Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. It is a common condition that both women and men experience and it can happen to anyone for several reasons. Fortunately, urinary incontinence can be easily treated with the help of a specially trained physical therapist. If you have been struggling with urinary incontinence and you are looking for help, contact ARC Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated Westmont pelvic health physical therapists.
Why am I experiencing urinary incontinence?
There are several reasons why someone may leak urine. Some short-term urinary incontinence may develop and disappear on its own due to a temporary condition, such as a urinary tract infection, vaginal infection, or constipation. Certain medications can even cause temporary bladder control problems that should clear up after use. However, if your urinary incontinence persists, it may be due to a larger underlying condition, such as:
- Weak bladder muscles
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Overactive bladder
- Blockage from an enlarged prostate
- Damaged pelvic floor nerves, due to injury or surgery
- Damaged bladder nerves, typically from diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s
- Difficulty getting to the bathroom in time, due mobility restrictions
- Prostatitis
- Benign prostate hyperplasia
In addition to the different ways in which urinary incontinence can be caused, different types of urinary incontinence can occur. The different types of urinary incontinence include:
Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence is caused when one experiences a urine leak due to increased pressure on the bladder. For example, stress incontinence can occur when coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting heavy objects. This is the most common type of bladder control problem in younger to middle-aged women, and it may occur around the time of menopause.
Urge incontinence
Urge incontinence is caused when there is a sudden and emergent need to urinate. Someone experiencing urge incontinence may not have enough time to make it to the toilet before leakage occurs.
Mixed incontinence
This occurs in people who have some leakage during increased pressure on the bladder and leakage with a sudden, strong urge.
Overflow incontinence
Overflow incontinence is caused by a bladder that is always full, thus causing leakage to occur. For example, if a man has an enlarged prostate that is blocking his urethra, it can be difficult to empty the bladder. Other conditions, such as diabetes and spinal cord injuries, can also cause this type of bladder control problem.
Functional incontinence
Functional incontinence is caused when people have a condition that makes it hard to move to the bathroom quickly enough before leakage occurs. People with functional incontinence may have normal bladder control; however, they have an alternative condition (such as arthritis) that makes it difficult to move and thus results in leakage if they cannot make it to the toilet in time.
If you are experiencing persistent urinary incontinence that has been occurring for several weeks or months, contact our Westmont, IL physical therapy office as soon as possible to seek help.
How will physical therapy help with my urinary incontinence?
At ARC Physical Therapy, we know that living with urinary incontinence can be limiting – and even embarrassing at times, especially when it occurs during a social setting. Our Westmont, IL physical therapists are dedicated to improving your pelvic health, quality of life, and socialization, so you can get back to living your very best life.
When you arrive for your initial consultation, one of our physical therapists will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and goals and perform a physical examination. The examination will look at posture, mobility, muscle length, and strength of the pelvic floor as well as the spine and extremities. This will help in determining the best route for your treatment plan. Typical treatments for those struggling with urinary incontinence typically include:
- Increasing strength, stability, and endurance of the core, transverse abdominals, hip muscles, and pelvic floor.
- Increasing coordination of muscle firing between the pelvic floor and core.
- The use of biofeedback for pelvic floor training and re-education.
- Performing strengthening exercises in functional and dynamic positions.
- Improving posture/positions.
- Modifying diet.
- Keeping a bladder diary and log.
- Participating in an exercising/walking/mobility program.
- Participating in functional activities.
- Participating in a home exercise program and instruction.
If you, or someone you are caring for, are struggling with urinary incontinence and you are looking for help, contact us at ARC Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment. One of our Westmont, IL physical therapists will get you started on the path toward urinary control and relief.
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