A recently published systematic review and meta-analysis showed that cognitive therapy, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, behavioral therapy and dynamic psychotherapy all showed benefits against the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This high-quality study showed that these therapies were significantly effective when added to standard care, with the benefits remaining at 6 and 12 months. See the full text article here.

This study is an important reminder to physical therapists, doctors and patients that the management of abdominal and pelvic dysfunction is often most effective with more than one provider. If you are suffering from IBS, talk to a provider you trust about a multidisciplinary approach to manage the aspects of your symptoms beyond the gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems!