Understanding Incontinence & the Role of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

What is Incontinence?

Incontinence is characterized by the unintentional leakage of urine or feces. It’s a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Understanding the specific type and cause of incontinence is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment approach. One effective treatment option is pelvic floor physiotherapy, which focuses on strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles to improve bladder and bowel control.

Types of Incontinence

• Stress Incontinence: This type of incontinence occurs when there is increased pressure on the bladder, leading to urine leakage. Common triggers include laughing, sneezing, coughing, or any activity that exerts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.
• Urge Incontinence: Also known as overactive bladder, this type involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by involuntary urine leakage. It arises from an overactive bladder muscle that contracts even when the bladder is not full. 
• Mixed Incontinence: As the name suggests, mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence. It involves both the leakage caused by pressure on the bladder and the sudden urge to urinate.
• Overflow Incontinence: This occurs when the bladder doesn't empty completely, resulting in continuous dribbling or a constant flow of urine. It typically arises from an obstruction in the urinary tract or weak bladder muscles.

Causes of Incontinence

• Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles: The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in maintaining urinary and fecal continence. Weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles, often due to childbirth, aging, or surgery, can lead to incontinence.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as estrogen in women, can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and contribute to incontinence.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injuries, can disrupt the communication between the brain and bladder, leading to incontinence.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Infections in the urinary tract can irritate the bladder and cause temporary incontinence.
• Chronic Conditions: Certain chronic diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease can increase the risk of developing incontinence.

How can pelvic floor physiotherapy help?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles. It can be an effective treatment option for various types of incontinence, offering long-term relief without resorting to surgery or medication.

• Assessment and Education: A pelvic floor physiotherapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the strength and functionality of your pelvic floor muscles. They will also provide education on proper bladder habits and techniques for controlling incontinence.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Pelvic floor physiotherapy often involves targeted exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises, known as Kegels, help improve muscle tone and control, enhancing bladder and bowel control.
• Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation: In some cases, biofeedback techniques or electrical stimulation may be used to assist with pelvic floor muscle training. Biofeedback provides visual or auditory cues to help you learn to control and strengthen the muscles. Electrical stimulation involves gentle electrical pulses to stimulate muscle contractions.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Pelvic floor physiotherapists may recommend certain lifestyle modifications to manage incontinence effectively. This can include dietary changes, fluid management, and guidance on healthy bowel habits.
• Bladder Retraining: For urge incontinence, bladder retraining techniques are employed to help increase the bladder's capacity and reduce the frequency of urges. This involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers numerous benefits for individuals struggling with incontinence:

• Customized Treatment: Each person's condition is unique, and pelvic floor physiotherapy provides individualized treatment plans tailored to specific needs and goals.
• Long-Term Solution: By addressing the root causes of incontinence, pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to provide long-lasting relief and improve overall quality of life.
• Minimizes Dependence on Medication: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can reduce or eliminate the need for medications typically prescribed to manage incontinence.
• Improves Confidence: Successfully managing incontinence through physiotherapy can boost self-esteem, restore confidence, and enable individuals to engage in daily activities without worry or embarrassment.

How can our team at Manotick PhysioWorks help?

Incontinence can significantly impact a person's physical and emotional well-being. However, with the help of pelvic floor physiotherapy, many individuals find relief from the symptoms and regain control over their bladder and bowel functions.

By understanding the different types of incontinence, recognizing the potential causes, and exploring available treatment options like pelvic floor physiotherapy, those affected can take proactive steps toward managing their condition and enjoying a better quality of life.