UNDERSTANDING & MANAGING URINARY INCONTINENCE

Urinary incontinence, the involuntary leakage of urine, is a common issue that can affect people of all ages and genders. It’s often an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition, but it’s also highly manageable. Physiotherapy offers effective strategies to improve bladder control and reduce or even eliminate symptoms of incontinence.

Urinary incontinence can come in different forms, each with its own triggers and characteristics:

Stress Incontinence: This occurs when physical activity like coughing, sneezing, or exercising puts pressure on the bladder, causing leakage. Weak pelvic floor muscles are often the cause.

Urge Incontinence: Often described as an overwhelming need to urinate, this type can be associated with an overactive bladder that signals the urge to go even when the bladder isn’t full.

Mixed Incontinence: This involves a combination of stress and urge incontinence.

Overflow Incontinence: When the bladder doesn’t empty completely, it can cause a steady dribble of urine. This is often due to a blockage or weakened bladder muscles.

Physiotherapists specifically trained in pelvic health, diagnose and treat the root causes of urinary incontinence. Here’s what a typical treatment approach might include:

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT)

The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and control the release of urine. PFMT involves exercises to strengthen these muscles, which can help improve control and reduce leakage. Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels can be highly effective when done consistently. Your Physio will specifically assess you’re ability to engage your pelvic floor muscles and will prescribe exercises that are specific to your needs and capabilities.

Bladder Training

In cases of urge incontinence, bladder training helps you learn to hold urine for longer periods gradually. Physiotherapists guide you in managing the urge to go and help to retrain your bladder and pelvic floor muscles to work together more effectively and respond less urgently.

Biofeedback

Sometime your physio may use biofeedback devices to help patients understand how their pelvic floor muscles are working and how to strengthen them. These devices can show if you’re contracting or relaxing the correct muscles, which can make training more effective.

Electrical Stimulation

For some people with weak pelvic floor muscles, electrical stimulation can assist in activating and strengthening these muscles, making them more responsive.

Education on Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle changes can also help reduce incontinence. Physiotherapists may guide you on topics such as:

• Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, which can irritate the bladder
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the bladder
• Managing chronic cough or constipation, both of which can weaken the pelvic floor over time

Urinary incontinence can affect anyone, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier to enjoying life fully. Working with a physiotherapist trained in pelvic health can lead to meaningful improvements and help you regain confidence and control. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

 

Urinary incontinence is a common condition, but with the right guidance and physiotherapy, many people find relief and regain control over their lives. Don’t let embarrassment hold you back from seeking help – a pelvic health physiotherapist can provide the support you need to take the first step towards improvement.