World Heart Day
Chronic constipation is a frustrating condition that often affects daily comfort, energy levels, and overall quality of life. While many people attribute constipation to diet or lifestyle factors, some patients suffer from a specific problem known as dyssynergic defecation. In this condition, the pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincters fail to coordinate properly during a bowel movement, making it difficult to pass stool even when the urge is present.
Traditional treatments like laxatives or dietary changes often bring little relief for these patients. That’s where biofeedback therapy comes in. By using real-time feedback from sensors, biofeedback retrains the pelvic floor and rectal muscles, teaching the body how to relax and push effectively. This therapy addresses the root cause of dyssynergia, rather than just the symptoms, and has been shown to be one of the most effective long-term treatments for constipation.
In this article, we will explain what dyssynergic defecation is, how biofeedback works, the therapy process, who should consider it, and the benefits of undergoing treatment at Alliance Hospital BD.
Dyssynergic defecation is a type of chronic constipation that occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincters fail to coordinate properly during a bowel movement. Instead of relaxing, these muscles may contract, blocking stool passage.
Common symptoms include:
Excessive straining during defecation
Incomplete evacuation despite urge
Abdominal discomfort and bloating
Dependence on laxatives or enemas
This condition is often misdiagnosed as regular constipation. However, specialized tests such as anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, or defecography help identify dyssynergia.
Biofeedback therapy retrains the pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles to function correctly. Through visual and auditory feedback, patients learn how to:
Relax the anal sphincter at the right time
Coordinate abdominal pressure with rectal emptying
Reduce straining and improve stool passage
Establish healthier bowel habits
Clinical studies show that biofeedback is more effective than laxatives or medications in treating dyssynergic defecation, providing long-term symptom relief.
During therapy, sensors are placed either inside the rectum or on the skin near the anus. These sensors measure muscle tension and rectal pressure. Data is displayed on a monitor in the form of graphs or sounds.
Patients practice squeezing, relaxing, and pushing while receiving instant feedback. Over multiple sessions, they gain control over muscle coordination and bowel function.
At the hospital, training sessions usually last 30–60 minutes. A typical program includes 6–10 sessions over several weeks.
Patients are guided through breathing, pushing, and relaxing exercises.
Therapists monitor progress and adjust techniques.
Homework exercises are given to reinforce learning at home.
Biofeedback is one of the most successful treatments for dyssynergic defecation. Research shows that 70–80% of patients experience significant improvement, with reduced straining, fewer laxatives, and more complete evacuations.
Unlike medications, biofeedback addresses the root cause by retraining muscles rather than masking symptoms.
Biofeedback is recommended for:
Patients with chronic constipation unresponsive to diet or laxatives
Individuals diagnosed with dyssynergic defecation
People with incomplete bowel movements or excessive straining
Patients with pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth or surgery
Those wishing to avoid long-term laxative use
It may not be suitable for patients with severe neurological disease, advanced colorectal cancer, or inability to participate in active training.
Non-invasive – No surgery required
Drug-free – Safe for patients sensitive to medications
Personalized – Exercises tailored to each patient’s bowel dysfunction
Effective – High success rate in managing constipation and dyssynergia
Long-term relief – Results often last beyond the treatment period
Improved quality of life – Less straining, reduced discomfort, and better bowel regularity
At Alliance Hospital BD, our colorectal specialists and physiotherapists provide advanced biofeedback programs for constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Our program includes:
Diagnostic evaluation using anorectal manometry, defecography, and colon transit studies
Customized therapy sessions using modern biofeedback equipment
Patient-centered care with step-by-step guidance
Integration with diet, lifestyle, and pelvic floor training for comprehensive results
Our goal is to help patients achieve natural bowel control, reduce dependency on medications, and restore comfort in daily life.
Biofeedback therapy is a proven and effective treatment for chronic constipation caused by dyssynergic defecation. By retraining pelvic floor muscles and restoring bowel coordination, it provides long-term relief without drugs or surgery.
