What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulceration in the lining of the colon and rectum. Symptoms vary from person to person and can come and go over time, with some people experiencing periods of remission and then flare-ups or relapse.

Common symptoms may include:

• diarrhoea

• blood or mucus in the stool

• abdominal pain or cramping

• urgency to open the bowels

• fatigue

• weight loss in some people

• nausea or fever in more severe cases.
  
  

How ulcerative colitis may affect daily function

Ulcerative colitis affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• fatigue and reduced energy

• physical endurance

• appetite and nutrition

• weight and muscle strength

• confidence with exercise

• daily routines and participation

• work, study or community life

Fatigue is a common issue, and physical activity can feel harder during a flare-up because symptoms such as pain and tiredness may reduce tolerance for exercise. Crohn’s & Colitis Australia also notes that exercising when you are up to it may help reduce fatigue caused by IBD.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support people with ulcerative colitis where there are goals related to strength, mobility, deconditioning, fatigue-aware movement or return to daily activity. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• gentle movement and mobility support

• strength and conditioning for function

• fatigue-aware activity planning

• support for deconditioning after flare-ups or hospitalisation

• guidance for pacing return to daily activity
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when ulcerative colitis is affecting daily routines, fatigue management, self-care, work tasks or home function. OT may include:

• fatigue management and pacing

• practical strategies for daily routines

• support to reduce effort during everyday tasks

• planning for function during flare-ups and lower-energy periods
  
  

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people living with ulcerative colitis who need support with graded return to exercise, endurance, strength or physical reconditioning. Crohn’s & Colitis Australia advises that symptoms like pain and fatigue can make exercise hard, and that starting small and building endurance slowly can help.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not usually relevant to ulcerative colitis itself unless there is a separate communication or swallowing issue unrelated to the bowel condition.

Nutrition and fatigue considerations

Ulcerative colitis can affect nutrition, especially during a flare-up. Ongoing diarrhoea, reduced appetite, abdominal pain and inflammation can contribute to tiredness, reduced intake and lower physical stamina. People may also experience weight loss during more active disease.

Because of this, support often needs to be practical and realistic, especially during flares or periods of low energy.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how ulcerative colitis is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

managing fatigue more effectively

rebuilding strength after flares

improving confidence with movement

supporting return to exercise gradually

improving day-to-day function and participation

helping the person pace activity in a sustainable way

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s GP, gastroenterologist, dietitian and broader medical team where appropriate.

FAQ

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the large bowel and rectum. It can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain and blood in the stool.

Is ulcerative colitis an autoimmune disease?

Ulcerative colitis is generally described as an inflammatory bowel disease involving abnormal immune activity in the bowel, although the exact cause is not fully understood. Current explanations point to a mix of immune, genetic and environmental factors.

Can ulcerative colitis cause fatigue?

Yes. Fatigue is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis and can occur during flare-ups and, for some people, even during remission.

Can ulcerative colitis affect weight and nutrition?

Yes. Ulcerative colitis can contribute to reduced appetite, weight loss and lower energy, especially when symptoms are active.

Can physiotherapy help with ulcerative colitis?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, strength, deconditioning and return to activity, particularly when fatigue, weakness or reduced physical capacity are affecting daily life.

Can exercise help with ulcerative colitis?

For some people, yes. Crohn’s & Colitis Australia notes that exercise may support general health and wellbeing, but pain and fatigue can make activity more difficult, so it is often helpful to start gradually and build up slowly.

Can ulcerative colitis flare up?

Yes. Ulcerative colitis commonly has periods of remission and relapse, where symptoms improve for a time and then flare again.

Can allied health treat ulcerative colitis itself?

No. Ulcerative colitis requires medical diagnosis and management. Allied health does not treat the bowel inflammation itself, but may support strength, fatigue management, movement, function and day-to-day quality of life.

When should someone with ulcerative colitis see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when ulcerative colitis is affecting fatigue, strength, activity tolerance, daily living, work, exercise participation or recovery after a flare.

If you are living with ulcerative colitis and would like support with fatigue, strength, movement or return to everyday activity, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs.

External Resources for Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s & Colitis Australia

IBD Support Australia

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Ulcerative Colitis

Australian Crohn’s and Colitis Association

IBD Australia

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.