Not to be confused with IBS, inflammatory bowel disease refers to two conditions that involve inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, but it is most commonly found around the end of the small intestine, before the large intestine. It is characterized by patchy inflammation that can spread through multiple layers of the intestinal tract.

Ulcerative colitis is found starting at the rectum and continues through the large intestine; it only affects one layer of the intestinal tract. Unlike with Crohn’s disease, the inflammation experienced with ulcerative colitis is less patchy and more continuous.

In general, inflammatory bowel disease causes symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, malnutrition, and bloody stool. For both types of IBD, individuals may experience periods of remission in between flare-ups. Some more specific symptoms for each bowel disease also include:

Crohn’s Disease

• Reduced appetite
• Bowel leakage
• Pain near the anus
• Kidney stones
• Inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the liver or joints
• Crohn’s disease can also lead to other complications such as fistulas, abscesses, or bowel obstructions

Ulcerative Colitis

• Urgent bowel movements
• More frequent bowel movements
• Feeling the need to have a bowel movement, but being unable to
• Ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer

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In either case, the exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease is still unknown—most agree it is an immune disorder. This suggests that the body is creating an inaccurate immune response that results in inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is also thought to be hereditary, and is more likely found among those who have the conditions running in their family.

There is no cure for either type of IBD, and so those who are affected by these conditions must develop methods to manage their symptoms alongside regular testing and check-ups.

If you are diagnosed with a form of IBD, it can be beneficial to utilize pelvic floor physical therapy to help manage your symptoms. Physical therapy is not a form of treatment to cure IBD, but it helps improve the quality of life for those who must live with the condition long-term.

Physical therapy can not only help you stay in good health physically, but can also help you manage symptoms of pain from IBD. Additionally, pelvic floor therapy can help you better coordinate your pelvic floor muscles to create healthier bathroom habits.

As mentioned earlier, those with inflammatory bowel disease may experience fatigue, abdominal pain, discomfort, and joint pain. Physical therapy can lessen your symptoms by improving your overall strength, posture, flexibility, and mobility.

This can be achieved through personalized exercises and activities, manual therapy, and many other treatment options. These treatments can also help improve energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve your body’s overall health.

Another important reason to consider pelvic floor physical therapy is that pelvic floor dysfunction is common in those with IBD. Addressing pelvic floor dysfunction can help address irregular or difficult bowel movements, constipation, or incontinence.

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease can range from person to person, but physical therapy is a great way to manage symptoms better and support a healthy lifestyle. Some treatments we utilize at Hive Therapy and Wellness to support patients with IBD include:

• Neuromuscular re-ed
• Manual Therapy 
• Exercise Prescription
• Cupping 
• Behavioral Modification 
• Therapeutic Activity 
• Therapeutic Modalities 
• Biofeedback