Faecal incontinence is a distressing and often embarrassing condition that affects many people, yet few seek help due to stigma or lack of awareness about available treatments. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as stool leakage, difficulty fully emptying your bowels, or the need to manually assist evacuation, you’re not alone—and there are effective solutions. Pelvic health physiotherapy offers specialized techniques to help you regain control and confidence.
Understanding Faecal Incontinence
Faecal incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of stool or an inability to fully control bowel movements. It can range from minor leakage (faecal smearing) to complete loss of bowel control. Many people also experience a sensation of incomplete emptying, often due to a distal reservoir, where pockets of stool remain trapped in the rectum, leading to ongoing leakage or discomfort.
Common causes include:
Weakness in the pelvic floor muscles or anal sphincter
Nerve damage from childbirth, surgery, or conditions like diabetes
Chronic constipation leading to overflow incontinence
Rectocele or other structural changes affecting evacuation
Symptoms to Look Out For
Faecal smearing: Small amounts of stool leakage, often noticed after wiping
A sensation of incomplete emptying: Feeling like stool is still present even after a bowel movement
Pockets of stool getting caught (distal reservoir): Stool becomes trapped, leading to leakage later on
Difficulty with evacuation: Straining or needing to use a finger to assist with stool passage (manual splinting)
How Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Help
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, pelvic health physiotherapy can be life-changing. Through a tailored approach, we focus on restoring bowel control and improving emptying efficiency.
Pelvic floor muscle training: Strengthening the muscles that support bowel control and preventing leakage
Manual techniques (splinting): Learning how to use external or internal support to fully empty the bowel, reducing leakage and discomfort
Bowel retraining strategies: Establishing better habits for stool consistency, timing, and positioning to optimize bowel movements
Biofeedback therapy: Using real-time feedback to improve pelvic floor coordination
You Don’t Have to Live with Faecal Incontinence
Many people suffer in silence, thinking nothing can be done—but that’s not true. Pelvic health physiotherapy provides effective, non-invasive solutions that can significantly improve your quality of life!
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