Bowel disorders: Constipation, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Gastroparesis
Bowel Disorders
The most common bowel disorders include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroparesis. These often affect your small intestine, large intestine, or other areas within the digestive system compromising gut function and health. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. These conditions have a direct correlation to Dysautonomia, EDS, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue.
At Parr PT, specialized physical therapy can help reduce pain, bloating, and regulate bowel movements. We use a variety of treatments that include manual therapy, visceral manipulation, electrical stimulation, and Myokinesthetics (MYK). Our team will create a comprehensive treatment program and optimize your results with an individualized exercise and nutritional plan.
Constipation
One of the most common bowel disorders is constipation, which can cause a lot of discomfort. Many people who suffer from this condition have fewer than 3 bowel movements a week and experience straining as well as abdominal pain. Common remedies include dietary changes, over-the-counter products, and hydration. However, many people are unaware that specialized physical therapy treatments can be highly effective in reducing and even eliminating these symptoms.
Our specific GI therapy uses hands-on techniques and electrical stimulation to target the nerves responsible for bowel movements. One technique in particular is Visceral Manipulation. This technique is used to identify any adhesions, fascial restrictions, or mobility issues within the abdominal cavity. There, we utilize our hands-on techniques to reduce the restrictions in that region allowing for more normalized movement. Once mobility has been restored, the digestive system begins to re-regulate and work more efficiently.
In addition, we provide individualized at home programs that that reinforce autonomic functioning to improve the speed of recovery for longer-lasting results.
IBS | Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Commonly known as “IBS”, Irritable Bowel Syndrome results inflammation in the large intestine due to abnormalities with nerve function. Common symptoms include gas, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea. Due to the nature of these chronic symptoms, it’s important to start physical therapy for pain management and relief. Multiple systems are involved when treating this condition so having a structured program can begin the recovery process.
IBS is often related to visceral restrictions in the abdomen that do not allow the digestive organs to work properly. By using our “Local Listening” technique, we are able to identify which part of the digestive system that may be responsible for these symptoms. In addition, we are able to locate other areas in the body that may be contributing to these symptoms.
We also use a direct current to target specific nerves to begin regulating nerve function to the gut. Other interventions include myokinesthetics, autonomic regulatory specific exercises, and manual therapy. PARR PT will provide you with a “whole body” approach program to begin to healing process.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis can result from medications or nerve dysfunction that doesn’t allow the stomach to empty properly. It can also occur due to poor Vagus nerve function. Symptoms vary from heartburn, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. Using the PARR PT Method, the regulation of the Vagus nerve signals to the stomach and other digestive organs is achieved at a much faster rate.
Since every case is so different, a thorough evaluation is necessary to understand what other areas of the body can be contributing to these symptoms. In some cases, the issue may be coming from the neck, other cases from the SI region. This is why we also use unconventional treatments that include using postural techniques and intestinal massage to provide longer lasting pain relief and stomach function.
In addition, each individual is provided a video-based exercise plan to improve specific abdominal muscles to assist with normal stomach functioning. Not only do we provide at home stomach remedies for constipation, but also for gastroparesis. Learn more about our getting the complete “at home package” to begin your journey towards recovery.
GI Testimonial
Laura K | Austin, Texas
In addition to all of the help with my balance, muscular strength, etc, what has been truly unbelievable to me is the impact his PT work has had on my GI system. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis years ago and had experienced symptoms for 20 years — no doctor had ever been able to figure out anything to improve my symptoms, instead, often accidentally making them worse with medications, etc — within 8 weeks of working with Jonathan, my GI symptoms had improved to a level that I hadn’t experienced since I was 12 years old, and that level has held pretty steadily ever since. I highly recommend Jonathan Parr, particularly for anyone with a connective tissue disorder or a GI-specific autoimmune disorder — he actually listens, analyzes and incorporates what he’s hearing and seeing into what he’s doing, which is so rare to find in medical/healthcare providers.