Constipation

Constipation: when the digestive system also relies on movement and bodily regulation

Constipation is an alteration of intestinal transit that can manifest as difficulty evacuating, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, excessive straining, or decreased bowel movement frequency.

Although it is often linked solely to diet, bowel function also depends on the interaction between:

• Nervous system

• Diaphragm and breathing

• Abdominal musculature

• Pelvic floor

• Visceral mobility

• Daily habits

The bowel requires movement, coordination, and proper regulation to perform its function.

Why does constipation occur?

Intestinal transit can be affected by various factors, including:

• Lack of physical mobility

• Sustained stress

• Altered abdominal or pelvic floor muscle tone

• Changes in daily habits

• Altered coordination between breathing, the abdomen, and evacuation

The nervous system plays an important role as it regulates many automatic bodily functions, including digestive activity.

When the body remains in a constant state of tension, it can influence how certain internal processes function.

The importance of visceral therapy

Viscera are not rigid structures; they require mobility within the abdominal cavity to function correctly.

Visceral therapy aims to address mobility restrictions in the tissues surrounding the digestive organs, promoting better interaction between:

• Abdominal organs

• Fasciae

• Diaphragm

• Surrounding tissues

The goal is to improve abdominal mobility and reduce tensions that can impact digestive function.

Breathing and the digestive system

The diaphragm constantly participates in pressure changes within the abdomen. Inefficient, shallow, or stress-induced breathing can alter the relationship between: • Diaphragm

• Abdomen

• Pelvic floor

• Viscera

Breathing re-education helps restore better bodily coordination and promotes more appropriate system regulation.

Hypopressive exercises and abdominal control

Hypopressive exercises target the relationship between:

• Breathing

• Diaphragm

• Deep abdominal musculature

• Pelvic floor

Their goal is to improve the control and activation of deep musculature, facilitating better management of internal abdominal pressures.

They must always be tailored to each individual and their specific needs.

Vagus nerve stimulation: connection with the digestive system

The vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with rest, recovery, and the regulation of various internal processes, including digestive activity.

Stress and constant nervous system activation can influence digestive function.

Therefore, within a comprehensive approach, techniques aimed at supporting nervous system regulation can complement the treatment.

Physiotherapy treatment

The therapeutic approach may include:

• Visceral therapy

• Breathing re-education

• Diaphragm work

• Tailored hypopressive exercises

• Education on lifestyle habits and movement

• Stimulation and regulation techniques for the nervous system (vagus nerve)

Constipation

What is it?

Constipation is an alteration of intestinal transit that can present as difficulty passing stool, a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, excessive straining, or decreased bowel movement frequency.

Although commonly associated solely with diet, bowel function also depends on the coordination between the nervous system, the diaphragm, the abdominal musculature, the pelvic floor, and visceral mobility.

Most Common Symptoms

Difficulty passing stool.
Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation.
Decreased frequency of bowel movements.
Excessive straining during bowel movements.
Feeling of abdominal heaviness.
Bloating or digestive discomfort.

Why does it occur?

Constipation can be related to various factors:

Prolonged stress.
Nervous system dysregulation.
Reduced physical mobility.
Altered muscle tone in the abdomen or pelvic floor.
Changes in daily habits.
Impaired coordination between respiration, the abdomen, and bowel evacuation.

The Importance of the Digestive System and Movement

To function correctly, the gut requires movement, coordination, and proper regulation of the nervous system.

The mobility of the diaphragm, viscera, and pelvic floor directly influences digestive function. Therefore, physiotherapy treatment aims to improve the mobility of these tissues, promote more efficient breathing, and optimize nervous system regulation, including targeting the vagus nerve when indicated.