Physical therapy for urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence symptoms

Symptoms of urinary incontinence can range from occasional, minor leakages of urine to more frequent and severe leakages. The severity and frequency of the leakage will depend on the underlying cause.

Stress incontinence, for example, occurs when pressure is exerted on the bladder, such as by laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising. Urge incontinence, on the other hand, is characterized by an intense and sudden urge to urinate followed by a loss of urine; urge incontinence is often caused by an underlying condition like an infection, a neurological disorder, or diabetes. Finally, overflow incontinence is characterized by frequent or even constant loss of small amounts of urine due to a bladder that never empties completely.

The most common symptoms of urinary incontinence include:

• Urine leakage
• Inability to empty the bladder
• A feeling of pressure on the bladder
• Weakness in the muscles surrounding the bladder

Physical therapy for urinary incontinence

With the help of a physical therapist, patients with urinary incontinence can identify the cause of their urinary incontinence and develop an effective treatment plan accordingly. Because urinary incontinence can be caused by a number of different factors, a physical therapist will begin by performing a thorough examination to determine the problem’s root cause. This evaluation can involve urodynamic testing, diagnostic ultrasound, or MRI.

Once a root cause has been determined, a physical therapist can create an individualized treatment plan to improve pelvic-floor muscle function, helping the patient to gain control of their symptoms and reduce their need for specialized undergarments or medication. Treatments may include Kegel exercises, biofeedback, muscle strengthening exercises, and electrical stimulation.