Common bowel conditions include fecal incontinence and constipation. Bowel/fecal incontinence is the loss of bowel control resulting in loss of gas, liquid or solid stool. It can cause embarrassment and anxiety severely affecting the suffers confidence.
The most common cause of bowel leakage is muscle weakness to the muscles that circle the anus that sit just below the pelvic floor muscles. Constipation has multiple contributing factors and is a symptom which is defined as a change in normal bowel habit.
Both faecal incontinence and constipation can be treated in partnership with your GP and physiotherapist. Treatment provided may include advise on lifestyle changes, a bowel management programme, exercises to improve defecation technique and strengthening of pelvic floor muscles.
Disclaimer **Please note that assessment of the pelvic region in some cases may include a vaginal or rectal examination to fully assess muscle function. This is only undertaken with full consent of the client after all assessment and treatment options are explained. This part of the assessment can be omitted at the clients discretion.