Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Improve Your Digestive Health With Physical Therapy
Most people don’t immediately think of digestive health when they think of physical therapy treatments. However, there are actually multiple benefits that physical therapy can bring to gastrointestinal wellness. Exercise plays a key role in making sure your internal functions are operating properly – and when everything is working smoothly internally, your body is also able to perform well externally. For more information on how physical therapy can help improve your digestive health, contact Total Body PT today.
How can physical therapy help with GI health?
At Total Body PT, one of our dedicated physical therapists will work closely with you to design a treatment plan specifically fit for your needs. For a treatment plan focused around GI health, the majority of your treatments will revolve around gentle exercises, aimed at moving your body in optimal ways for enhanced digestion. Physical therapy has the ability to treat several gastrointestinal disorders and conditions, including, but not limited to:
- IBS/IBD.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Acid reflux.
- Constipation.
- Gallstones.
- Ulcer disease.
- Diverticular disease.
- Liver disease.
- GI cancers.
Research shows that PT treatments not only manage the symptoms of GI conditions, but it can protect and prevent against harm to the GI tract altogether. In fact, people who exercise regularly are at a decreased risk of developing diverticular disease, colon cancer, and constipation than those who do not.
What happens to the GI tract when you exercise?
When you exercise, the gut is stimulated, which increases intestinal activity. This provides proper blood flow to the muscles, including those in the digestive system, thus allowing food to easily pass through. Exercising also increases gut microbiota, which are linked to improved metabolic and inflammatory markers.
Athletes typically have higher levels of gut microbiota, as they are constantly exercising and practicing healthy lifestyle choices. By exercising for at least thirty minutes a day, 5 times a week, in addition to maintaining a nutritional diet, you will notice a significant decrease in GI condition-related symptoms.
Contact Total Body PT today:
If you are looking to improve your digestive health and overall wellness, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We will get you started on the right path toward symptom relief and recovery!
