‘Dyssynergic defecation’ is a common cause of chronic constipation in a majority of patients. The term refers to improper coordination of abdominal and pelvic muscles which aid in expulsion of feces through the rectum. If one is unable to contract or relax muscles in a coordinated fashion, it causes ‘functional’ constipation.

Biofeedback therapy has proven to be an efficacious method to manage this condition. In this technique, patients are trained to correct the dyssynergia in a step-by-step process. Emphasis is laid on muscle contraction, strength of contraction, timed relaxation and improvement of sensory perception. Patients are trained through simulated defecation sessions. The simulations help patients understand the coordination better as the physician guides them through the process. Many studies have proven biofeedback therapy superior to other modalities like laxatives or sham training.