Pelvic Physiotherapy for Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures
Amy Price PT, MSc PT, BSc Kin
Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are two common yet distressing conditions that affect many people at different times in their lives. Both conditions can cause discomfort, pain, and embarrassment, impacting an individual's quality of life. While there are various treatment options available, including medications and surgical procedures, pelvic physiotherapy has emerged as a promising non-invasive approach to manage and alleviate the symptoms associated with these conditions.
Understanding Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures
Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are both related to the anal region but differ in their causes and symptoms. Hemorrhoids are swollen and protruding veins in the lower rectum and anus. They can be internal, located inside the rectum, or external, located under the skin around the anus. Symptoms of hemorrhoids can include bright red blood with bowel movements, pain, and itching in the anal area. Hemorrhoids often result from increased pressure on the veins in the rectal area, commonly caused by straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet too long, chronic constipation or diarrhea, obesity, or pregnancy.
On the other hand, anal fissures are small tears or cracks in the lining of the anus. They typically occur due to trauma or injury to the anal canal, often caused by passing hard or large stools, chronic constipation, or prolonged diarrhea. Anal fissures are characterized by pain and bleeding during bowel movements, and the discomfort can persist even after defecation. Anal fissures are most painful during/just after a bowel movements, whereas hemorrhoids may not have associated pain, or may have constant pain that is not related just to bowel movements.
Treatment Options
The treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures depends on the severity of the condition and the individual's symptoms. Conservative measures such as dietary modifications, increasing fiber intake, and topical medications may provide relief for mild cases. However, more severe cases may require medical intervention, including botox injections or surgical procedures.
Pelvic Physiotherapy for Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures
Pelvic physiotherapy can also be beneficial for individuals suffering from hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Often times individual’s who are suffering from hemorrhoids or anal fissures may have dysfunction in their pelvic floor muscles. Excess tension in the pelvic floor muscles or difficulty coordinating muscle contraction and relaxation can contribute to these conditions occurring. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can improve pelvic floor muscle function by training muscle control and relaxation to improve symptoms and prevent reoccurrence. Additionally, manual release to the pelvic floor muscles can help to address tension and pain and improve function. Also, pelvic floor physiotherapists ca provide guidance on good bowel habits and strategies for emptying to minimize straining that can aggravate these conditions.
Hemorrhoids and anal fissures can be painful and debilitating conditions, but pelvic physiotherapy offers a holistic approach to managing symptoms and promoting healing from within. By addressing underlying muscular dysfunction and promoting optimal pelvic floor function, pelvic physiotherapy can help individuals regain control over their bowel function and alleviate the discomfort associated with these conditions. The pelvic physiotherapists at Proactive Pelvic Health Centre can provide assessment and treatment for these conditions, and help to improve symptoms greatly.
References:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Hemorrhoids. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Anal fissure. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/anal-fissure
Shafik, A. (2003). Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation for patients with hemorrhoids: A novel approach. European Journal of Surgery, 168(11), 661-666. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14724926/