Are you or a loved one suffering from urinary incontinence? If so, you’re not alone. According to Brighter Health Network, around 13 million people in the United States are affected by urinary incontinence. This affects more women than men, and 10-30% of women from 15-64 years old are affected. This is a distressing problem, and one that many people are embarrassed to talk about. However, this is often a very treatable problem.
The Common Types of Urinary Incontinence
One of the most common types of urinary incontinence is stress incontinence. When physical stress is placed on the muscles of the pelvic floor, they are unable to maintain control. This may lead to a small amount of leakage to a large amount of leakage. Some common types of stress include:
- coughing
- sneezing
- laughing
- physical activity, such as exercise
- heavy lifting
Another common type of incontinence is urge incontinence. This occurs when the muscles of the bladder involuntarily contract, often leaving the person with a very short time to get to a restroom. This type of incontinence is characterized by frequent need to urinate, and often there are cues that can increase the urges. These could include a change in position, water running, turning the key in the door when returning home, running water and so forth.
Physical Therapy Can Help
Yes, you read that right. Physical therapy is a very effective treatment of both stress and urge incontinence. The muscles of the pelvic floor can be trained and strengthened. Furthermore, the bladder can often be retrained to be less affected by common triggers for urge incontinence.
Contact us at Great Moves Physical Therapy if you have more questions about incontinence. We’re happy to help. We’ll arrange to have you talk to a full-licensed therapist who will be able to discuss your condition and recommend a treatment plan which may require physical therapy and/or other medical services.
This article, Urinary Incontinence: A Tough Issue In Life – Can Physical Therapy Help?, has been recently revised and originally published July 6, 2010.