Pelvic Muscle Dyssynergia
The term dyssynergia refers to when a muscle or group of muscles that do not contract and relax with the correct timing. When the muscles around the rectum contract instead of relax during a bowel movement, the stool cannot be fully eliminated which results in constipation and incomplete emptying. A pelvic floor physical therapist can teach a patient the correct way to bear down during a bowel movement to better coordinate the pressure needed to eliminate without straining.