Efficacy of Physical Therapy Effective in Dyssynergic Defecation

Authors

Felicia Shaya Ms., University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Gastroenterology

Advisor

Dr. Thomas Colletti

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the efficacy of pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) as a treatment for dyssynergic defecation (DD), a common pelvic floor disorder. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a mainstream treatment for pelvic floor disorders; however, the fine details of therapy can deviate and there is no standardized technique to reproduce the best outcome.

Methods: A PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, American College of Gastroenterology, Neurogastroenterology and Motility search was conducted with search terms constipation, DD, pelvic floor dysfunction and PFPT. Inclusion criteria was adults over 18. 43 pertinent articles were retrieved and after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria 23 served as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: An effective treatment for DD is PFPT which is effective in treating DD in adults with overall improvement in symptoms and functionality. However, there is limited detailed description in PFPT methods.

Conclusion: Pelvic floor physical therapy is effective in adults with DD, however there is lack of standardization of methods utilized, therefore underutilization of PFPT is common and can be an unfamiliar concept to many providers. Further research would be beneficial and would improve patient outcomes, the effectiveness of long term PFPT and standardized methods of therapy.

Keywords: Pelvic floor physical therapy, pelvic floor muscle training, dyssynergic defecation and constipation.

Recommended Citation

Shaya F. Efficacy of Physical Therapy Effective in Dyssynergic Defecation. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(4).