Symptoms

The loss of a small or moderate amount of urine during a cough, sneeze, laugh, or during exercise are signs of stress incontinence. Symptoms of urge incontinence include the sudden and frequent uncontrollable need to urinate.

Myths

Many believe incontinence is just part of the aging process, and something women have to deal with as they age. It’s not. In fact, research shows 28% of college-age athletes have incontinence. People also believe that using a pad, taking a prescription, or having surgery are the only options for treating incontinence – the reality is there are specific exercises learned through physical therapy that can effectively treat incontinence.

Treatment

Pelvic Physical Therapy for incontinence may include specific exercises to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles and retrain the bladder. These may include learning to perform Kegels properly, as well as other exercises, where patients are monitored using biofeedback equipment (similar to a heart rate monitor) to see if the pelvic muscles are being contracted correctly. The timing of pelvic muscle contractions is also important, and this is taught as well. And finally, additional techniques can be learned to help retrain the bladder for significant improvements in control and frequency reduction.