Constipation & Obstructed Defaecation Physiotherapy in Norwich
Constipation is not only about how often you open your bowels. It can also involve hard stools, repeated straining, a feeling of incomplete emptying, needing a long time on the toilet, or difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor and anal muscles at the right moment.
Obstructed defaecation describes persistent difficulty emptying the bowel despite feeling the need to go. Symptoms may be influenced by pelvic floor coordination, rectocele or prolapse, stool consistency, medication, bowel conditions, or other medical factors. Pelvic health physiotherapy can address suitable muscle-coordination and movement contributors alongside appropriate medical, dietary, colorectal, or gastroenterology care.
Which Cliniko appointment should I book?
If this is your first appointment for this concern, choose Initial Pelvic Health – 60 mins (for women and men) or Initial Pelvic Health – 45 min Express Check (for women and men). If Ellie has already assessed you for this concern, choose Follow-up Pelvic Health – 45 mins or Follow-up Pelvic Health – 60 mins.
Symptoms can include
- Hard, lumpy, or infrequent stools.
- Straining or holding your breath to empty.
- Feeling unfinished or blocked after a bowel movement.
- Pelvic, anal, or abdominal discomfort.
- Needing to change position, return repeatedly, or use manual support to empty.
- Bloating, urgency, or leakage occurring alongside constipation.
How physiotherapy may help
Ellie will review bowel habits, stool consistency, fluid, diet, medication, activity, breathing, abdominal movement, and pelvic floor coordination. An internal rectal or vaginal examination is optional and only considered with informed consent.
Treatment may include:
- Toilet positioning and breathing without repeated straining.
- Pelvic floor relaxation and coordination during emptying.
- Bowel routine, timing, fluid, and activity advice.
- Abdominal massage or movement where appropriate.
- Biofeedback-style awareness and a home practice plan.
- Liaison with your GP or specialist when further investigation is needed.
Seek medical advice if
Constipation is new and persistent, or occurs with blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, fever, severe abdominal pain, a marked change in bowel habit, anaemia, or inability to pass stool or wind.
FAQ
What is obstructed defaecation? It means having persistent difficulty passing stool or feeling unable to empty fully. Pelvic floor coordination can contribute, but structural, bowel, medication, dietary, neurological, and other medical causes may also need assessment.
Can a tight pelvic floor cause constipation? It can contribute when the muscles do not relax or coordinate during emptying, but constipation may also have dietary, medication, bowel, neurological, structural, or medical causes.
Will I be told to push harder? No. Treatment focuses on efficient positioning, breathing, and muscle coordination rather than forceful straining.
Can physiotherapy replace laxatives? Not always. Medication decisions belong with your GP or prescriber. Physiotherapy addresses the physical and behavioural parts of emptying.
Is an internal examination required? No. It is optional and only used when appropriate and agreed.
Further information
For a private assessment of bowel and pelvic floor coordination, view appointments and book.