Skilled Bowel Physical Therapy/
Bowel Retraining
What we do.
At Trailhead Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating bowel and rectal disorders. We understand that many of you have experienced significant trauma, and we are committed to helping you navigate this challenging journey. Remember that the body is remarkable and often capable of healing itself. Let's work together to improve your quality of life.
Skilled Bowel Physical Therapy Q&A
What is skilled bowel therapy or bowel retraining?
Bowel retraining is a holistic, individualized treatment program for bowel issues, developed collaboratively with your medical team. The program is skills-based, structured and evidence-based.
What is your goal with the bowel retraining program?
The goal is to improve or regain bowel control and independence for a better quality of life.
Who comes to see you for bowel retraining?
People needing help with chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, incomplete emptying, other bowel dysfunction or rectal disorders.
The skilled bowel program is beneficial for individuals who:
 Are tired of constipation. |  Experience abdominal issues due to scar tissue. |
|---|---|
 Have a team of doctors and specialists. |  Have undergone many procedures. |
 Knows all about robotic surgeries. |  Have a colostomy bag. |
 Who may have an upcoming surgery scheduled. |  Who use enemas daily. |
 And who is looking for a clinic that provides balloon biofeedback. |
What does your retraining program entail?
The following forms the basis of the retraining program:
 We do a thorough evaluation. |  And may perform an internal during the evaluation or treatment, if appropriate. |
|---|---|
 Having you fill out a bowel, symptom, or food diary. |  Establishing a schedule to facilitate bowel movements. |
 Teaching you to work with your body's urge or how to find it. |  Working with your team to optimize your fiber and fluid intake for optimum stool consistency. |
 Teaching you best toilet position for your body. |  Breathing exercises and managing intra-abdominal pressure. |
 Retraining pelvic floor muscle coordination. |  Teaching pelvic floor muscle relaxation or strengthening. |
 Teaching you kegel exercises the right way, if appropriate. |  Other exercises to support your bowel program. |
 Visceral manipulation to encourage organ mobility. |  Any other specialized techniques geared towards your specific diagnosis. |
 And we will explain the anatomy to you as we go, so it all makes sense. |
Could you please provide more detailed information about some of your treatments?
Balloon Biofeedback
Sometimes our bodies have forgotten how to do their job.
Balloon biofeedback is an amazing tool that helps us regain sensations and helps our muscles remember how to move effectively.
No other tool simulates the feeling of something inside our rectum better, and with this tool, we can help you discover the feeling of an urge again. Sometimes feelings of urge can come from inside your abdomen or other unexpected areas.
Recommended for anyone with rectal or anal conditions, those who cannot feel an urge, frequent enema users, and also for those with pelvic floor dyssynergia when you need a little more help.
Surface EMG
Surface EMG is a great tool, especially for rectal or anal conditions, or for those who regularly use enemas, helping you feel your pelvic floor contract and relax.
Sometimes, we are unaware that the pelvic floor muscles may actually be doing the exact opposite of what they should, and visual cueing in biofeedback can be very helpful.
Using the visual biofeedback tool can also help us learn how to relax those muscles.
Also, when you do sEMG, you don't feel a thing, and you can view the results on a computer screen.
Gentle visceral manipulation
We gently mobilize the organs to help soften restrictions, allowing them to glide more easily in their environment.
This is our go-to treatment and can have lasting results.
Nerve mobilization
Through gentle manual techniques, we help free up the nerves again. This can be done with nerves experiencing pain, or to free up nerves and blood vessels to provide areas with better bloodflow. The fascia and connective tissues are rich in nerve and blood vessels.
Organs store emotions
Did you know that your organs can store emotions? Think of "gut feeling", or "butterflies in my stomach". We help you find connections between your emotions and your organs.
Nervous system down-regulation
We help you find strategies that work for you to help your nervous system return to a resting state, and the importance of the brain-gut connection, which plays a significant role in bowel function.
Let's try to make food fun again
“On more than one occasion, Sunel has been the one who has been able to pinpoint the cause of my pain correctly when others have failed.”
M.V
"Sunel makes embarrassing and sensitive issues very easy to talk about."
A.H
