Pelvic Floor Therapy

There are many different types of urinary incontinence. The most common types are stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and a combination of the two which is called mixed incontinence. Urinary incontinence is caused by a disruption in the sequence of events that would lead to normal function including adequate storage of urine, adequate muscle and nerve function to maintain storage of urine, normal urge signals, and normal ability to void. A disruption in this sequence can lead to leakage. There are many different factors that can contribute to incontinence including but not limited to weak pelvic floor muscles, nerve dysfunction/neurological conditions, hormonal changes including childbirth and menopause, certain medications and prostate problems.

A physical therapist involved with pelvic floor rehabilitation can help to identify what underlying factors may be contributing to incontinence, whether it be muscle weakness, poor coordination, or behavioral and lifestyle influences. Once identified, the therapist can develop a treatment plan dedicated to improving those factors and improving continence.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation consists of an exam, treatment, education, and home exercises or activities. The first step is obtaining a patient history and asking questions to determine what may be contributing to the incontinence. The exam can take many forms to identify structural differences and muscle function. Exam options will be thoroughly discussed, and as always with physical therapy, options will be provided that allow the patient to feel comfortable and most cared for. After the exam, the therapist will discuss treatment options with the patient and together they will implement a treatment plan.

Depending on the cause or factors contributing to incontinence, in some cases there are changes that could be implemented in as little as one to two sessions which may begin to help. In most cases, depending on the severity and underlying factors, it will take weeks or months of consistent effort to see noticeable changes.

With the help of your physical therapist in developing a long-term home treatment program, it is possible that the results could be long-lasting. As with any part of your body, with changes to your health, age, and activity level you may also experience changes in your bladder function. Your local pelvic floor physical therapist will always be available to re-evaluate and re-initiate a treatment plan for optimal bladder function.