Stop Gas Incontinence: Pelvic Physical Therapy for Lasting Relief
A Candid Look at the Challenge
Have you ever stooped down or exercised and unexpectedly passed gas? It’s an awkward moment that can leave you feeling self-conscious and anxious—sometimes even making you avoid activities you once enjoyed (downward dog in yoga, anyone?). While embarrassing, gas incontinence can also limit your hobbies, social life, and sense of freedom. As a dual board-certified pelvic health specialist, I’ve seen just how common—and treatable—this issue is. The best part? Pelvic physical therapy often provides dramatic relief without medication or surgery.
If you’ve been embarrassed to bring this up, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll explore the causes of gas incontinence, why pelvic therapy works so well, and how you can regain control of your body once and for all.
Why It Matters
Many people believe they have to accept that gas or bowel leaks is a normal part of life, especially if they’ve had children, experienced digestive issues, or undergone certain surgeries. But gas incontinence (also called flatulence incontinence) isn’t something you have to just “live with.” It can lead to:
Social Anxiety: Fear of an embarrassing moment in public or at work.
Lifestyle Limitations: Avoiding social gatherings, exercise classes, or activities you love.
Emotional Distress: Ongoing stress and worry about episodes of uncontrollable gas.
What you might not realize is that these issues often stem from pelvic floor dysfunction—a weakness or imbalance in the muscles supporting your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. Strengthening those key muscles is like adding a safety net against surprise gas or leaks.
Understanding the Root Causes
Inability to control gas can result from various factors. Here are some common culprits:
Pelvic Floor Weakness
Your pelvic floor muscles act like a door in regards to bowels and gas. It helps you to sense who is at the back door (is it a solid like stool, or gas), and then gives you the conscious control of what to do with it (is it appropriate to open the door and let it pass or not.) When these muscles are weak or uncoordinated, you lose that fine-tuned control.
Nerve Issues
Certain medical conditions or surgeries can interfere with the nerves that tell your pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincter how and when to contract.
Digestive Triggers
Foods high in fiber, carbonated drinks, or even dairy products can increase gas production. Combine this with weak pelvic support, and you have a recipe for unwanted gas release.
Postpartum Changes
Childbirth can place stress on the pelvic floor. It’s not uncommon for new mothers to experience gas or bowel leaks as they recover, or those who have had more severe perineal tears during childbirth to have gas incontinence.
Impact of Medical Procedures
Pelvic or abdominal surgeries, or things like radiation for cancer treatment can sometimes alter muscle function or nerve signals, contributing to difficulty controlling gas.
An Empowering Solution: Pelvic Physical Therapy
What Is Pelvic PT?
Pelvic physical therapy is a specialized branch of healthcare focusing on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the pelvic region. This isn’t your traditional “gym workout.” Sessions are led by a specially trained physical therapist who can assess your specific issues, pinpoint muscle weaknesses, and provide exercises and techniques tailored to your needs.
Why Pelvic PT Works
Targeted Muscle Strengthening: Exercises such as kegels, squats, and bridge variations help isolate and train the muscles responsible for bowel control.
Coordination Training: Sometimes it’s not just about strength; it’s about timing. Learning to contract and relax at the right moments can drastically reduce gas leaks.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Pelvic physical therapists also guide you through dietary tweaks, posture strategies, and stress-management techniques that can reduce gas production and support better control.
Practical Tips You Can Try at Home
While it’s best to work with a certified pelvic PT for a personalized treatment plan, here are a few simple strategies you might find helpful right away:
Mindful Eating
Chew and eat slowly.
Limit carbonated drinks and high-gas foods (beans, cruciferous vegetables) if they worsen your symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Kegels: Gently tighten the muscles around your anus and genitals for about five seconds, then relax for five seconds. If you cannot feel these muscles engaging or if you experience pain or discomfort, avoid this and consult with a pelvic floor PT first.
Bridge Pose: Lie on your back with knees bent. Lift your hips and tighten your pelvic floor as you rise, then slowly lower. This strengthens your glutes and pelvic muscles which can better help with gas control.Repeat 10 times, a few times daily.
Stay Hydrated
Consistent water intake promotes healthy bowel function and reduces constipation-related straining, which can weaken the pelvic floor over time.
Avoid Straining
If you’re on the toilet, use a footstool to elevate your feet. This posture helps align your colon for easier bowel movements and less pressure on your pelvic floor.
Manage Stress
High stress can cause pelvic floor tightness or clenching. Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or guided meditation, can help you maintain optimal pelvic muscle tension to allow the muscles to function normally.
Evidence-Based Backing
Research strongly supports pelvic floor physical therapy as an effective treatment for gas incontinence. Major medical organizations, like the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, recommend pelvic floor retraining for people struggling with bowel control issues, including gas leakage, to help strengthen the pelvic muscles, improve sensation, and retrain coordination. (1,2)
Additionally, studies show that starting pelvic floor muscle training early can make a big difference. One study found that women who had pelvic floor therapy after childbirth-related injuries experienced significantly less gas leakage. (3)
Since pelvic floor therapy is noninvasive and focuses on retraining your body naturally, it’s an excellent first-line treatment option for improving gas control and overall bowel health. These findings align also align with what I see in my clinic every day: Patients who once feared social outings due to gas leaks often regain their confidence and return to normal activities after a structured course of pelvic PT.
Your Step-by-Step Path to Relief
Initial Consultation
Find a pelvic health specialist near you. A board-certified pelvic therapist will perform a thorough evaluation, discussing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
Customized Treatment Plan
Depending on the assessment, your therapist may include muscle coordination training, manual therapy, and specific exercises.
You’ll receive guidance on diet and daily habits to reduce gas production.
Progress Monitoring
Regular follow-ups track improvements in muscle strength, coordination, and frequency of gas leaks.
Adjustments to your exercise routine are made as you progress.
Long-Term Maintenance
Once you’ve achieved better control, you’ll continue with a home program to maintain pelvic floor strength.
Periodic check-ins ensure you stay on the right track.
Taking the Next Step
If gas leaks are holding you back from living life to the fullest, it might be time to seek professional help. Pelvic physical therapy is a trusted, evidence-based solution that addresses the root causes behind inability to control gas. By focusing on targeted exercises, lifestyle changes, and muscle coordination, you can regain confidence, comfort, and peace of mind.
Ready to make a change? Consider booking an evaluation with a qualified pelvic PT, especially one who is board-certified in pelvic health. Whether you’re postpartum, post-surgery, or simply dealing with persistent gas incontinence, there’s hope—and tangible help—waiting for you.
Final Thoughts
While embarrassment often keeps people silent about gas incontinence, open dialogue and proper treatment can transform your quality of life. There’s no need to suffer in silence or resort to quick fixes that don’t address the underlying issue. Pelvic physical therapy empowers you with the knowledge and exercises you need to gain—or regain—control over your body.
Take action now: Don’t let uncontrollable gas shape your social life, career, or personal well-being. By tapping into the expertise of a certified pelvic specialist, you can find a gentle yet powerful approach to improving pelvic health, ensuring that you move forward with renewed confidence.
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.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
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References:
Bharucha AE, Rao SSC, Shin AS. Surgical Interventions and the Use of Device-Aided Therapy for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence and Defecatory Disorders. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Dec;15(12):1844-1854. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.08.023. Epub 2017 Aug 22. PMID: 28838787; PMCID: PMC5693715.
Paquette IM, Varma MG, Kaiser AM, Steele SR, Rafferty JF. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons' Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence. Dis Colon Rectum. 2015 Jul;58(7):623-36. doi: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000000397. PMID: 26200676.
Mathé M, Valancogne G, Atallah A, Sciard C, Doret M, Gaucherand P, Beaufils E. Early pelvic floor muscle training after obstetrical anal sphincter injuries for the reduction of anal incontinence. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2016 Apr;199:201-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.01.025. Epub 2016 Feb 26. PMID: 26963793.
