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Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine that is severe enough
to cause a hygienic or social problem (International Continence Society
definition, 1990). The loss of one drop of urine is considered incontinence.
13 million people of all ages have urinary incontinence. 80% of urinary
incontinence can be improved or cured; yet it takes the average person 5-7
years to seek help for bladder problems.
CAUSES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE
Urinary incontinence is caused by changes in the urinary tract that often
result from diseases, weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and/or
consumption of
certain medications, food or beverages. Untreated, urinary incontinence can
increase the chance of skin irritation, urinary infection, social isolation,
depression and embarrassment.
TYPES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE:
There are 3 common types of urinary incontinence:
Stress Incontinence Urine loss while coughing, sneezing, lifting,
laughing, or participating in other physical activities.
Urge Incontinence Strong or sudden urge to urinate with the inability to
make it to the toilet on time.
Mixed Incontinence A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
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. Weakened pelvic floor muscles diminish the ability to stop the
flow of urine and support the bladder. Following prostate surgery,
gynecologic surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or childbirth, these muscles
are often weak, making it difficult to control urinary leakage.
Specially trained therapists can teach you how to locate and strengthen your
pelvic floor muscles so they can function normally. Active participation in
therapy and in your home exercise program can lead to improved muscle
function, strength and flexibility.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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 I complete a thorough evaluation, a treatment plan will
be developed. This treatment plan will include:
Pelvic floor muscle evaluation and treatment
Education on normal bladder function and its relationship to the pelvic
muscles
Teaching normal muscle function
Teaching 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. 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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Therapy Specialists |
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