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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Motility Disorders Program

Disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs) are digestive conditions that affect how your gastrointestinal (GI) tract functions. These conditions can include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or many other functional gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. DGBIs may overlap with other GI motility conditions, such as gastroparesis, esophageal dysmotility and pelvic floor bowel disorders.

DGBIs and motility disorders can cause pain, bloating, nausea and digestive issues that interfere with your life. Our specialized team can guide you through a treatment plan so you can feel your best.

IBS and motility disorders treatment: Why choose us?

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is a major referral center for IBS and motility disorder treatment across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We can help you even if you’ve been told your case is too complex or challenging to treat. Highlights of our program include:

  • Expert team: Our multidisciplinary approach to motility disorders treatment means you receive care from a team of specialists. We have extensive knowledge of the most evidence-based therapies, from nutrition expertise to behavioral health tools. Meet our team.

  • Gut-brain disorder expertise: Our comprehensive team manages DGBIs with a full range of treatments. We empower our patients with personalized management strategies.  These can include tailored medications, dietary guidance, behavioral health care and complementary therapies like acupuncture.

  • Research: Our digestive health experts explore new ways to diagnose and treat motility disorders. As our patient, you may be eligible to try innovative therapies through our clinical trials program. Learn more about digestive health research.

GI disorders we treat

You have access to the full range of treatment options for all types of motility disorders and gut-brain conditions. We are experienced in treating:

  • Chronic abdominal pain 
  • Esophageal dysmotility disorders that overlap with GI motility disorders
  • Gastroparesis with overlapping functional dyspepsia, cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) and chronic unexplained nausea/vomiting
  • Irritable bowel syndrome, including IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) and IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M) 
  • Pelvic floor bowel disorders, including bowel or fecal incontinence, outlet obstruction constipation and chronic pelvic pain

Diagnosing gut-brain and motility disorders

Our experienced team uses a comprehensive health history, physical exam and a thoughtfully tailored testing strategy to diagnose you accurately. Your testing may include: 

  • Blood tests: A blood sample can show signs of an infection or inflammation. 
  • Endoscopic procedures: We use these procedures to diagnose or rule out other conditions. Learn more about our advanced endoscopy procedures.
  • GI motility studies: These tests measure how your GI tract moves and functions. We customize your tests based on your specific symptoms and medical history.
  • Advanced imaging: We may recommend an X-ray, CT (computerized tomography) or MR (magnetic resonance) scan to collect detailed images of your GI tract. 
  • Breath tests: These tests can determine whether your body is digesting food properly. 
  • Stool studies: We may ask you to collect a stool sample that we can test in our lab. This test looks for signs of an infection or problems with absorbing nutrients.

IBS and motility disorder treatments we offer

Our team evaluates your specific needs and creates your personalized care plan. Your treatment may include:

  • We may recommend prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines to manage bowel conditions. Sometimes gut-brain disorders benefit from medicines traditionally used for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. At lower doses, some of these medications can relieve pain and discomfort from gut-brain disorders.

  • Most IBS and motility disorders often do not require any medication. Our highly trained GI-expert dietitians guide you through personalized dietary and supplement strategies. Dietitians who specialize in motility disorders can help you better understand how food and nutrition impact your health.

    Our integrated team collaborates on your individual case. This is a significant advantage over traditional handouts and one-size-fits-all restrictive diets, which may not be a good fit for every patient’s digestive needs.

  • Stress is a common trigger for gut-brain conditions and motility disorders. Finding ways to manage stress can help you feel better, often without medications. We partner with specialized experts and companies to equip you with tools you need to feel your best.

  • We may recommend advanced therapies if symptoms do not improve with standard dietary changes and medications. We provide nutrition consultation and offer medications to reduce nausea, vomiting and pain. We may also treat acid reflux, constipation, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome.

  • This endoscopic procedure may reduce pressure in the valve of the stomach. In some cases,  these injections may improve gastroparesis symptoms.

  • G-POEM is an endoscopic procedure that loosens the valve in your stomach to help it empty more quickly. This treatment may improve feelings of fullness, nausea and vomiting.

  • This surgically placed neurostimulator sends a gentle stimulation to the stomach to reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting. 

  • Multiple specialists collaborate to create personalized care for patients with pelvic floor problems. Treatments include:

    • Dietary guidance: Our registered dietitians specialize in treating GI and pelvic floor disorders.
    • Pelvic floor physical therapy: Specialized physical therapists use exercises to strengthen or relax the muscles that support your bowel.
    • Sacral neuromodulation: Our surgeons implant a tiny, pacemaker-like device that helps you regain control over bowel movements.
    • Pelvic floor surgery: Our surgeons are highly trained in pelvic floor surgery for GI conditions. We provide minimally invasive options and are skilled in treating the most complex cases. Learn more about our care for colon and intestinal disorders.

Find a specialist

Our team provides expert GI care that meets all your needs. Find a specialist near you.