Constipation and Physical Therapy
A Natural, Lasting Solution
Constipation is more than just an occasional inconvenience it can significantly impact your daily life, comfort, and overall health. While many turn to over the counter remedies for relief, few realize that physical therapy, particularly pelvic floor therapy, can offer a long term, natural solution for chronic constipation.
At Klein Physical Therapy, we specialize in addressing the root causes of constipation through a whole-body, evidence-based approach that empowers your body to function optimally.
What Is Constipation?
Constipation is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, but it can also involve straining, hard stools, or a sense of incomplete evacuation. While diet and hydration play a big role, muscular dysfunction, especially of the pelvic floor, can often be the underlying culprit.
What is The Pelvic Floor’s Role in Bowel Movements?
The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for supporting your abdominal organs and coordinating with the rectum and anus during bowel movements. If these muscles are too tight (hypertonic) or too weak (hypotonic), they can interfere with your ability to have regular, complete bowel movements.
Pelvic floor dysfunction may cause:
Difficulty initiating a bowel movement
Straining during defecation
The feeling of incomplete evacuation
Abdominal bloating and discomfort
This is where physical therapy for constipation becomes a game changer.
How Physical Therapy Helps Constipation
A skilled pelvic floor physical therapist can identify and treat the muscular, neurological, and behavioral patterns contributing to your constipation. At Klein Physical Therapy, our approach includes:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining
Through biofeedback, manual therapy, and guided exercises, we teach you how to properly coordinate the pelvic floor muscles during bowel movements.
Visceral Manipulation
This gentle, hands-on technique helps improve mobility and function of the abdominal organs, including the colon, promoting better motility and digestion. As part of your personalized care, we also teach you simple, effective abdominal massage techniques you can use at home, giving you tools to feel better beyond the clinic.
Myofascial Release & Joint Mobilization
Tension or misalignment in the spine, hips, or abdomen can influence bowel function. Releasing these restrictions can significantly improve symptoms.
Breathing and Posture Education
Proper diaphragmatic breathing and posture support healthy digestion and reduce straining, which can worsen pelvic floor dysfunction.
Whole Body Lifestyle Guidance
We consider your entire system nutrition, hydration, movement, stress, and sleep to create a personalized care plan that promotes regularity and wellness.
Low Pressure Fitness (LPF)
Low Pressure Fitness uses postural training and specific breathing techniques to reduce intra-abdominal pressure, improve core strength, and support pelvic floor function. This fitness technique also naturally provides deep movement to the viscera, which acts as a deep intestinal massage, excellent for motility.
Our expert pelvic floor therapist, Lea, is LPF-certified and brings over 20 years of experience to each session. She leads a weekly LPF class right here at our clinic in Denver’s South Downing Business District.
Low Pressure Fitness with Lea
Every Wednesday | 1:30–2:15 PM
Klein Physical Therapy – Denver, CO
For more info or to join, email Lea
Why Choose Physical Therapy Over Laxatives?
While laxatives might offer temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying musculoskeletal or neuromuscular dysfunction that may be causing constipation. Overuse of laxatives can also lead to dependency or worsen the problem.
Physical therapy is a natural, sustainable solution that promotes lifelong health by empowering you with tools, awareness, and strength to manage your bowel health independently.
Who Can Benefit from Physical Therapy for Constipation?
Pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing hormonal or structural changes
Individuals with a history of chronic constipation or straining
Children or teens with functional constipation
Adults with pelvic organ prolapse or pelvic floor dysfunction
Athletes with core and pelvic floor imbalances
Individuals recovering from abdominal or pelvic surgery
Real Relief Through a Compassionate, Personalized Approach
At Klein Physical Therapy, we take pride in offering compassionate, evidence based care rooted in integrity and whole body wellness. We understand how personal and frustrating constipation can be, and we’re here to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
Ready to Find Relief?
Don’t let constipation control your life. With a customized physical therapy plan, relief is not just possible, it’s within reach.
Call us today or schedule an appointment online to learn how physical therapy can help you.