Electrical stimulation for slow-moving poop

By Bryn Zolty, PT

Slow-moving poop, or slow transit constipation, is a type of functional constipation. It is exactly how it sounds, stool moves slower than normal through your system. As physical therapists we evaluate your pelvic muscles and determine if the muscle tension or coordination may be playing a role in your constipation. But after addressing those causes or ruling them out, there are still ways to help your slow transit. ​

One treatment we consider for our patients is a stimulation known as interferential current. The use of electrical stimulation for reducing pain and muscle strengthening is well known. But this special current can help your GI tract move a little faster. For our patients, it's 2 electrodes on your abdomen and 2 placed on your back. It feels like a tingling sensation. 

Studies on interferential current for slow transit show it increases colonic activity. Beyond that, there are some theories on the mechanism of action. A few of these theories include: it affects the pacemaker cells of the GI tract, stimulates the enteric nervous system to the GI tract, or it stimulates the cells that are responsible for peristalsis. 
What we do know is that it is non-invasive, cost-effective, and can be done at home. Many patients that we talk to are on an endless search for supplements. Slow transit constipation typically does not respond to laxatives and fiber. Therefore, this may be a good option to reduce over the counter supplements and improve your transit time. 

Our pelvic therapists would be happy to discuss this type of stimulation with you and determine if this should be a part of your treatment.

References
J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018 Jan; 24(1): 19–29. Published online 2018 Jan 1. doi: 10.5056/jnm17071