Irritable bowel syndrome - when the stomach takes control
How physiotherapy and occupational therapy can provide holistic support for irritable bowel syndrome
Flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation - many people suffer from functional digestive disorders for which no organic cause can be found. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastroenterological diagnoses - and yet it is more than just a "nervous stomach". This is because the symptoms are often caused by a complex interplay between digestion, the nervous system and psychological stress. This is precisely where a holistic therapeutic approach comes in - with valuable contributions from physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the digestive system where there is no structural or inflammatory cause - but the symptoms are real, distressing and often chronic.
Typical symptoms:
Abdominal pain, cramp-like complaints
Flatulence, feeling of pressure, feeling of fullness
Changed bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation or both alternately)
Feeling of incomplete emptying
often also exhaustion, sleep disorders, depressive mood
Important: Irritable bowel syndrome does not mean "all psychological" - but a disorder of the gut-brain axis, in which the autonomic nervous system, bowel movement (motility) and pain processing are disturbed.
Gut-brain axis: Where stress hits the gut
The enteric nervous system ("abdominal brain") is closely connected to the central nervous system. Stress, anxiety or emotional strain can lead to intestinal complaints via autonomic regulation (especially the vagus nerve and sympathetic nervous system) - just as disturbed bowel movements or microbiological imbalances can trigger symptoms in the nervous system.
A central point: In irritable bowel syndrome, it is not the organ that is ill, but the regulation that is disturbed.
Physiotherapy - movement, breathing and regulation
Even if it sounds unusual at first glance, physiotherapy plays an important role in irritable bowel syndrome. The aim is not only to mobilize the abdominal organs, but also to promote autonomic self-regulation and calm the overstimulated system.
Therapeutic focus:
Visceral techniques to relieve tension in the abdomen and diaphragm
Mobilization of the pelvis, lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints
Respiratory therapy to activate the parasympathetic system (vagus)
Medical yoga and sensorimotor exercises for vegetative stabilization
Stress reduction through exercise and bodywork
Principle: The intestine follows the tone - and when the body learns to relax, digestion often calms down too.
Occupational therapy - stimulus management in everyday life
Irritable bowel syndrome is not just about nutrition and medication - it is also about everyday structures, stress management, stimulus reduction and emotional coping. This is where occupational therapy comes into play.
Occupational therapy approaches:
Pacing and daily structuring to avoid excessive demands
Dealing with triggers (e.g. workplace stress, social insecurity, irregular routines)
Training in self-care and mindfulness
Instructions on relaxation techniques, e.g. PMR or body journey
Resource-oriented everyday strategies and stress management
Goal: To get back to an active lifestyle - despite or especially with a sensitive stomach.
Biopsychosocial understanding - focusing on the individual
At Hockenholz, we do not regard irritable bowel syndrome as a gastrointestinal problem, but as an expression of a disturbed interaction between the nervous system, movement, body awareness and everyday experience.
Our holistic approach includes:
Education about the gut-brain axis
Promotion of vegetative balance through movement, breathing and touch
Training in body awareness and self-regulation
Strengthening self-efficacy and psychosocial resources
Integration of psychosomatics and functional body therapy
Conclusion: Irritable bowel syndrome is treatable - with the right approach
Irritable bowel syndrome is not a fate, but a functional challenge that can be positively influenced - if we bring the body back into balance. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy offer effective tools here: to calm the nervous system, to strengthen body awareness and to regain confidence and control in everyday life.
Are you a therapist and want to learn how to help people with functional complaints such as irritable bowel syndrome?
Then discover our training courses on vegetative regulation, psychosomatic therapy and holistic pain treatment:
👉 www.hockenholz.com/weiterbildungen
Are you affected yourself?
In our practice in Berlin or via online counseling, we provide you with professional and individual support - with an approach that takes both the head and the gut equally seriously.