Incontinence

Men and women of all ages can experience an uncontrolled loss of urine or stool. Urinary incontinence is more prevalent in women, but can occur in men, especially after prostatectomy. Muscles in the pelvic floor can be weakened or damaged from the aging process, pregnancy (traumatic or not), pelvic floor surgeries, and back or sacral injuries.  Chronic constipation, chronic coughing, bladder irritants, and inappropriate lifting techniques can all contribute to incontinence.
Millions of Americans suffer from these problems and many do not seek help, either because they are too embarrassed or they consider it a normal part of aging. The good news is that many cases of incontinence can be helped or cured with some lifestyle changes, exercise and a better understanding of the problem and available solutions. Knowledge is powerful and physical therapy can help you improve or get rid of your incontinence.

TYPES OF INCONTINENCE:

Stress Incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine with exertion (physical stress as opposed to emotional stress) like coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or getting up out of a chair.

Urge Incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine that is associated with a strong urge to void even when your bladder is not truly full. People who suffer from this type often feel the urge to void many times during the day and/or night and know where every bathroom is in town.

Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.

Overflow Incontinence: The leakage of small amounts of urine day and night accompanied by the feeling that the bladder never really empties.

Fecal Incontinence: Feces can be lost with exertion similar to stress urinary incontinence – An individual may experience a need to evacuate the bowel without warning similar to urge urinary incontinence.  Sometimes a lack in rectal sensation can result in loss of stool. However, the factors leading to bowel incontinence can be different than those contributing to urinary incontinence.

PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION

After thoroughly discussing your past medical history, dietary contributions, and symptoms, tests will be conducted to assess the strength, integrity, and coordination of your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.