Managing IBS with Physical Therapy

Do you or someone you know have IBS?

Chances are you or someone you know has IBS. Managing IBS with Physical Therapy is a non-medication way to help improve the symptoms. Let’s start with some background information on IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common disorder of the GI system. IBS is a functional disorder of the movement of stool through the small and large intestine. Symptoms most commonly include diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. Often nausea, abdominal discomfort, and abdominal bloating are also present with IBS. IBS symptoms commonly start before the age of 35. Being female, having a family history of IBS, and a history of anxiety, and/or depression are common characteristics of those with IBS symptoms. I am here to show you have you can manage IBS with Physical Therapy

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Facts about IBS

A few quick facts about IBS. In the United States, between 25 and 45 million people suffer from IBS. Worldwide, about 10-15% of the population has been diagnosed with IBS. Of those, 40% have mild symptoms, 35% moderate symptoms, and 25% severe symptoms.

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PT for IBS?

Did you know that Physical Therapy can help manage symptoms of IBS? Physical therapy in conjunction with medical management and dietary changes can be very helpful in reducing the frequency and severity of IBS symptoms. A physical therapist can help with establishing an exercise program to help relieve stress. Stress reduction techniques and exercise can improve bowel function, especially those with constipation. Therapists can also treat the various conditions associated with IBS, such as fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint disorder, and chronic pelvic pain. The treatment of these conditions can further relieve stress and improve symptoms of IBS.

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What can PT do for IBS?

At Freedom PT Services we have pelvic floor specialists who have a variety of techniques to help improve the ability to have a full and complete bowel movement by stretching and training the muscles of the pelvic floor. This can be very helpful in improving and reducing abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation. We also work to manage strong bowel urges associated with diarrhea with pelvic floor muscle training. Our staff is trained in visceral manipulation, which is a manual technique to the internal organs that works to promote optimal function of the colon. These techniques require advanced training beyond a traditional physical therapy degree and have been helpful in the management of IBS for many patients.

We see many commercials on television today about medications that can help ease the symptoms of IBS. These medications can help ease cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Although these treatments are helpful, a combination of diet changes, such as removing gluten, going on the FODMAP diet, removing carbonation and alcohol from your diet, and exercise can all will help to improve symptoms and quality of life for those suffering from IBS.

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No one size fits all treatment

IBS is a multifactorial condition for which there is not a one size fits all treatment.  Our pelvic floor specialized therapists will partner with you to create a customized treatment plan to manage your IBS symptoms. The treatment plan may include trigger point dry needling to the pelvis, hips, and back, pelvic floor exercise, biofeedback training, manual therapy to the pelvic floor, back, hips, and internal organs, education, and exercise program development.

Don’t suffer any longer with symptoms and pain associated with IBS. Schedule your appointment today with one of our highly trained pelvic floor specialists.

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