Treatment of chronic constipation with Dr. Samah Othman

Chronic constipation is a common digestive disorder that can significantly affect comfort and quality of life, and it may appear as infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, or a persistent feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, with possible contributing factors including low physical activity, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, inadequate dietary habits, or problems with bowel movement coordination, which is why physical therapy may help some patients improve pelvic floor function and bowel habits. Dr. Samah Othman explains that managing chronic constipation requires identifying the underlying cause first and developing an individualized treatment plan.

Causes of Chronic Constipation

Dr. Samah Othman explains that chronic constipation may be caused by insufficient fiber or fluid intake, lack of physical activity, repeatedly ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, certain medications, bowel motility disorders, or difficulty coordinating the pelvic floor muscles during defecation, making it important to identify the underlying cause before choosing an appropriate treatment and avoiding prolonged or unnecessary reliance on laxatives without medical guidance.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Treating Chronic Constipation

Dr. Samah Othman confirms that physical therapy may benefit patients whose chronic constipation is associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, as treatment programs may include exercises designed to improve muscle coordination and control, education on proper toileting posture, breathing and relaxation techniques, and, when appropriate, specialized methods such as Biofeedback Therapy under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Pelvic Floor Exercises and Constipation

Dr. Samah Othman advises that pelvic floor exercises do not always mean strengthening the muscles, because some forms of constipation may be associated with excessive pelvic floor muscle tension or difficulty relaxing these muscles during bowel movements, which is why the type of exercises should be determined according to an individual assessment and may include relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, and coordination between the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles to support more effective bowel emptying.

Nutrition and Physical Activity for Constipation Relief

Dr. Samah Othman stresses the importance of following a fiber-rich diet when appropriate for the individual, maintaining adequate fluid intake, eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, engaging in regular physical activity, responding promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement, and establishing a consistent toileting routine, as combining healthy lifestyle habits with an appropriate physical therapy program may help improve bowel function and reduce constipation symptoms in some patients.

The Importance of Proper Toileting Position

Dr. Samah Othman explains that adopting a proper toileting position may help reduce straining and facilitate bowel movements, and using a small footstool to slightly raise the knees while maintaining a comfortable posture, breathing calmly, and avoiding excessive straining may be helpful, while learning how to properly coordinate the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles can be an important component of physical therapy programs for selected cases of chronic constipation.

When Does Chronic Constipation Require Medical Evaluation?

Dr. Samah Othman confirms that persistent constipation accompanied by rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, or a sudden and ongoing change in bowel habits requires medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and rule out conditions that may require specialized treatment, while patients who rely on laxatives for prolonged periods or do not experience improvement despite lifestyle changes should consult a physician to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.