Biofeedback
Many bowel symptoms occur because the pelvic floor doesn’t relax or contract effectively when you go to the toilet. Biofeedback offers real-time guidance to improve muscle awareness, timing, and strength.
What is biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a therapeutic technique that helps you learn how to coordinate the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles involved in bowel function. Many bowel symptoms occur because the pelvic floor doesn’t relax or contract effectively when you go to the toilet. Biofeedback offers real-time guidance to improve muscle awareness, timing, and strength.
You may benefit from biofeedback if you have:
constipation (including as a side effect of weight-loss medications)
incomplete bowel emptying
rectal prolapse
faecal incontinence
haemorrhoids
fissures
rectal prolapse
rectal/anal pain
At Welbeck, we take a holistic approach to digestive health, and your biofeedback physiotherapist will offer a tailored range of support, including diet, lifestyle and behavioural advice. You’ll receive bespoke guidance, practical strategies, and comprehensive follow-up to help restore your bowel confidence and comfort.
How to empty your bowels more comfortably
Opening your bowels should be comfortable and unforced, and small changes in posture and routine can help to reduce straining, improve bowel emptying, and protect long-term digestive health.
Ensure your knees are just above your hips; use a small stool if needed.
Lean forward and relax your abdomen.
Gently bear down into your bottom as you empty your bowels, and avoid straining.
Top tips:
allow enough time and avoid rushing
respond to the natural urge when possible
keep your stools soft with a healthy diet containing plenty of fibre and fluids
Pelvic floor exercises you can do at home
Strengthening your pelvic floor can help improve your bowel control. You can try these simple exercises at home without any equipment.
Gently tighten your back passage, as if you’re trying to stop passing wind, then lift the sensation forward towards the bladder, as if you’re trying not to wee.
Hold the squeeze for up to 10 seconds, then let the muscles fully relax.
Repeat this up to 10 times, 3 times a day.
Top tips:
add in several quick squeezes to help manage sudden urgency
avoid holding your breath or clenching your thighs or buttocks
stay consistent; most people notice meaningful improvement after 12 weeks of regular practice
More information
At your initial consultation, your physiotherapist will begin with a detailed assessment of your bowel habits, symptoms, diet, toileting posture, stress levels, and pelvic muscle function. An internal assessment is typically recommended for a more complete understanding of your muscle coordination.
At Welbeck, our physiotherapists recognise that bowel control is influenced by many physical, behavioural, and lifestyle factors. They take a whole-body approach to rehabilitation, combining guided exercises with wider support tailored to your symptoms and goals.
Biofeedback may be complemented by:
behavioural training for bowel emptying
dietary and lifestyle guidance
education on the mind-gut connection
rectal balloon retraining to improve sensation and control
pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation exercises
myofascial release and manual therapy
neuromuscular stimulation
trans anal irrigation
strategies for urgency control and deferment
emotional support and pain education
medication advice
After your appointment, you’ll leave with a clear, personalised plan outlining your exercises, practical guidance, and next steps to support your recovery.
Your physiotherapist will arrange a schedule of follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and make sure you’re getting the best possible benefit from therapy. These reviews provide ongoing support, help keep you motivated, and ensure your recovery stays on track.
Please contact our Digestive Health centre for pricing information.
At Welbeck, our pelvic floor physiotherapists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book biofeedback, you must be referred by either your GP or a specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are also accepted for this treatment.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients.
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Frequently asked questions
Changes in bladder or bowel function, or pelvic pain, are not normal - even if they’re common. You should consider seeking advice if you regularly strain, feel unable to fully empty your bowels, rely on laxatives, or experience symptoms such as constipation, leakage, pain, or a persistent urge to go. Getting support early can help identify underlying causes and develop healthier bowel habits before problems become long-term.
Yes. Biofeedback can be effective even if you’ve been experiencing symptoms for months or years. Long-standing bowel issues are often related to muscle coordination or habits that can still improve with the right guidance.
Biofeedback may reduce the need for medication or further treatment for some people, but this depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your physiotherapist will work alongside your consultant to ensure therapy fits into your wider care plan.
The number of sessions you need will vary depending on your symptoms and how your body responds to treatment. Many people notice improvement after a few sessions, but a short course of appointments is often recommended to achieve lasting change.