About 25 million Americans experience some form of urinary incontinence, with 75-80% being women. Research also finds that at least half of these people don’t discuss their condition with a healthcare provider.
Bladder leaks are common and no one should feel embarrassed to speak with a doctor. No one should have to live with bladder leaks.
While bladder leaks are common, they are not a “normal” part of pregnancy or aging. When treated with pelvic floor physical therapy, bladder leaks can be eliminated in the vast majority of patients.
What Causes Bladder Leaks?
When it comes to bladder leaks, there are two common causes:
1. Stress incontinence
Coughing, sneezing, jumping or lifting something heavy can cause a leak with this type.
2. Urge incontinence
With this type, your bladder may just suddenly leak without warning.
It is actually possible to have both types at the same time.
While diet and exercise modifications at home can help you reduce or prevent future bladder leaks, it’s important to seek professional care to really get to the cause of the incontinence and treat it properly.
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
The pelvic floor is made up of muscles, bones, and connective tissue just like the rest of your body. When there is weakness in this area – just like if there is weakness in the back or neck – issues can arise. For bladder leaks specifically, physical therapy can help you re-train and strengthen the muscles around your bladder.
What is Pelvic Floor Therapy Like?
A pelvic floor physical therapist will take you through a series of exercises teaching you to properly contract and release the muscles of your pelvic floor. The physical therapist may use techniques like ultrasound or biofeedback to aid in the teaching of these techniques.
If you’ve had physical therapy for a knee or shoulder, pelvic floor therapy won’t feel that different. Your first appointment will consist of a series of questions designed to identify your goals. Once your Physical Therapist has completed your physical exam, you will decide together how best to proceed. Rest assured, your physical therapist will be with you each step of the way and ready to answer your questions.
Not all physical therapy clinics provide pelvic floor physical therapy. St Spring Hill Physical Therapy & FYZICAL, we do. Our physical therapists have specialized training in pelvic health and can evaluate and treat a variety of pelvic health conditions.
Remember, if you’re having bladder leaks, you’re not alone and you don’t need to feel embarrassed. Most importantly, there is a solution for bladder leaks! Schedule an evaluation with one of our pelvic health therapists at Spring Hill Physical Therapy & FYZICAL and live a more confident, leak-free life!