HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Legacy Physical Therapy is proud to be celebrating our one year anniversary and we are looking forward to many more. We want to start 2010 off with a truly heart-felt THANK YOU to our friends, family, clients, colleagues, and referral sources who have supported us and helped us grow.

Be on the look-out for some exciting changes in 2010. Here is a sneak preview:

• Monthly Bladder Basics class held in the evenings at the clinic
• Refer a Friend Program
• Peri and Postnatal Personalized Fitness Training

We are always looking for feedback from our customers, so if there is something you would like from us, please do not hesitate to ask. Here is to a successful and exciting 2010!

CONSTIPATION

At one point or another in our lives, most of us will experience constipation. The true definition of constipation may shock some of you. Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than 3 times per week. Some people think that they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, normal stool elimination may be 3 times per day or three times a week depending on the person.

Constipated stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel. Most constipation is temporary and not serious.

Who Gets Constipated?

Constipation is one of the most common gatrointestional complaints in the United States. More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits a year. Those reporting constipation most often are women and adults ages 65 and older. Pregnant women may have constipation, and it is a common problem following childbirth or surgery.

Common Causes of Constipation

Constipation occurs when the large intestine absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stool can become hard and dry. Common causes of constipation are:

• Not enough fiber in diet
• Lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)
• Medications
• Milk
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, or travel
• Dehydration
• Abuse of laxatives
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• Specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke
• Problems with colon and rectum
• Problems with intestinal function
• Problems with the pelvic floor muscles and sphincters

Prevention and Symptom Relief

In most cases, follow a few simple tips can help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence:

• Eat a well balanced, high-fiber diet that includes beans, bran, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Exercises regularly. (At a minimum 30 minutes of moderate activity on most if not all days of the week)
• Set aside time after breakfast or dinner for undisturbed visits to the toilet.
• Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Understand that normal bowel habits vary.
• Whenever a significant or prolonged change in bowel habits occurs, check with a doctor.

Most people with mild constipation do not need laxatives. However, a doctor may recommend laxatives for a limited time for people with chronic constipation.

A women's health physical therapist can be a good partner in managing and treating constipation. Physical therapist educate people about diet modifications, exercise programs, proper toileting habits, and bowel massage. Your physical therapist can evaluate if there is a musculoskeletal component to your constipation and design and personalized program to address any dysfunction.

The majority of the information in this article has come from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health.