Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment In Langley

Do you or someone you know are affected by IBS? The most prevalent GI system ailment is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

At our clinic, we understand the impact that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can have on your daily life. Our dedicated pelvic health physiotherapists are committed to helping you manage your IBS symptoms and improve your overall well-being. With a customized approach, we offer a range of services and treatments designed to meet your specific needs, empower you to take control and alleviate the symptoms of IBS.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects many people worldwide. It is characterized by a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or both. IBS affects how stools travel through the small and large intestines functionally. These symptoms can make it difficult to carry out daily activities and significantly impact the individual’s quality of life.

The exact cause of IBS is still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including genetics, environmental triggers, and the gut-brain axis. Stress, anxiety, and certain foods may also exacerbate IBS symptoms.

Symptoms of IBS

The symptoms of IBS can vary from person to person, and individuals may experience different combinations of symptoms. Here are some common symptoms associated with IBS:

Abdominal pain and cramping
Altered bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
Changes in stool consistency
Bloating and gas
Urgency and incomplete bowel movements
Mucus in the stool
Abdominal distension
Fatigue and tiredness

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other gastrointestinal conditions, so it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of symptoms.

Illustration of Digestive System Suffering From Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome has many potential causes, but its precise reason is unclear. Here are a few of the reasons:

Consuming specific foods or beverages: Food sensitivities or intolerances like consuming dairy, gluten, legumes, and citrus fruits may cause IBS symptoms.
Mental health conditions: although they may not always cause IBS symptoms, having stress, anxiety, or depression can often make them severe.
Abnormal stomach muscle contractions: Cramping, bloating and diarrhea can be caused by the intestinal walls’ strong muscle contractions. But on the other hand, weak contractions might obstruct food passage and result in hard stools.
Hormonal changes: IBS is more common in women. Signs and symptoms frequently worsen during hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances, such as changes in estrogen or progesterone levels.
Infections: The onset of IBS might be caused by viruses or bacteria and severe infection. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Genetic factors: IBS, tends to run in families

It is important to note that while these factors may contribute to developing IBS, the severity and frequency of symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

How can pelvic physiotherapy help manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

It is good to know that pelvic physiotherapy can help manage IBS symptoms. Combined with medical care and dietary modifications, physical therapy can effectively lower the IBS symptoms severity.

At our clinic, we believe in a holistic approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome management. Our physiotherapy services aim to address the physical and emotional factors that contribute to IBS symptoms. Our treatment approach focuses on a combination including:

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Our experienced pelvic floor physiotherapists work with you to assess and treat any dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, which can contribute to IBS symptoms. This may involve manual therapy, biofeedback, and personalized exercise programs.
Abdominal Massage: Gentle, targeted abdominal massage techniques can help relax the abdominal muscles, stimulate bowel movements, and reduce pain and discomfort. We use manual therapy techniques to help reduce tension and improve mobility in the affected areas.
Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Learning proper diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger IBS symptoms.
Posture and Ergonomics: Our physiotherapists can assess your posture and recommend ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on your abdominal muscles and improve overall comfort.
Exercise Prescription: A personalized exercise program, including low-impact cardiovascular activities and core strengthening exercises, can help improve gastrointestinal function and reduce IBS symptoms.
Lifestyle Guidance: Besides hands-on treatment, our therapist may offer education and support to help you better manage your symptoms with lifestyle changes that can help alleviate your symptoms.

Getting Started with Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) Physiotherapy Management

Our personalized approach to IBS management begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand your specific needs and goals. From there, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique situation.

By providing specific stretching and pelvic floor muscles exercises, pelvic therapists at Opal Physio can help increase bowel function through various strategies. Treatment is beneficial for alleviating and preventing stomach bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation. We also try to manage the powerful bowel urges accompanying diarrhea using pelvic floor muscle training.

In addition, our staff are trained in visceral tissue mobilization, a physical technique that promotes proper colon function by mobilizing connective tissues in the internal organs. These treatments necessitate training beyond the typical physical therapy degree and have proven effective for managing IBS in many patients.

The therapists can also treat associated or coexisting illnesses such as fibromyalgia, TMJ disorder, persistent pelvic pain, and IBD. The therapy for these disorders can reduce stress and alleviate IBS symptoms.

You do not have to endure the discomfort and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. We are dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life by effectively managing your IBS symptoms. To book your initial consultation or learn more about our IBS management services, don’t hesitate to contact us.