Opening your bowels should not feel like a full body workout, where you are holding your breath, straining, pushing so hard or rocking back and forth. You may even be spending what seems like forever on the toilet to just open your bowels. It is not normal to feel exhausted, sweaty, or like you’ve completed a gym session after opening your bowels. Or you may leave the toilet and feel you have not emptied your bowels completely.

An important point is you are not alone, as many people live with defecation dysfunction. This is a condition that affects the body’s ability to effectively empty their bowels.

The good news?  There is help available and one of the most effective tools is Rectal Balloon Training (RBT). This training can be provided from a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, who has a special interest in defecation dysfunction.

What is Defecation Dysfunction?

Defecation dysfunction refers to difficulty emptying the bowels, even when stool is present in the rectum and the urge to go exists.

Common symptoms include:

• Excessive straining
• A sensation of incomplete emptying
• Feeling blocked or obstructed
• Needing multiple attempts to empty
• Spending a long time on the toilet
• Needing to use your fingers to assist evacuation
• Reduced or absent urge to open your bowels
• Chronic constipation

For many people, the problem isn’t simply the stool itself, but rather how the muscles, nerves and rectum are working together.

The Role of Your Pelvic Floor in Bowel Function

Your pelvic floor muscles form a supportive sling at the base of your pelvis and play an important role in bowel control and emptying.

When everything is working well, the pelvic floor muscles relax and lengthen when you sit on the toilet. This relaxation allows the anal canal to open so stool can pass comfortably and efficiently.

However, sometimes these muscles don’t get the correct memo. So instead of relaxing, the muscles may tighten, brace or contract during attempts to empty the bowels. This is known as dyssynergic defecation or a defecation disorder.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Ongoing constipation
• Excessive straining
• Haemorrhoids
• Pelvic floor tension
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Worsening bowel symptoms

Is it Just a Muscle Issue?

Your rectum also plays a crucial role.

The rectum acts as a storage reservoir and contains stretch receptors that help detect when stool is present. These receptors signal to the brain that’s its time to open your bowels.

Sometimes, particularly in people with longstanding constipation, the rectum can become stretched over time. As the rectum enlarges, it becomes less sensitive and requires larger volumes of stool before the urge to empty is triggered.

As a result, people may experience:

• Reduced bowel urges
• Missing the body’s signals to go
• Infrequent bowel motions
• Significant stool accumulation

This is where Rectal Balloon Training (RBT) can be particularly helpful.

What is Rectal Balloon Training?

Rectal Balloon Training (RBT) is a specialised assessment and treatment technique used by Pelvic Health Physiotherapists to improve bowel emptying and rectal sensation.

A small balloon attached to a catheter is gently inserted into the rectum and gradually inflated with air. This allows us to assess:

• Rectal sensation
• Awareness of bowel filling
• The urge to defecate
• Pelvic floor coordination during emptying

Depending on the test findings, your Pelvic Health Physiotherapist can use the balloon as a treatment tool to retrain the bowel-brain connection. For some people, the goal is improving awareness of rectal filling and restoring normal bowel urges. For others, the focus is learning how to relax the pelvic floor and coordinate effective bowel emptying,

Think of RBT as physiotherapy to train your bowel reflexes.

How can a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Help You?

At Physiotherapy for Women, we take a comprehensive approach to bowel dysfunction. We firstly listen to your story and your symptoms. By working together with open discussion, we set a treatment plan, including achievable goals.

Treatment may include:

• Education about bowel function and anatomy
• Optimising toilet posture
• Breathing and pressure management strategies
• Pelvic floor muscle relaxation training
• Defecation training
• Rectal Balloon Training
• Stool consistency optimisation
• Fibre and fluid education
• Strategies to improve bowel urges
• Management of pelvic floor tension and pain

Our goal is simple: to help bowel motions feel effortless again.

You Should Not Have to Fight Your Bowels

Opening your bowels shouldn’t feel like a full-body workout!

If you are straining, pushing, spending excessive time on the toilet, or feel like you’re never completely empty, your body must be telling you that something isn’t functioning as efficiently as it could be.

The good news is that there are evidence-based treatments available to help you. Pelvic Health Physiotherapists are uniquely trained to assess and manage your bowel opening problems. If you are struggling with constipation, incomplete emptying, or bowel dysfunction, we’d love to help you.

Contact our clinic today to book an appointment with one of our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists. Congratulations for taking the first step towards better bowel health.

Passionate about women’s health, and particularly about educating and empowering women to put themselves higher on their priority list, Amilia is committed to proactive care and to promoting and delivering high quality physiotherapy services for women.

Amilia graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia in 2012. Since then she has followed her passion for women’s health working in private practice in Adelaide.

Prior to completing her Physiotherapy degree, Amilia completed a Bachelor of Science at Flinders University, majoring in microbiology. It was during this degree that her son arrived, and following his birth Amilia encountered a women’s health physiotherapist, who inspired her to take up the profession.

A daughter was to follow, and soon after completing her first degree Amilia took up the huge challenge of studying Physiotherapy full time, whilst helping to run her husband’s electrical business.

Completing her Physiotherapy studies whilst caring for two small children, Amilia can empathize with so many women out there who have huge demands to meet in life, both physically and emotionally.

The recent addition of baby three, has meant Amilia’s life has not slowed down and its more important than ever to keep on top of her health and wellbeing.  Amilia feels strongly about helping her clients to realise this in their own lives, and working with them to achieve it.

Amilia is extremely keen to extend her knowledgewhenever there is an opportunity and is frequently attending professional development courses; she is trained in Dry Needling, Clinical Pilates, Continence and Women’s Health and is always looking to add more to her repertoire.

Chrissy graduated with a Masters of Physiotherapy from Flinders University in 2016 and started working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy where she developed a passion for working with women of all stages of life.

Chrissy has experience in private practice, in-patient orthopaedics and sports physiotherapy. Her love for Physiotherapy began when she was exposed to injuries whilst playing soccer. This fostered her interest in the prevention, management and treatment of injuries.

She has a passion for healthcare and is intrigued by the complexities of the human body. Employing a goal-specific and patient-centered approach is her treating philosophy. She aims to improve the quality of life and functional ability of her clients through education, exercise and hands-on therapy.

Chrissy has an interest in women’s health, empowering women to prioritize their health through the different stages of life – as well as additional training in Clinical Pilates, Dry Needling and Headache Treatment.

Outside of work, Chrissy enjoys Reformer Pilates, beach walks and socialising with family and friends.

Helping women to maintain an active lifestyle throughout their various life stages, and feel empowered about their health, are key motivators in Louise’s practice.

Graduating from King’s College London in 2008, Louise has worked in London and Adelaide across a variety of settings and clinical areas. She utilises this experience to cater for clients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and rehabilitation needs to get them back to doing what is important to them and feeling confident in their bodies.

Pregnancy and postnatal recovery are particular areas of interest. With young children, Louise is aware of the challenges that can be faced during these times and the benefits that can be gained from taking a holistic approach to care during these times of change in a women’s life.

Continuing to develop her knowledge and remaining current in her practice are of high importance to Louise; she undertakes regular training and professional development opportunities and has additional training in areas such as Clinical Pilates, continence and women’s health and occupational health.

Outside of work, Louise enjoys keeping active-playing netball, running and doing Pilates, in addition to getting outside with her young family and making the most of the warm Australian weather! Good food, a good book and catching up with friends are also also key at helping Louise keep life balanced.

In 2008, on obtaining her Bachelor of Physiotherapy in India, Sangeeta embarked on a diverse professional journey. She has accumulated physiotherapy experience across a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, community environments, and private practice in India, Singapore, and Australia. Complementing her practical experience, she pursued further education, achieving a Graduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia in 2011.

In her journey as a musculoskeletal physio, Sangeeta soon realised the need for specific physiotherapy care across the broad spectrum of women’s health. Becoming a mother herself made her aware of the importance of pelvic health. This personal journey inspired her to take action. Sangeeta completed a Graduate Certificate program in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in 2022 at the University of Melbourne.

Sangeeta pelvic health skills include pregnancy and postnatal weakness, pelvic organ prolapse, urgency, urge & stress incontinence, pre & post pelvic surgery, pelvic pain, painful sex, bladder & bowel weakness.

Sangeeta continues with regular professional development to ensure she is up to date with all the recent evidence in the area of pelvic health research.

Sangeeta’s strength lies in her ability to listen to her patient’s narratives.  She ensures they feel valued, understood and empowered as they navigate their individual therapeutic journey to better health.

Outside of her work, Sangeeta enjoys spending time with her family, taking care of her two little girls, and embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood. She also plays badminton, a sport that not only keeps her active but also offers a chance to connect with friends over friendly matches.

Sophie graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia in 2019. Growing up with a love of sport, she initially saw herself pursuing a career in sports physiotherapy. However, during her early years working in private practice, she began treating pregnant and postpartum women — and quickly discovered a passion for pelvic health that would shape her career.

Sophie went on to complete her Master of Physiotherapy (Pelvic Health) at the University ofMelbourne, graduating with First Class Honours in 2025. She has also achieved APA Titling as a Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist — recognition of advanced clinical expertise and leadership within the field of pelvic health.

In addition, Sophie holds qualifications in neuromuscular dry needling and Clinical Pilates, allowing her to integrate hands-on treatment with targeted rehabilitation strategies.

As part of her Master’s degree, Sophie conducted original research into pelvic pain and endometriosis in Adelaide — a condition she is deeply passionate about improving awareness and care for. A significant milestone was achieved through this research, with Sophie advocating for meaningful improvements in pelvic pain management within South Australia.

Sophie is committed to ongoing education and evidence-based practice, ensuring her patients receive the highest standard of care.

Sophie is passionate about supporting individuals across all stages of life to regain confidence, control and comfort in their bodies. Whether guiding women through pregnancy, supporting postpartum recovery or helping individuals navigate complex pelvic health conditions, she strives to create a safe, respectful and empowering environment for you to share your story (free of judgement!).

Her ethos extends beyond symptom relief. Sophie believes in educating, empowering and collaborating with each patient to achieve meaningful, long-lasting outcomes. She recognises that no two presentations are the same, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Together, you will develop an individualised management plan aligned with your goals — so you can return to doing what you love.

And yes — she is especially passionate about helping women with the fundamental three P’s of everyday life: pee, poo and pleasure.

Sophie grew up in Tanunda in the Barossa Valley, where community, connection and a love of wine were part of daily life. Growing up in a close-knit country town instilled in her the importance of kindness, support and genuine care for those around her — values she carries into her clinical work every day.

Known for her bubbly, warm and motivating personality, Sophie brings positive energy into every session. Outside the clinic, she rarely sits still — she loves keeping active, listening to music, and sharing plenty of laughs with friends and family.

Jasmine graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, achieving First Class Honours, from the University of South Australia. Since then, she has been driven to continue expanding her knowledge in the areas of musculoskeletal and women’s health physiotherapy.

Jasmine recognises the various demands women face throughout their life stages, having a special interest in pregnancy and postnatal physiotherapy. Jasmine understands the principles of safe exercise during the childbearing years. Personal life experience stems from being a mum with young children, running a half marathon during her pregnancy and returning to exercise through the postnatal stage. Instilling confidence in women to achieve their desired goals with evidence-based treatment plans is a highlight of Jasmine’s clinical skills.

With a strong interest in Pilates and a passion for maintaining mobility and functional movement through life, Jasmine believes they are key aspects in enhancing overall well-being. Drawing on her physiotherapy skills, she utilises manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education to prevent, manage and treat various musculoskeletal presentations.

Outside of work, Jasmine prioritises family time with her husband, children and their Border Collie.

Rebecca established the Physiotherapy for Women practice in 2000. Having a special interest in the life stages of women from a health point of view, Rebecca developed a unique physiotherapy clinic, providing a combination of musculoskeletal, pelvic health and exercise therapy.

Over her many years of physiotherapy practice, Rebecca has learnt the importance of firstly listening to a client’s presenting story, along with understanding their goals – what do they actually want! This approach guides the assessment and treatment pathway, based on open communication with the client and clinically informed practice. This philosophy has enabled Rebecca to treat diverse presentations of pain, weakness and dysfunction in a woman’s body, regardless of age.

Handing on these skills to her excellent physiotherapy team within Physiotherapy for Women, was always seen as important and continues to occur. Encouraging team mentoring and continuing professional development, has enabled Rebecca to retire from clinical hands-on physiotherapy at the end of 2025, but still remain actively involved in running the business.

As Managing Director, Rebecca strives in supporting the happy physiotherapists and front desk team. The business aims for every woman coming in to the Lockley’s practice to receive excellent physiotherapy services, where open communication is first and foremost. This is vital in assisting each client to understand what is involved in their individual health journey. There will of course be times when that pathway is not always straight forward and multi-disciplinary health measures may be necessary.

Rebecca enjoys life away from work, respecting the need to find that balance between living and loving life to it’s fullest. Maintaining physical strength and agility through the aging process, has given Rebecca the chance to be active with her grandchildren and to experience the many sides that nature has to offer when gardening, bushwalking and kayaking.

Ele is Physiotherapy for Women’s part time receptionist and admin support. She believes empathy and a caring concern for all clients begins when making an appointment or asking for information on our physiotherapy services

Ele joined Physiotherapy for Women in October 2015 as a part time receptionist and admin support. She has previously worked in dental reception for many years and has extensive experience in a variety of areas as well as dealing with a wide range of diverse and interesting people.  Ele’s relaxed, happy nature combined with excellent organisation and communication skills, enables front desk to run smoothly and efficiently. Ele has a great understanding of women’s health, wellness and how important this is when women are busy juggling family, work, social and leisure commitments. Ele is committed to helping you identify and address all your physical therapy needs and ensure you get the best possible outcome for you.

Whilst being also busy raising two sons with her partner, Ele enjoys family and social gatherings around a celebratory table of home cooked food. Ele relaxes with reading, shopping and regular walking activities.

Linda has extensive experience in reception and administration having worked in allied health settings including physiotherapy, psychology and dietitian practices.

Outside of work Linda has a love of travelling and enjoys playing competitive tennis, spending time with family and friends and walking her border collie.