Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia During Defecation

Key Takeaways

• Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia during defecation happens when the pelvic floor tightens instead of relaxing during a bowel movement.

• It is a coordination issue, not something you are doing wrong.

• Common symptoms include constipation, straining, incomplete emptying, and stool getting stuck.

• Pelvic physiotherapy guides patients in learning how to relax the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn helps improve bowel habits.

• Shift Physiotherapy offers one on one pelvic health care to support long lasting relief.

A Simple Guide to Understanding This Condition and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia during defecation can be confusing, uncomfortable, and frustrating, especially when it affects something as personal as your bowel habits. Many people feel alone when this happens, but it is very common and very treatable. With the right support, your body can learn healthier patterns that make bowel movements easier and more comfortable.

This guide explains pelvic floor dyssynergia during defecation, also known as dyssynergic defecation. This refers specifically to pelvic floor muscles tightening instead of relaxing during a bowel movement. You will learn what symptoms to watch for and how pelvic floor physiotherapy at Shift Physiotherapy can support your recovery.

What Is Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia During Defecation

Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia during defecation happens when the pelvic floor muscles contract or close instead of relaxing and opening during a bowel movement. These muscles are meant to create space and allow stool to pass. When they tighten instead, the body works against itself.

A helpful way to imagine it is trying to push open a door while someone is holding it shut. You are doing the right thing, but the coordination pattern is mismatched.

Although dyssynergia can technically occur during urination or even during the second stage of labour, this blog focuses specifically on pelvic floor dyssynergia during defecation because it is one of the most common and most misunderstood forms.

This is a coordination issue, not something you are doing wrong.

Why Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia During Defecation Happens

There is not one single cause. Instead, several factors can contribute to this pattern:

• long term straining

• chronic constipation

• high stress or tension patterns in the body

• tightening your pelvic floor without realizing it

• abdominal or pelvic surgeries

• changes after childbirth

• habitually ignoring the urge to go

The encouraging news is that the pelvic floor can learn healthier coordination with proper guidance.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia During Defecation

Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia during a bowel movement can look different for everyone. The most common signs include:

Difficulty having a bowel movement

• stool feels stuck

• needing to strain or push hard

• bowel movements that start then stop

• feeling like the pelvic floor is blocking stool

Feeling like you cannot fully empty

• needing to return to the bathroom

• feeling like something is still left

• long bathroom visits

Changes in stool pattern

• constipation

• small or pellet like stool

• irregular or unpredictable bowel habits

Pressure or discomfort

• rectal pressure

• discomfort in the abdomen after trying to go 

These symptoms can affect your comfort, mood, and daily routine, but they can be treated successfully with the guidance of a pelvic floor physiotherapist.

How Pelvic Physiotherapy Helps With Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia

Pelvic physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for pelvic floor dyssynergia during defecation. At Shift Physiotherapy, our physiotherapist works one on one with you to retrain the pelvic floor and reduce difficulty during bowel movements.

What Treatment Focuses On

• understanding how the pelvic floor works

• helping the muscles relax during bowel movements

• improving coordination between breath, core, and pelvic floor

• reducing straining habits

• improving stool passage

• building bathroom habits that support easier bowel movements

What A Session May Include

All pelvic health appointments at Shift Physiotherapy are private and one on one. Treatment may include:

• gentle relaxation techniques

• breath work to release tension

• improved pushing strategies

• positions that make bowel movements more comfortable

• exercises that retrain pelvic floor coordination

As pelvic floor physiotherapists, we are trained to perform internal pelvic floor examinations. Using this skill, we can provide biofeedback to help patients reconnect with their pelvic floor muscles. Some of Shift’s team members have completed continuing education in anorectal disorders and, when appropriate, may use anorectal balloon biofeedback techniques. Along with in clinic treatment, all patients receive a home program to support pelvic coordination outside of sessions.

During your pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment, your therapist may also assess your abdominal muscle function and your breathing. The entire system works together, and good coordination between breath, core, and pelvic floor makes bowel movements smoother and more comfortable.

Internal exams are always optional and done only with your full consent. Your therapist can begin with external treatment if you prefer.

Why Pelvic Physiotherapy Works So Well

Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia during defecation is a coordination issue. Physiotherapy works by retraining the movement patterns your body uses during a bowel movement.

Pelvic floor physio helps by:

• teaching the muscles when to relax

• increasing awareness of pelvic tension

• breaking old habits that make symptoms worse

• reducing stress around bowel movements

• creating healthy long term patterns

With practice and support, your body can learn to release and let go more easily.

How Shift Physiotherapy Supports You

Our pelvic floor health physiotherapists at Shift Physiotherapy create a safe, comfortable environment where you can learn about your body without judgment. Many people feel embarrassed talking about bowel movements, but our team works with pelvic floor health conditions every day and understands how personal this can feel.

When you come to Shift, you can expect:

• one-on-one care

• a private and supportive environment

• clear evidence-based education

• personalized treatment plans

• guidance you can use right away

We help you understand what is happening, why it is happening, and how to feel better moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia During Defecation

Is Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia the same as constipation

Not exactly. Constipation can be part of it, but dyssynergia refers to the pelvic floor tightening instead of relaxing during a bowel movement.

Do I need a referral to see a pelvic physiotherapist

Usually no. You can book directly unless your insurance requires a referral.

Will I need an internal exam

Internal exams can help but are never required. You decide what you are comfortable with.

Can Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia be fixed

Yes. Many people experience significant improvement with pelvic floor physiotherapy.

How long will it take to feel better

Every person is different, but many people notice improvement within a few sessions.

What You Should Know Moving Forward

Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia during defecation can make bowel movements challenging, but it is very treatable. With the right support, your pelvic floor can learn to relax and coordinate more effectively.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a gentle and effective way to retrain your muscles and support long lasting improvement. The pelvic health team at Shift Physiotherapy is here to help you understand your symptoms, improve coordination, and feel more at ease in your body.

You do not have to navigate this alone. Support is available, and recovery is possible.

Ready to Get Support for Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia

If you are experiencing difficulty with bowel movements, straining, or feeling like your pelvic floor is working against you, our pelvic health team is here to help. Book an appointment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist at Shift Physiotherapy and start moving toward easier, more comfortable bowel habits.

Book your pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment today.