Anismus is a condition characterized by the anal muscles (puborectalis muscle) losing their ability to relax during defecation. This condition is not related to muscle strength; it is entirely a coordination disorder. Therefore, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Biofeedback methods, which retrain the muscles, play a vital role in the treatment of anismus. In pelvic rehabilitation centers, this process is carried out under the guidance of expert therapists.
What is Biofeedback?
Patients with anismus are often unaware that they are contracting their anal muscles while trying to defecate. The biofeedback method is used to create this awareness. During the procedure, small, painless sensors placed in the anal area measure the pressure activity of the muscles and display this information as a visual graph on a screen to the patient:
- When the patient strains, they observe the graph rising (indicating muscle contraction).
- Under the guidance of the physician or therapist, when performing the correct relaxation maneuver, they observe the graph falling (indicating muscle relaxation).
- Thus, the forgotten relaxation signal between the brain and the pelvic muscles is re-established.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Sessions
In rehabilitation sessions, manual massage to relax trigger points in the pelvic muscles, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and pelvic stretching exercises are also applied. Performed 1 or 2 sessions per week, this therapy is the fundamental method for achieving permanent recovery in anismus.