Fecal Incontinence is the involuntary loss of rectal contents, either gas liquid or solid stool. This can occur after childbirth, certain surgeries, diseases and infections. Diarrhea is defined when a person has more than 3 bowel movements per day with loose or watery stools more than 75% of the time. Constipation is defined as having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week with straining at passing stool more than 25% of the time. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. There are altered patterns of intestinal muscle contractions (motility). Symptoms include constipation and or diarrhea, abdominal pain and distension, altered bowel function, excessive production of colon mucus and indigestion. Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia/Anismus/Obstructed Defecation can be confused with simple constipation. There is impaired rectal contraction, some pelvic muscle spasm, decreased anal relaxation and incoordination. Biofeedback and pelvic muscle re-education can correct these abnormal patterns. Pelvic Muscle Tension Disorders - see Chronic Pelvic Pain pages. Passing a bowel movement (defecation) is a complex mechanism involving the brain, nervous system, bowel, sphincters, pelvic and abdominal muscles. Sometimes this mechanism becomes disrupted, however, with physiotherapy treatment you can be retrained resulting in more normal bowel function. The pelvic muscles, which form a sling from pubic bone to tailbone, assist in controlling bowel and bladder function. If the pelvic muscles are weak, incoordinated, or have increased muscle spasm, they can affect bowel function. The pelvic and abdominal muscles can be rehabilitated by relaxing, repatterning, strengthening and biofeedback. Other components of the treatment program may include: learning correct defecation techniques, musculoskeletal & trigger point therapy, bowel & bladder retraining, electrical stimulation, pain reducing & relaxation techniques, dietary modification, informational diaries, postural correction and soft tissue mobilization.