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Post - Prostatectomy Incontinence
It May Not Happen To You . . . . . …But If It Does, It Can Be Treated.
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine that is severe enough
to cause a hygienic or social problem (International Continence Society
1990). Research has found that up to 31% of patient’s post prostatectomy
will need pads for some form of wetness and up to 63% of older patients who
don’t receive therapy intervention require pads to collect leakage.
TYPES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE
There are 3 common types of urinary incontinence.
Stress Incontinence – Urine loss while coughing, sneezing,
lifting, laughing or during physical activities.
Urge
Incontinence – Strong or sudden urge to urinate with the
inability to make it to the bathroom on time.
Mixed
Incontinence – A combination of urge and stress incontinence.
WHAT ARE THE PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES?
The pelvic floor muscles
attach to the bottom of the pelvis to create a “floor” for our internal
organs. They support these organs and help stop the flow of urine and the
passage of gas. They also assist in normal sexual function. Following
prostate surgery, these muscles are often weak, making it difficult to
control urine leakage.
HOW CAN THERAPY HELP?
Therapy can help teach you how to locate and strengthen your muscles so
they can function normally. Active participation in therapy can lead to
improved muscle function, strength, and flexibility. According to the
research, 67%-91% of patients are improved or cured with therapy
intervention.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I GO TO THERAPY?
Expect help!
Once you have
scheduled your first appointment with us, we will need to gather
important information to ensure we provide you with the best possible care.
A patient information packet will need to be completed and provided to our
staff when you arrive for your first appointment. The patient
information packet will include a description of what to expect, as well as
a patient history questionnaire. Your patient information packet can be
mailed to your home or
downloaded here.
After a thorough evaluation has been performed, you and your therapist
will develop a treatment program. This program will include:
- Pelvic floor muscle evaluation and treatment
- A bladder schedule to improve bladder habits Education on bladder function
and its relationship to the pelvic floor muscles
- Biofeedback of the
pelvic floor muscles to relearn how to strengthen and improve muscle
function
- Home exercise program
You will be asked to complete a bladder diary for at least 3 days prior to
the first appointment. This entails documenting amounts and type of food and fluid
intake and well as voiding patterns. This is very important information to
have completely before your first visit.
Each person has unique and different needs, requiring varying amounts of time
and visits for therapy. Your plan of care will be based on your
individual needs. anywhere from 6-10 times. In addition to clinic visits, you will
receive exercises and instructions for things that you can do in the privacy of your home.
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