Anorectal biofeedback therapy offers a non-invasive approach for individuals experiencing specific bowel dysfunctions. This specialized form of physical therapy helps patients regain control over their bowel movements. Its general purpose is to teach individuals how to better coordinate the muscles involved in defecation.
Understanding Anorectal Biofeedback Therapy
Anorectal biofeedback therapy centers on the principle of “biofeedback,” which involves using electronic instruments to provide real-time information about physiological processes. These processes, like muscle activity, are unconscious. The therapy makes these internal signals visible or audible, allowing individuals to gain conscious control over them.
In the context of bowel control, this technique specifically applies to the muscles of the pelvic floor and rectum. It re-educates these muscles, improving their function. By making their activity apparent, patients learn to identify, strengthen, relax, or coordinate them more effectively.
Mechanism of Anorectal Biofeedback
The mechanism of anorectal biofeedback involves specialized sensors. These sensors, probes or surface electrodes, are placed in or near the anal canal and rectum. They measure physiological parameters, such as muscle electrical activity (electromyography or EMG) or pressure changes (manometry).
This information is translated into visual displays or auditory signals. Patients receive immediate feedback, allowing them to observe or hear how their pelvic floor and rectal muscles respond during exercises. This real-time feedback enables individuals to understand how their efforts impact muscle function.
For instance, a patient might see a line on a screen rise or fall as they contract or relax their muscles, or hear a tone change in pitch. This direct sensory input guides them in learning to strengthen weak muscles, relax overly tense ones, or coordinate muscle groups for proper bowel function.
Conditions Addressed by Biofeedback
Anorectal biofeedback therapy addresses several conditions related to bowel control. One application is treating fecal incontinence, the involuntary leakage of stool. This condition stems from weakened anal sphincter muscles, poor rectal sensation, or discoordination of continence muscles.
Another condition treated is chronic constipation, particularly when it results from dyssynergic defecation. Here, individuals struggle to pass stool because their abdominal and pelvic floor muscles do not coordinate correctly during attempted bowel movements. The anal sphincter muscles may contract or fail to relax sufficiently, hindering stool expulsion. Biofeedback helps individuals with these conditions correct these muscle discoordinations.
The Anorectal Biofeedback Experience
An anorectal biofeedback session lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. Patients are advised to avoid eating for about two hours before the session; some centers recommend an enema to ensure the area is clear. During the session, the patient is positioned comfortably, usually seated.
Small sensors, such as probes or surface electrodes, are placed to measure muscle activity or pressure. The therapist guides the patient through various exercises, including muscle contractions, relaxation techniques, and simulated defecation maneuvers. The real-time visual or auditory feedback helps the patient understand and correct their muscle responses. A course of therapy involves 4 to 6 sessions, scheduled weekly or bi-weekly.
Achieving Positive Outcomes
Anorectal biofeedback therapy aims to improve muscle control, coordination, and awareness for individuals. The goal is to improve the patient’s ability to manage symptoms such as fecal incontinence or chronic constipation. By learning to activate and relax the pelvic floor and rectal muscles, patients gain better control over their bowel movements.
The therapy helps normalize muscle responses, leading to more effective and comfortable defecation. Achieving lasting results depends on the patient’s consistent practice of the learned techniques at home. This practice reinforces new muscle coordination patterns, contributing to symptom improvement.