Pelvic Floor Retraining and Biofeedback


How it works: Patients with pelvic floor dysfunction have trouble relaxing their pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles which makes it harder to pass a bowel movement. Biofeedback teaches people how to relax their pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincter so they can more normally and more completely pass a bowel movement. Body sensors are used to show you how your pelvic floor muscles and sphincter are tightening and relaxing. Sensors measure muscle tension which you can see on a monitor. This visual guide can help you learn how to have a more normal bowel movement.

Which symptoms does it help: Constipation, abdominal pain, bloating may all improve.

How long it takes to see a benefit: It can vary. As with most IBS treatments, biofeedback may take weeks to show full benefit.

FDA approved: N/A

Dosage: N/A

Special considerations or risks: Biofeedback protocols involve internal rectal training to be performed by a physical therapist or specially trained technician.

Most common side effects: N/A

Recommendation: ACG suggests biofeedback therapy for IBS patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.