Incontinence

Millions of women suffer from some type of urinary incontinence, but what they don’t know is that there are several treatment options to re-gain continence and take back control of their life. Physical Therapy is one option available for conservative individualized treatment that has been proven to make dramatic changes with many incontinence symptoms.

Stress incontinence – occurs with physical exertion associated with coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting or exercise.

Urge incontinence – caused by over activity of the bladder muscles leading to leakage and sudden uncontrolled urge to urinate.

Mixed incontinence – a combination of stress and urge incontinence.

Physical Therapy Expectations for Incontinence

  • You will be asked questions related to your symptoms, associated pain, and change of lifestyle since having continence problems.
  • You will be asked to fill out a bladder diary charting your fluid intake and your voiding intervals (for incontinence patients).
  • A musculoskeletal examination will be performed to determine muscle imbalance issues and strength level.
  • You will be given the option for conservative non-invasive treatment protocols or an internal pelvic floor exam for detailed muscular information.
  • Biofeedback tools can be used for instant feedback on pelvic floor contraction (strength of kegel contraction).
  • Electrical stimulation can be used to help re-educate muscles for a strong prolonged contraction.
  • Instruction will be given for a home exercise program.
  • Frequency of sessions are usually 1 or 2 times a week.
  • The patient will be given choices and is in control of her therapy progression.