Bowel Dysfunction

Commonly Treated Conditions- Bowel Dysfunction

Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of feces through an inability to prevent its passage; or through the inability to differentiate between the presence of feces or gas. This condition is physically and psychologically disabling and is a significant social and public health issue.

Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse is a “falling down” of the rectum. This may result in feeling as if something is “falling out”, pain or pressure in the rectal or vaginal area, fecal incontinence, feelings of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement, and a decreased tolerance for normal daily activities or exercise. Symptoms may worsen with coughing and sneezing as with a cold or allergies, or constipation.

Women are more likely to have rectal prolapse than men, secondary to trauma from labor and delivery. However, there are just as many women who develop this condition with advancing age who have never had any children. Men usually develop rectal prolapse before 40 years of age.

Constipation
Chronic constipation can have many causes that will require the skilled care of a physician to further evaluate, but with a team approach including a physical therapist, the overall outcome may be much better.

A contributing cause of constipation can be tight, non-relaxing pelvic floor muscles that result in an individual straining to pass stool. That chronic straining is detrimental to the pelvic floor muscles and can cause feelings of pain, incomplete emptying, and worsen hemorrhoids or pelvic organ prolapse.

Biofeedback is a useful tool that promotes patient awareness of how to relax the pelvic floor muscles with appropriate positioning on the toilet. Adequate fluid intake, diet and consistent toileting times with abdominal massage techniques to speed intestinal action can improve symptoms.

How Does Physical Therapy Help?

It can help by teaching you how to strengthen and improve coordination of weakened pelvic floor and abdominal muscles using biofeedback equipment and real-time rehabilitative ultrasound imaging .
Education to appropriately manage your symptoms through a well rounded home program that might include exercises for strengthening, stretching, diet and fluid modifications, relaxation strategies and more

Personal Physical Therapy Services

Dr. Jennifer Thibodeau, P.T., D.P.T.

480 W. Jubal Early Drive, Ste 310
Winchester, VA 22601
Phone/Text: (540)450-0680
Fax: (540)450-0681
Email: [email protected]

Privacy Policy
Personal Physical Therapy Services is a private medical practice providing women’s health, men’s health, and orthopedic physical therapy care to the Winchester community and surrounding region. The purpose of this privacy policy is to let patients know how and in what situations personal information is gathered, maintained and safeguarded.

The type of patient information that will be requested to be collected at the time of initiation of medical care includes name, address, phone number, date of birth, emergency contact, a copy of your insurance card, a copy of your photo ID card, completion of paperwork detailing why you are requesting medical care, and a copy of any physician referral.

Patient information will be collected in the office at the initiation of medical care via paper and electronic methods.

No patient information is ever collected online or via SMS. Patient information will only be collected in the office at the time of the first medical evaluation and will only be utilized to the extent required to provide medical care, bill insurance, and/or communicate with a referring physician as allowed in accordance with HIPPAA compliant regulations.

Only necessary information for the purpose of providing medical care is ever maintained and safely stored in accordance with HIPAA compliant regulations.

Personal Physical Therapy Services does not share any of your personal data with third parties, ever.

All patients have the right to their personal information. You may request more details anytime on how your information is being accessed and utilized in the delivery of your care. Please call the office directly to update or change the information that is on file.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact:
Dr. Jennifer Thibodeau PT, DPT
Personal Physical Therapy Services
480 W. Jubal Early Drive, Suite 310
Winchester, VA 22601
Phone 540-450-0680 Fax 540-450-0681
Email [email protected]

SMS opt-in or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS are not being shared.

Terms & Conditions
A Terms of Service is a legally binding agreement between a service provider and the user, delineating the rules and conditions for utilizing the service. It typically encompasses aspects such as user rights, responsibilities, and limitations of liability.

1. Introduction
Welcome to Personal Physical Therapy Services. By accessing or using our services, including receiving SMS communications, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not engage with our services.
2. Consent for SMS Communication
By providing your consent to receive SMS communications, you acknowledge and agree to receive text messages from Personal Physical Therapy Services at the phone number you provide. Information obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties.
3. Types of SMS Communications
If you have consented to receive text messages, you may receive SMS communications related to the following:
Patients: Updates regarding your care or other relevant information.
4. Standard Messaging Disclosures
Message and data rates may apply. Standard messaging rates will be charged by your mobile service provider.
You can opt-out of receiving SMS messages at any time by texting "STOP" to the number from which you received the message.
For assistance, text "HELP" or visit our [Privacy Policy URL] and [Terms of Service URL].
5. Privacy
We respect your privacy and will only use the information you provide to communicate with you via SMS as outlined above. Your personal data will not be shared with third parties unless required by law or as necessary to deliver the requested service.
6. Modifications
We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. By continuing to engage with our services, you agree to be bound by any changes to these terms.