Physical Therapy for Urinary Incontinence?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, more than 13 million US citizens have incontinence.  Women are more likely to experience urinary incontinence but it also occurs in men especially after prostate surgery.

​Urinary Incontinence is the leakage of urine at inappropriate times. You may have trouble holding in urine when you cough, sneeze or exert; or when holding urine during a feeling of urgency to use the toilet.

Urinary Incontinence involves the muscles of the pelvic floor. These muscles attach to the bottom of the pelvic bones forming a structure that lifts to support the bladder as well as controlling the closure of the urethra (the tube that empties urine out of the bladder). 

It is essential that these muscles are strong enough to resist the pressure that is placed on the bladder when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exert.  

The pelvic floor muscles are also important in inhibiting premature bladder contraction, allowing you to reach the toilet during a feeling of urgency without leaking.  

Physical Therapists use their specialized medical training to completely evaluate and design a treatment program that is individualized for each patient.

Physical Therapy can:

• Give you control over your life and your bladder

• Save money and embarrassment by allowing less use of pads and undergarments

• Reduce use of medications for incontinence

• Possibly prevent the need for surgery

Physical Therapy Treatment may include:

• Education on diet and nutrition to avoid food and drinks that may irritate the bladder

• Advice on how to change behaviors that make symptoms worse

• Techniques to help you find the right muscles and learn to use them correctly

• Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles

• Exercises to stretch and strengthen other important muscles

• Ways to decrease urinary urge and frequency

• Biofeedback that shows you how your muscles are working

• Electrical stimulation to improve awareness and strength of the muscles

Physical Therapy is helpful for both men and women.