Overactive Bladder (OAB) is characterised by:
- A sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate (urinary urgency)
- Frequent urination during the day and night (nocturia)
- In some cases, urinary incontinence (leakage when you can’t reach the toilet in time)
Normally, the bladder can comfortably store 500–600ml of urine before needing to empty. With OAB, the bladder’s muscular wall contracts involuntarily, creating the sensation of urgency long before it is full. This leads to frequent, small voids that can significantly impact quality of life.
Several factors can contribute to the development of OAB, including:
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Age-related changes
- Bladder outlet blockages
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause
- Certain medications
- Excess caffeine, carbonated drinks, or alcohol
Effective treatment focuses on both lifestyle changes and pelvic floor physiotherapy. Recommendations include:
- Staying hydrated with 1.5–2L water daily
- Reducing caffeine, artificial sweeteners, carbonated drinks, and alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Preventing constipation with a high-fibre diet
At Hartwell Physiotherapy, Brooke, our Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, specialises in managing Overactive Bladder. She may recommend:
- Reviewing your diet and fluid intake
- Bladder retraining strategies
- Teaching correct pelvic floor muscle exercises
- Completing a bladder diary
- Teaching urge-deferment strategies to help prevent leakage
- Prescribing Trans Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) for bladder control
We also use Real Time Ultrasound to check if your pelvic floor muscles are activating correctly. This ensures your strengthening program is tailored to your needs.
In many cases, pelvic floor physiotherapy can effectively resolve OAB symptoms without the need for medication.
Overactive Bladder can be frustrating and disruptive, but with the right treatment, most people experience significant improvement. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing OAB symptoms, book an appointment with our Pelvic Floor Physio Brooke today.
Call us on 9889 3903 or book online to start your treatment journey.
References
- Abrams, P., Cardozo, L., Wagg, A., & Wein, A. (2017). Incontinence: 6th International Consultation on Incontinence. International Continence Society (ICS).
- Lightner, D. J., Gomelsky, A., Souter, L., & Vasavada, S. P. (2019). Diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder (non-neurogenic) in adults: AUA/SUFU guideline amendment. Journal of Urology, 202(3), 558–563. https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000309
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2019). Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management (NICE Guideline [NG123]). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng123
- Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). (2023). Physiotherapy and pelvic health. Retrieved from https://australian.physio
- Dumoulin, C., Hunter, K. F., Moore, K., Bradley, C. S., Burgio, K. L., Hagen, S., … & Williams, K. (2018). Conservative management for female urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse review 2013: Summary of the 6th International Consultation on Incontinence. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 37(7), 2271–2292. https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.23551
