Constipation

Constipation is often used as a coverall term for many types of  bowel dysfunction, including a change in bowel habit or decreased frequency of bowel movements.  Sometimes this is normal and causes no other symptoms, in which case it is not an issue.  Other times, difficulty with bowel movements or decreased frequency comes with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and pain passing stool.  Constipation is often categorized as either slow motility (where digestion moves slowly through the entire gastrointestinal system) or outlet dysfunction (where stool is formed and waiting in the rectum but unable to be evacuated due the inability to create the correct pressure to bear down).  Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with both types of constipation.