone might need treatment in this area.
As a pelvic health physiotherapist, I (Kylie) assess and treat the entire pelvic floor, which can influence all compartments of the pelvis, including the surrounding organs (bladder, vagina and bowel) and their respective functions.
I also assess and treat coccyx dysfunction and obstetric anal sphincter injuries that can occur during childbirth. Anal sphincter injuries can result in the anal sphincter not working or closing effectively, resulting in incontinence.
So, it’s important for me (and you) to understand how everything is “operating” in this part of the body, beyond the pelvic floor. In colorectal physio, we often start with bowel health.
What is ‘bowel health’?
The key indicator for good bowel health is simply being able to go to the toilet without experiencing any pain or leakage. Issues often arise in individuals who start to experience bowel/anal incontinence or pain; or who are unable to pass a bowel motion easily. This is where I come in.
Bowel dysfunction can have negative effects on the gut microbiome as well as on our hormonal and mental health. Bowel issues tend to present at least one of three common symptoms:
- Unable to retain faecal matter
- Unable to defecate effectively
- Pain when passing a stool
What does a colorectal / bowel health assessment involve?
During a patient assessment, we explore what and when food and liquids are consumed; factors such as stress, hormonal influences and current levels of exercise; as well as how we absorb and eliminate waste. This comprehensive assessment also assesses pelvic floor muscle function, which is essential for continence and effective defecation strategies.
It’s important to know that implementing good toileting techniques (effective breathing, relaxation and pelvic floor muscle awareness) can be highly effective in resolving issues with defecation dysfunction. This is always a good starting point and something I cover early with patients.
Bowel health facts –
Finally, here are some interesting facts:
- Faecal incontinence affects women and men
- One-in-five people over 40 deal with some kind of anal incontinence
- Constipation can also be a cause for back pain in some individuals
- Constipation is a huge contributor to bladder issues as it can create pressure through the walls of the vagina, therefore affecting the bladder’s capacity to expand.
Take Home Message …
Colorectal physio is not only for mature aged people, or those who have had surgery in the area, for whatever reason. It’s something I’ve found people don’t always seek help for, as it can be an uncomfortable topic and conversation. I want to break down the stigma and hope anyone whose quality of life is suffering due to these issues, will reach out to me.
~ Kylie Rankin, Director & Principal Physiotherapist
