Women's Health

What is urinary incontinence?

Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine with physical exertion. It may occur with a cough or a sneeze.

Urge incontinence results when symptoms of urnine loss occur with a strong desire to void. It may even be triggered by running water or the cold.

How can urinary incontinence be treated?

By reviewing the patient's history and performing a through evaluation, the physical therapist can design a treatment specific for the individual. Treatment may include, but is not limited to exercise, bladder retraining, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy techniques. Physical therapy for patients with symptoms of urinary incontinence is successful in 80% of the population.

Remember: Often time a urinary uncontentious problem can be solved without having surgery. You may consider trying non-surgical option fist if your doctor agrees.

What impact does incontinence have?

• Affects 15-25 million Americans
• 26% of women between ages 30 and 59 have problems
• Affects more than 50% of nursing home residents
• Incontinence even occurs in your athletes.
• Majority of problems can be addressed with behavioral techniques such as bladder retraining, biofeedback, electrical stimulation and exercises rather than surgery.
• Common causes include childbirth, decreased liquid intake, constipation, some types of surgeries, urinary tract abnormalities, infections, hormonal imbalance, pelvic support problems, and problems of the nervous system.

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

• Disuse: lack of awareness of pelvic floor
• Supportive Dysfunctions: Laxity and weakness that may be a result of pregnancy, surgery, chronic constipation, or systemic problems.
• Lacerations: due to childbirth/episiotomy scar
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Sexual dysfunction
• Voiding dysfunction and constipation

How can pelvic floor dysfunction be treated?

Treatment with physical therapy may include exercise, muscle re-education, using biofeedback, modalities such as electrical stimulation and/or ultrasound, and manual techniques. We ensure privacy with all individuals and treatment is performed only with patient consent.

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