Rectal Prolapse
Condition Overview
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum drops down from its normal position out of the anus. You may feel like something is falling out of your anus, like you are sitting on a ball, or you may even notice a bulge at your anus.
Causes of prolapse/rectocele:
Straining/constipation
Poor pressure management
Repetitive heavy lifting with poor body mechanics
Aging/menopause
Pelvic floor weakness
Symptoms of rectal prolapse:
Heaviness, pressure, or feelings of something falling out of the anal opening
Incomplete bowel emptying
Fecal smearing or anal incontinence
Rectal discharge
What Can Physical Therapy Do For Me?
During a physical therapy evaluation, we will assess your bladder/bowel habits, exercise routine, and pressure system through the abdominal wall and diaphragm. We will perform an in-depth muscle examination including and external and internal pelvic floor assessment with your consent. With this, we can determine your abdominal, hip, and pelvic floor muscle tone, strength, endurance, and coordination.
Many times, people do have weakness in the posterior chain - including low back muscles, hamstrings, and glutes. Therefore, a strength routine may be necessary to create enough support posteriorly. We will also have to work on improving your habits surrounding your bowels including reducing straining, improving stool consistency, and improving pooping posture.
In addition, we will have to work on your pressure system to reduce intra-abdominal pressure during lifting, carrying, and functional activities around work and home life.
Manual treatment can include but is not limited to dry needling, myofascial release, cupping, and connective tissue mobilization. Exercises can include but are not limited to kegels, hip and abdominal strengthening, downtraining/pelvic floor stretches, functional mobility exercises and improving body mechanics.
With each session we will reassess and progress as appropriate.