Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Incontinence: Does it work?

Pelvic floor physical therapy and incontinence- does it work?  Incontinence is defined as any loss of bowel and bladder function. This can happen in any stage of life for men and women, even children- is often time distressing and greatly limit someone’s quality of life.

Why does incontinence happen?

Simply put, you leak urine when the pressure on the bladder is greater than the pressure that is creating urethral closure ( such as the pelvic floor muscles). So imagine a balloon tied at the bottom. If I smoosh down on the balloon with a lot of force and the balloon is tired tightly at the bottom. Nothing is going to happen, they are equal and opposite!

But what if I push down on the balloon and the tie is lose, or breaks. Well the air will seep out, or in case urine will leak.

What activities create pressure on the bladder?

Coughing
Laughing
Sneezing
-Jumping
Ballistic exercise/ plyometrics
Pregnancy . . etc

How can Physical Therapy help Incontinence?

1. Making sure the pelvic floor is working optimally The pelvic floor must be working in some capacity. Now this means the answer isn’t necessarily kegels. It is not always the best idea to just have a super strong pelvic floor- trust me, lifting a dumbbell with your vagina is not the answer! The pelvic floor must be able to contract, relax, but also know intuitively how MUCH to contract and when! For example, if you leak while running, don’t you think its crazy to hold a kegel for the whole 3 mile run? There has got to be a better way! What if we taught your body to generate just enough pelvic floor tension to help the urethra to stay closed? Hmmmm??? Sounds good- doesn’t it?!

2. Decrease the pressure pushing ON your bladder. Have you ever noticed how leaking primarily happens in standing, but not so much while lying on your back?! Well duh, this is because there is less pressure on the bladder. But Karen, I cannot lie down every time I have to sneeze- I know, I agree- because frankly that would be weird. But what we can help you do is strengthen the muscles in your back and core to help protect the bladder when you sneeze!

3.Improve toileting and bladder habits- are you a just in case’er? I bet you are. Do you pee before you leave the house, once you get to the doctor’s office, then right after your appointment, then as soon as you get home?! Why? Just in case- right?! That’s not good for your bladder’s resilience.

4. You have tried a device on the market, the latest app, done that influencer’s kegel protocol- no change. An individualized approach is really the best way to treat this. Every body’s body is different you need a unique approach to you.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is considered first line treatment by the American Urogynecological Association. And should be done first before considering other treatments such as surgery.

Please reach out at info@empoweryourselfpt.com or call/ text at 832-463-1152 or click here to schedule a consult. Incontinence is almost always easily treated. Most patients who come see us say their only regret was not reaching out sooner . . . .