Case Study: Constipation

​Patient: 40-year-old female with 8 year history of constipation.

Chief Complaint: Difficulty with bowel evacuation, normal stool consistency. Patient leans back and presses on stomach to evacuate.

Past Medical History: 2 vaginal births, insomnia since last birth 3 years ago.

Physical Therapy Treatment: Manual therapy to pelvic floor and abdomen; review of proper bowel evacuation and stool formation; breathing mechanics; postural education and exercise; LE stretching; core strengthening exercises; HEP.

Results: Complete bowel evacuation 1-2x per day without straining or altered mechanics after 8 visits.