Ever Used a Squatty Potty? Chicago’s New Bathroom Movement for Better Bowel Health
Changing your poop posture can significantly improve bowel movements. Here’s how to use a Squatty Potty or similar bathroom tools:
Sit - Sit comfortably on the toilet.
Elevate your Feet - Place your feet on the Squatty Potty, leaning slightly forward with knees above your hips.
Why? Sitting normally can kink your colon, making it harder to poop. Elevating your feet mimics a natural squat, opening your colon for smoother, more complete emptying.
Relax and Don’t Push - You shouldn’t have to strain to poop—your body is designed to do it naturally.
How? Deep breaths activate your body’s relaxation response, allowing your colon’s natural movements to push the stool out. This reduces straining and helps prevent issues like hemorrhoids, pelvic organ prolapse, or constipation.
Why Your Toilet Posture Matters
You might not think about your toilet posture, but it can have a huge impact on your health. A poor posture can lead to issues like constipation, hemorrhoids, and even pelvic organ prolapse. Many people struggle with bowel health without realizing that something as simple as posture can make a world of difference.
Puborectalis Muscle and Optimal Pooping Position:
This image illustrates the function of the puborectalis muscle, which forms a sling around the rectum. When you're in a seated position (top), the puborectalis muscle stays contracted, keeping a bend in the rectum and making it harder to poop. Using a potty stool mimics a natural squatting position, which relaxes the puborectalis muscle, straightens the rectum, and allows for easier and more complete elimination. This is why using a Squatty Potty or similar stool can significantly improve your bowel movements.
Health Issues to Watch For
Improving your bathroom routine is more than just convenience. If you experience:
Pellet or pebble like stools
Frequent straining
Incomplete emptying of bowels
Discomfort during bowel movements
Difficulty controlling gas or keeping stool in
These could be signs that your pelvic floor needs attention.
The Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
At Chicago Pelvic Health, we focus on empowering you to make small, impactful changes for better health. Our expert pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in addressing all bathroom issues to include things like:
Bladder pain or Interstitial Cystitis
QR Code Scan to Learn More!
When you see our stickers or QR codes around town, be sure to scan them! You’ll gain access to valuable resources, tips, and expert advice on how to enhance your pelvic health. You’ll learn healthy bathroom habits like how peeing “just in case” or spending longer than 15-20 minutes to poop might lead to more problems down the road.
Buy a Squatty Potty at Chicago Pelvic
Stop by our clinic located in the heart of Dupage County, and purchase your Squatty Potty today for better at home bowel movements!
Participating Local Businesses:
Ready to step up your poop game with the Squatty Potty? Here’s a list of local businesses in the Chicagoland area that have partnered with Chicago Pelvic Health to promote better bowel health:
……Coming soon
More Being added Everyday! Have your favorite spot reach out to us to get moving on this Pelvic Health Campaign!
These businesses care about your health as much as we do, so on behalf of all pelvic floors in Chicagoland, thank you all!
Conclusion:
Next time you're out and spot a Squatty Potty with our branding, give it a try! Your bottom will thank you—and you might even feel inspired to make the change at home. Small adjustments can make a big difference in your bathroom health, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Scan that code, learn more, and experience a smoother, healthier bathroom routine with Chicago Pelvic Health and local businesses!
To learn more about Chicago Pelvic Health, click below!
Written By,
Dr. Jana Richardson, PT, DPT, WCS, PRPC, CIDN
Dual Board Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist and Owner of Chicago Pelvic Health
Dr. Jana Richardson is a highly accomplished pelvic floor therapist with dual board certifications and extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor dysfunctions. As the owner of Chicago Pelvic Health, Dr. Richardson is dedicated to providing personalized and effective care for her patients. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and specialized certifications in Women’s Health and Pelvic Rehabilitation, Dr. Richardson is a leading expert in her field. She is also certified in Integrative Dry Needling, further enhancing her ability to offer comprehensive treatment plans. Dr. Richardson’s commitment to patient-centered care and her passion for helping individuals achieve optimal pelvic health make her an invaluable asset to the community.
