Rectal Prolapse & Rectocele

With the right pelvic floor treatment, even the challenges of rectal prolapse and rectocele can become manageable – helping you move, sit, and live comfortably again.

What is Rectal Prolapse & Rectocele?

Rectal prolapse occurs when part or all of the rectum slips outside of its normal position, sometimes protruding through the anus. 

Rectocele happens when the wall between the rectum and vagina weakens, causing the rectum to bulge into the vaginal space.

Both conditions affect pelvic health by disrupting normal bowel function, increasing pelvic pressure, and contributing to feelings of heaviness or fullness. They may cause embarrassment, discomfort, and difficulty with daily activities such as sitting, exercising, or passing stool. These issues develop when pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues become weakened or stretched – often from childbirth, chronic straining, surgery, or aging – compromising the support structures that hold pelvic organs in place. It is crucial to have support from a team of health professionals including a colorectal surgeon, a pelvic health physical therapist, and a gynecologist. By addressing improper intraabdominal pressure management, pelvic health physical therapy can help help significantly reduce or eliminate your symptoms and prevent it from getting worse.

Common Symptoms

How Does It Feel?

  • A visible or palpable bulge in the vaginal or rectal area
  • Sensation of fullness, heaviness, or pressure in the pelvis
  • Difficulty fully emptying bowels or feeling of incomplete evacuation
  • Constipation or straining during bowel movements
  • Mucus discharge or bleeding from the rectum
  • Pain or discomfort with sitting or physical activity
  • Lower back or pelvic ache that worsens by day’s end

HOPE

What Causes It?

Rectal prolapse and rectocele typically arise from weakened pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue. Contributing factors include:

  • Vaginal childbirth, especially with forceps or prolonged pushing
  • Chronic constipation and repeated straining during bowel movements
  • Pelvic or rectal surgery
  • Pelvic floor tension, hypertonic pelvic floor
  • Poor intraabdominal pressure regulation
  • Aging and hormonal changes affecting tissue elasticity
  • Long-term heavy lifting or high-impact exercise
  • Neurological conditions affecting pelvic muscle control
  • Chronic coughing from respiratory issues

How We Identify the Root Cause

Our evaluation begins with a thorough discussion of your medical history, daily habits, and specific symptoms. A detailed pelvic floor examination assesses muscle strength, coordination, and connective tissue support. We also evaluate bowel habits, posture, and core stability to identify contributing factors.

As part of your assessment, we will also discuss whether you may be a candidate for surgical intervention or if conservative management is the best initial approach. If surgery is recommended, we provide pre-habilitation to optimize your pelvic floor function and overall health—essential steps for a smoother recovery and better surgical outcomes. And if you undergo surgery, our post-operative program will guide you through safe, progressive rehabilitation to restore strength, function, and confidence.

When necessary, we collaborate with colorectal surgeons, urogynecologists, or gastroenterologists to ensure a complete picture of your pelvic health. This comprehensive approach allows us to target both the underlying cause and the functional challenges you’re experiencing—so you can return to comfortable, confident living.

How We Help 
You Heal

Overview of Sarton PT’s specialized, evidence-based treatment plan—multi-modal care customized to each patient.

  • Manual pelvic floor therapy
  • Visceral and myofascial release
  • Scar tissue mobilization
  • Pain science education
  • Bowel mechanics and habit training
  • Home exercise training
  • Guided imagery and relaxation techniques

Begin Your Healing Journey

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.