Physical Therapy for Incontinence

– Find Freedom Through Strength

Incontinence impacts around 50% of adult women and up to 11% of adult men.1 Yet, on average less than half seek care!

The good news is you do not need to suffer alone! Physical Therapy Specialists offers a solution to incontinence for patients of all ages.

Schedule a FREE Discovery Visit or Phone Consultation.

Treating Incontinence with Physical Therapy

Compassion matters when dealing with sensitive issues. At Physical Therapy Specialists, each patient receives patient-centered, individual and quality care. We want you to feel comfortable and heard as we work together to achieve healing.

PTS Incontinence Free Lady

Understanding Incontinence

Physical therapy aims to help you identify the source of your urinary incontinence. To begin, we perform a thorough examination. This assessment includes evaluation of your posture, movement patterns, pelvis, hips and low back.

The pelvic floor muscles play a key role in proper function of the urinary tract. We evaluate the strength, flexibility and coordination of your pelvic floor. We also inquire about your daily activities and discuss other things that may impact your urinary leakage.

Customized Treatment Plan

To prepare for your first appointment, we ask you to complete a three-day bladder diary. This includes documenting specifics about food and fluid intake and voiding patterns.

Based on your diagnosis and review of your diary, we develop a customized treatment plan. Common treatment options include:

  • Education on bladder function and its relationship to the pelvic floor muscles
  • Biofeedback of the pelvic floor muscles as needed to relearn how to strengthen and improve muscle function
  • Bladder schedule
  • Screening of the hips, ribs, back and abdomen to understand the complete mechanics for why urinary incontinence is occurring
  • Core stabilization
  • Home exercise program

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Pregnancy Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is caused by many different factors related to your specific body, health and lifestyle.

  • Pregnancy
  • Changes in hormones from menopause
  • Surgery

  • Trauma from a pelvic fracture

  • Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles

  • Use of certain medications, food or beverages

Impact of Urinary Incontinence

Untreated, urinary incontinence can increase the chance of skin irritation, urinary infection, social isolation, depression and embarrassment. Live a better life! Don’t let incontinence keep you from enjoying the activities, hobbies or relationships you love.

Physical therapy offers an effective solution to improve your quality of life by addressing the core issues behind urinary incontinence.

Who Experiences Incontinence?

adult incontinence
Adult Incontinence

Incontinence impacts men and women of all ages.

postpartum incontinence
Postpartum Incontinence

The strain and stress of pregnancy on the body often leads to incontinence.

Pediatric Incontinence
Pediatric Incontinence

Children experience incontinence when pelvic floor muscles don’t work properly.

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.

Incontinence Therapy FAQs

Urinary incontinence refers to any unwanted urine leakage. It is NOT a normal response to aging! The pelvic muscles impact incontinence in both men and women. People suffering from incontinence may experience trouble holding urine, trouble starting to urinate or may feel the need to urinate frequently.

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. Loss of strength or function in the pelvic floor muscles limits control of urinary function

To evaluate the pelvic floor muscles, we conduct an internal vaginal (female) or rectal (male) exam. Not all patients receive an internal exam. It is based on your specific condition and only with your consent.

The exam assesses the strength, muscle symmetry and tone, trigger points and specific ability of your pelvic floor muscles to contract and relax. Just like in a neck injury, the muscles need treatment to promote relaxation and regain normal strength. If at any time this causes discomfort for you, please let us know so we can discuss your feelings and seek alternatives for treatment.

Gain Control Over Your Symptoms

Enhance your quality of life! Physical Therapy Specialists provide compassionate treatment for incontinence. We serve patients throughout the Denver Metro area at our Centennial clinic.

Call to schedule a phone consultation or free discovery visit.
Sources
  1. Physiopedia, “Incontinence”.
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You have nothing to lose but pain or worry.

Come see for yourself what Physical Therapy Specialists can do for you!