Women's Health

Women's Health
Incontinence
Holly Beavers, DPT

What is incontinence? Incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control. The pelvic floor muscle is a muscle in the pelvis that supports the bladder and bowels. Strong pelvic muscles squeeze the urethra, closing off urine in the bladder. Weak pelvic floor muscles allow urine to leak out of the bladder and can also allow organs to "drop down" which can lead to a cystocele, rectocele, or uterine prolapse.

Who is affected? About 18 million Americans are incontinent. It is twice as prevalent in women as men. Less than half of people who are incontinent tell their healthcare provider. Women wait an average of 10 years before reporting their incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the 2nd most common reason for nursing home placement and THE most common reason to avoid aerobic exercise.

What causes incontinence?

• Increased age (but not a normal part of the aging process)
• Childbirth
• Surgery (where there has been trauma to the muscles causing weakness)
• Menopause
• Prostate problems
• Infections
• Low Back Pain
• Overweight/Obesity
• Nerve Damage

Types of urinary incontinence:

Urge incontinence - Urine loss which occurs with a strong desire to urinate (urgency) with a few seconds to minutes warning. The bladder muscle is overactive when it shouldn't be. Usually something is irritating the bladder. There can also be triggers such as key in the door, running water and temperature.

Stress incontinence - Involuntary loss of urine during physical exertion as with sneezing, coughing, lifting/bending, laughing and running. The pressure on the bladder leads to leakage if the pelvic floor muscle isn't strong enough to keep the urethra closed.

So, how do you treat this?

We use biofeedback, pelvic floor strengthening exercises, muscle stimulation, bladder diary, fluid and diet management techniques, bladder retraining and much, much more.

How long is the treatment program?

Treatment is usually only once a week for 2-8 weeks and about an hour per session. However, you must first be examined by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant who may then give you a prescription for physical therapy.

How long until I see progress?

Sometimes, improvement can be seen right away. It usually takes 6-12 weeks for the pelvic muscles to become strong enough to eliminate leaking.

The focus of therapy is your HOME PROGRAM. This is CRUCIAL to achieving your goals!!!

Lastly, patient privacy is guaranteed. A patient's comfort is of primary importance when dealing with incontinence issues.