Bloated? I can help you with that!
It really sucks when you get that bloated feeling in your lower abdomen and pelvic region. There could be many reasons why this is happening but to assure you, there are many treatments available as well.
Medical causes of bloating can include irritable bowel syndrome, food sensitivities, hormonal changes, stress and even gastrointestinal infections.
Bloating is often accompanied by pain, gas, lots of abdominal gurgling and burping. If you feel super uncomfortable from the pain and pressure, it may be time to see a healthcare professional!
A pelvic health physiotherapist can help in many ways:
Recommendations for dietary modification - we aren’t dietitians but we can certainly provide some information on how to make the bowels move better and avoid irritation of the GI tract aka avoiding food triggers.
Recommendations for sleep modifications - sometimes, changes in sleep positions can help! Try sleeping on an incline with your head slightly lifted with an increased number of pillows.
Manual therapy - Visceral manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, and simple belly massages can improve organ function, improve bowel movements and decrease bloating!
Practice deep breathing - there are many ways to breathe deeply. Belly breathing is often taught but I like to focus on 3D breathing techniques where you breathe into the back and sides of the rib cage in addition to the belly!
Don’t suffer in silence from bloating… You can manage the pain and gas by seeing a healthcare professional! Now you know :)