Post 12: Fascia and Constipation: Understanding Why Your Child Struggles to Poop
Constipation is one of those things that most parents of children with cerebral palsy have dealt with at some point.
Sometimes it’s because of diet. Sometimes it’s because of low mobility. And sometimes, it feels like nothing works—no matter how much water, fiber, or medication you try.
But what if we looked deeper?
What if the issue isn’t just what’s going into your child’s body, but how their body is built to let things move?
That’s where fascia comes in.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how fascia—the body’s connective tissue—affects your child’s digestion, what happens when the system is out of balance, and why so many parents in our community notice improved bowel movements when we start working on the fascia.
First, What Is Fascia?
Let’s start with an image we use often at WeFlow:
Imagine your child’s body like a big bowl of fruit jelly.
The fruits floating inside are all the organs, muscles, and bones.
The jelly that holds it all together? That’s fascia.
It’s not just wrapping everything—it’s invested through everything. Like a 3D spider web that goes in, around, and between every structure in the body. And it’s constantly working, helping the body:
Stay organized
Hold a stable shape
Move fluids and nutrients
Transfer forces smoothly when we breathe, move, or digest
Now imagine that jelly melts.
The structure collapses. The fruits start to sink, push against each other, or fall out of place.
That’s what often happens in kids with cerebral palsy: the fascia collapses and the organization of the body is affected—including the organs responsible for digestion and bowel movements.
This is why so many families in our programs say that just starting with the first fascia exercise for torso control helped their child begin to poop more regularly—sometimes even within a few days.
The Digestive System Needs More Than Just Food to Work
When we think about digestion, most of us think about what our child eats—or how often they go to the bathroom. And yes, that’s important. But there’s more to the story.
Inside your child’s belly, each organ needs its own space to do its job:
The stomach needs to expand and contract.
The intestines need to glide and twist gently to move food along.
The colon needs to push stool down toward the exit.
All of these movements require support. That support comes from fascia. When the fascial system is healthy, it holds each organ in the right position, with just enough tension—not too tight, not too loose. This allows for proper movement and function.
But when the fascia is weak, glued, or collapsed:
The organs don’t stay in their optimal place.
The relationships between them get compressed or disorganized.
The flow of fluids and movement slows down or gets blocked.
Result? Constipation. Bloating. Discomfort.
And often, we’re left treating the symptoms—fiber, laxatives, diets—without realizing the structure itself needs help.
The Tensional System: Why Alignment and Pressure Matter
So, what do we mean when we say "tensional system"?
Think of a long, soft tube—like a hose. Now try to push something through it.
If the hose is floppy and loose, the material doesn’t go far.
But if you give the hose a bit of tension, suddenly, the same push moves the material easily.
This is exactly what happens inside your child’s body.
The intestines are like soft tubes. The stool inside them needs to be pushed through by a combination of internal muscle contractions (called peristalsis) and external support from the fascial system.
Without enough tension in the fascia, the push isn't as effective. The material just sits there. Sometimes it hardens. Sometimes it builds up until there's a very large stool passed all at once.
You may have even noticed that your child’s stools are:
Huge or oddly shaped
Difficult to pass, even when soft
Messier to clean up (because the exit doesn't “close” with enough tension)
These are not just "bathroom issues."
They’re signs of a fascia problem.
Even just using the first fascia routine we teach—focused on supporting the torso—can begin to rebuild this tension. Many families tell us this one simple step helped kickstart their child’s natural rhythm again.
The Role of Breathing in Digestion (Yes, Breathing!)
Here’s something else many people don’t realize:
Every breath your child takes is part of their digestive process.
When we inhale, the diaphragm (a big muscle under the lungs) moves downward. When we exhale, it rises back up. This movement creates a gentle pumping effect on the abdominal organs.
But here’s the key:
That movement can only reach the belly if the fascia allows it.
And the fascia can only transfer that pressure if it has the right tension.
If your child has a collapsed belly (which is very common in CP), the diaphragm’s movement might not reach far enough. So the organs don’t get that helpful massage.
Over time, that lack of movement contributes to slow bowels and poor visceral mobility.
That’s why the first fascia routine—which is designed to improve torso control—can make such a big difference. It restores the connection between the breath and the belly.
What We’ve Seen in Our Community
I can’t tell you how many families have shared this:
“The moment we started working on the belly… my child began pooping more regularly.”
It happens before we even work directly on the digestive system.
Because as soon as we help reorganize and support the fascia, the internal mechanisms start working better.
The breathing reaches deeper.
The organs glide more freely.
The peristalsis (that wave-like push) becomes more effective.
That’s the power of fascia therapy—and it often starts with just one gentle daily routine for torso control.
What’s Next: Yes, You Can Help
You might be wondering:
“So what can I do?”
In the next post, I’ll walk you through a simple, parent-led fascia routine using a soft roller that you can do at home.
You don’t need any fancy tools or clinical skills. Just your hands, your intention, and a few minutes of time.
But for now, here’s your takeaway:
👉 Constipation is not just about food. It’s about fascia.
👉 Fascia holds the organs, supports movement, and helps push the poop out.
👉 You can help restore that support from the outside in.
You Are Part of the Solution
Working on your child’s fascia isn’t about becoming a therapist.
It’s about understanding that structure matters, and you have the power to support that structure every single day.
You’ve already done the hard part—showing up and being curious.
I’ll meet you in the next post, where we’ll dive into a hands-on video to help your child’s tummy feel supported, organized, and ready to move.
Until then, here’s your WeFlow Tip:
Just observe. Look at your child’s belly when they’re resting.
Is it soft? Collapsed? Does it move with their breath?
Awareness is the first step to healing.
Ready to Start?
Take your first step into fascia therapy with our short, parent-friendly workshop:
The #1 Fascia Therapy To Improve Torso Control
Gentle, effective, and easy to begin—no experience needed.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re ready to fully embrace this gentle approach and receive personalized support, apply for TheraParent Coaching—our therapeutic coaching program designed for dedicated parents like you.
Includes weekly calls, a tailored plan, and a supportive community.
Apply here – it’s free to explore.
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