Relief is possible when your body learns to work with you, not against you.
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints, yet it has many possible causes. While diet, hydration, and gut health play important roles, research shows that nearly 50% of patients with chronic constipation also have pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) (Mayo Clinic).
For normal bowel movements, the pelvic floor muscles must relax and coordinate with the abdominal wall. When these muscles instead contract or fail to release properly, stool passage becomes difficult or incomplete—a condition known as dyssynergic defecation or anismus. This form of constipation, sometimes called outlet constipation, is directly related to pelvic floor function and is often overlooked in standard medical care.
Because digestion is a complex process that begins with eating and continues all the way through elimination, patients with chronic constipation may benefit from a collaborative team that includes a gastroenterologist, nutritionist, or functional medicine provider. At Sarton Pelvic Healing, we focus on the pelvic floor and abdominal components, addressing muscle tightness, coccyx alignment, and myofascial restrictions that may contribute to constipation.
Constipation can have many contributing factors, but pelvic floor–related constipation—also known as outlet constipation—often arises when the pelvic floor muscles fail to relax as they should. Tightness or poor coordination of the puborectalis or levator ani muscles, coccyx misalignment, or abdominal restrictions in the myofascial and visceral tissues can all interfere with normal bowel mechanics. A history of trauma, surgery, prolonged sitting, or even learned straining and withholding behaviors may further compound the problem. Beyond the pelvic floor, diet, hydration, medications, and underlying gastrointestinal conditions can also play a role, which is why a whole-body approach to care is so important.
At Sarton Pelvic Healing, your evaluation goes beyond standard GI testing. We review your bowel habits, assess both external and internal pelvic floor muscles, check coccyx alignment and pelvic mobility, and examine the abdomen for restrictions. When needed, we coordinate with your gastroenterologist or nutrition provider to ensure nothing is overlooked. This approach helps us determine if pelvic floor dysfunction is part of the problem and guides us in creating a plan to restore natural, comfortable bowel movements.
Our treatment approach is designed to restore balance and coordination in the pelvic floor and abdomen. By addressing muscle tightness, alignment issues, and movement patterns, we make it easier for your body to work the way it’s meant to. With consistent care, bowel movements can become more natural, comfortable, and predictable.
“The therapists at Sarton Physical therapy are truly some of the most amazing, caring & dedicated women I’ve ever met. They have helped me with everything from pelvic pain, lack of mobility, incontinence, constipation & sexual disfunction. They have coordinated my treatment plan and are more than determined to help me improve every week. I can honestly say I would never have been able to make the progress I’ve made without them. The work they do is often quite intimate, but they make you feel so comfortable as if it’s no big deal…With the help of these therapists I know I will get there. I’m eternally grateful for the expertise & dedication.”
You deserve answers and relief from your pelvic pain. Our experienced team is here to guide you in reclaiming your confidence and quality of life.
