Constipation is defined by a few characteristics:

• Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week

• Having firm stools that are difficult to pass

• Requiring regular laxative usage to have bowel movements

• Incomplete emptying of the bowels

This often leads to swelling of the anal hemorrhoids, fissures, and even contributes to worsening of pelvic organ prolapse.

Constipation requires assessment from the mouth to the anus. What you eat, drink, gut motility, presence of prolapse, and how you sit on the toilet influences your bowel movements.

Physical therapy can address each of these regions to improve your long term ability to have regular, easy bowel movements.