Urinary Incontinence

 

Although many patients are reluctant to discuss urinary incontinence, or leaking urine, with their physicians, this condition can affect women of all ages. Urinary incontinence is NOT a normal part of aging or a normal consequence of childbirth. In most cases, it is treatable – physical therapy can help.

Urinary incontinence can result when the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and assist in bladder control become weak, tight or have poor muscle control.
 
Types of Incontinence and Associated Symptoms:
 
Stress Incontinence (SUI) – Leakage of small amounts of urine when there is increased pressure placed on the bladder such as occurs with exercise, sneezing, coughing, lifting or various other activities. This is due to weakness of the muscles that keep the bladder closed. Someone with stress incontinence might…
 
  • Experience loss of urine during fitness activities
  • Have urinary leakage with sneezing, coughing, running or jumping
 
Urge Incontinence (UUI) – Leakage of larger amounts of urine that occurs when a person feels a sudden, strong urge to urinate. This may happen when a person hears running water, has poor dietary habits, or has a poor awareness of a full bladder. Urge incontinence involves an overactive bladder – the urge to urinate cannot be voluntarily suppressed. Someone with urge incontinence might…
 
  • Experience loss of large amounts of urine following sudden urges to void
  • Experience sudden of frequent urge/need to urinate
  • Have a loss of urine during sleep or increased frequency of urinating during the night
 
Mixed Incontinence (MUI) – A combination of both stress and urge symptoms.
 
  • All losses of urine incidences cause alteration to daily household activities, travels, work, social activities and/or relationships with friends
 
Additionally, poor pelvic floor muscle control can cause some people to experience difficulty initiating urination or feel the need to strain when urinating.
 
 
Physical therapists are healthcare specialists that are trained in evaluating and treating issues related to joint and muscle function. At Premier Therapy Centers, the physical therapist that treats incontinence in our Women’s Health center has advanced training in the anatomy and role of the muscles and structures in and around the pelvis. Patients are seen in private rooms. The atmosphere is confidential, caring and supportive. An individualized physical therapy program for incontinence might include:
 
  • Education – in diet, body mechanics and other behavioral modifications
  • Manual therapy – to increase soft tissue and joint mobility
  • Biofeedback therapy – to teach a patient how to appropriately contract the pelvic floor muscles that assist with the urination process
  • Pelvic Floor Exercise – instruction in a program designed to strengthen the control of the pelvic floor muscles to better maintain continence
 
To make an appointment with a Premier Therapy Centers’ physical therapist:
 
1. A physician will write a referral for physical therapy evaluation and treatment.
2. The patient contacts Premier Therapy Centers to schedule an initial evaluation.
3. The patient undergoes a consultation and evaluation with a physical therapist, then schedules further appointments.
4. After the initial appointment, the physical therapist faxes the referring physician the evaluation report and plan for therapy, including findings, treatment plan and goals.
5. The physician signs and returns the therapy plan of care to Premier Therapy Centers.