Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives

Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation01:25

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Mixed (reusable/single-use) catheter management versus single-use catheter management for intermittent catheter users (MultICath): A non-inferiority randomised controlled trial.

International journal of nursing studies·2026
Same author

Four Year Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Vaginal Pessary Self-Management Versus Clinic-Based Care for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (TOPSY): Long Term Follow-Up of a Randomised Controlled Superiority Trial.

BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology·2025
Same author

Trial to compare mixed-use (multi-use and single-use) intermittent catheter management with single-use management over 12 months (The MultICath Trial): protocol for a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial.

BMJ open·2024
Same author

'There's Nothing Wrong With You; You Just Need to Lose Weight'-A Qualitative Exploration of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Among Women With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Interaction in Seeking Pelvic Healthcare.

Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy·2024
Same author

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of pessary self-management versus clinic-based care for pelvic organ prolapse in women: the TOPSY RCT with process evaluation.

Health technology assessment (Winchester, England)·2024
Same author

Cost-Effectiveness of 2 Models of Pessary Care for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Findings From the TOPSY Randomized Controlled Trial.

Value in health : the journal of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research·2024

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Does abdominal massage relieve constipation?

Doreen McClurg1, Andrea Lowe-Strong

  • 1Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, USA.

Nursing Times
|April 28, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Abdominal massage effectively relieves constipation by stimulating bowel movements and reducing discomfort. This safe, easily teachable therapy is a valuable option for managing constipation in various patient groups.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Physical Therapy

Background:

  • Abdominal massage has a long history of use for constipation.
  • Evidence regarding its efficacy and optimal patient populations remains incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal massage in relieving constipation.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
  • Included studies encompassed observational data, case reports, and randomized controlled trials.

Main Results:

  • Abdominal massage effectively alleviates constipation from diverse physiological origins.
  • It enhances peristalsis, shortens colonic transit time, and increases bowel movement frequency.
  • The therapy also mitigates associated discomfort and pain.

More Related Videos

Fixation and Operational Method for Abdominal Massage in T2DM Mice
05:57

Fixation and Operational Method for Abdominal Massage in T2DM Mice

Published on: March 7, 2025

Abdominal Massage to Improve Motor Dysfunction in Rats with Cerebral Palsy
08:24

Abdominal Massage to Improve Motor Dysfunction in Rats with Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 11, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Fixation and Operational Method for Abdominal Massage in T2DM Mice
05:57

Fixation and Operational Method for Abdominal Massage in T2DM Mice

Published on: March 7, 2025

Abdominal Massage to Improve Motor Dysfunction in Rats with Cerebral Palsy
08:24

Abdominal Massage to Improve Motor Dysfunction in Rats with Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 11, 2023

Conclusions:

  • Abdominal massage is a recommended therapeutic option for constipation management.
  • It presents no adverse side effects and is readily transferable to patients and caregivers for self-administration.