Pelvic floor biofeedback

This therapy is a nonsurgical treatment that helps you improve bowel control by teaching your pelvic floor muscles to work properly. Using real-time feedback, you'll learn techniques to strengthen, relax and coordinate these muscles.

Understanding pelvic floor biofeedback

Pelvic floor biofeedback therapy is an evidence-based, nonsurgical treatment that helps patients learn to properly strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles involved in bowel control. Using gentle sensors and real-time feedback, patients improve muscle coordination and learn to engage the correct muscles during bowel movements. In some cases, mild electrical stimulation with an internal probe may be used to enhance muscle awareness and bowel function.

What it is

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles responsible for bowel control do not work properly. When these muscles fail to relax or coordinate correctly, it can interfere with normal bowel movements and lead to:

  • Constipation
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Pelvic or rectal pain
  • A sensation of incomplete evacuation

Our expertise

Care is provided by a specialized pelvic floor biofeedback clinician who works closely with your gastroenterologist and colorectal care team within the outpatient setting. Our clinician brings:

Over 30 years of nursing experience

Extensive expertise in gastrointestinal and pelvic floor care

Compassionate, individualized treatment for each patient


Compassionate, coordinated care

Our evidence-based program provides compassionate, noninvasive care to help restore healthy bowel function and improve quality of life. Pelvic floor biofeedback therapy is provided in collaboration with gastroenterology and colorectal specialists for comprehensive care. Appointments and referral required


Three African-American women exercising together in the city, jogging or power walking, laughing and conversing. A building is out of focus in the background. The one on the left is in her 60s and her friends are mature women in their 40s and 50s. It is autumn or winter as they are wearing warm workout clothing, gloves, hats and ear muffs.

What to expect during treatment

Pelvic floor biofeedback therapy is noninvasive and designed to retrain the muscles involved in bowel function. During treatment:

  • Gentle sensors provide real-time feedback on muscle activity
  • Patients learn how to relax and coordinate pelvic floor muscles
  • Therapy improves muscle control, rectal sensation and awareness
  • Patients learn breathing, posture and defecation techniques
  • Patients receive an individualized home exercise program

Our New Jersey location

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