The gastrointestinal system has specialized mechanisms along its entire length from the mouth to the anal canal. Colonic motility (stool movement) is affected by food or feces in the system, hormones, neural on/off switches and emotions. The anal sphincters which surround the anus (bowel outlet), are muscles that assist in bowel control. They work with the pelvic muscles which need to have the ability to contract and relax as required during defecation (bowel movement). If these mechanisms have been disrupted, physiotherapy treatment can provide the reeducation needed for more normal bowel function.