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Beyond Biofeedback: Expanding Perspectives on Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Evacuation Disorders
Mira M Yang1, Cayla Bales2, Luis Felipe Carvao3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) practices vary in training and treatment approaches for bowel disorders. Improving clinician communication and referrals is key to enhancing patient outcomes and access to care.
Area of Science:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Gastroenterology
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Background:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is crucial for managing constipation and fecal incontinence.
- Limited data exists on PFPT practice characteristics and barriers to care for evacuation disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey PFPT practices in the Chicagoland area.
- To explore practice characteristics, treatment modalities, and attitudes toward evacuation disorders.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of pelvic floor physical therapists via phone and email.
- Data collected from 48 respondents representing 58 practices.
- Mixed methods analysis including quantitative aggregation, mapping, and thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Geographic disparities in PFPT provider density were observed.
- Therapist training and certification levels varied; biofeedback was widely used but with mixed effectiveness for chronic constipation.
- Barriers included vague referrals and patient misinformation.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary insights suggest a need for improved access to PFPT for bowel symptoms.
- Enhanced collaboration between referring clinicians and PFPT providers is recommended.
- Earlier, detailed referrals can improve patient outcomes.
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