Urinary health and incontinence
Urinary incontinence is not a disease but a collection of symptoms indicating underlying physiological issues, such as weakened pelvic floor muscles or poor coordination between these muscles and the bladder/urethra. It’s important to recognize that while urinary incontinence is prevalent, it is not a normal part of aging and should not be dismissed. Stigmatization can discourage individuals from seeking help, leading to social isolation and decreased quality of life. Fortunately, effective prevention and treatment options are available and can provide significant relief.
To ensure appropriate treatment, the underlying cause and the type of urinary incontinence must be first identified. There are three most common types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress Urinary Incontinence: This occurs during physical exertion, such as sneezing, coughing, lifting heavy objects, or participating in high-impact activities like basketball trampoline jumping or running
- Urge Incontinence: Typically linked to an overactive bladder, urge incontinence involves a sudden and intense need to urinate, often leading to leakage. This type is often influenced by habits and lifestyle; for example, individuals may experience the “key in the lock” phenomenon, where the urge to urinate becomes overwhelming just as they approach the bathroom.
- Mixed Incontinence: This involves a combination of both stress and urge
What can we do about urinary incontinence?
Physical therapy is the first line of treatment for urinary incontinence. In fact, research shows that physical therapy is more effective for postpartum urinary incontinence than surgery or no treatment at all.
Pelvic floor therapy is conducted in a designated environment appropriate for thorough evaluation. Once the physical therapist identifies the type of incontinence and assesses muscle weakness or deficits, they can create a personalized treatment plan. If you are experiencing symptoms related to urinary incontinence, don’t hesitate to contact your physical therapist for support.
