Bladder Incontinence
Bladder or urinary incontinence is the technical term used for the involuntary loss or leaking of urine. It is a common condition that is most often attributed to elderly or pregnant women, however, it can happen to anyone at any age, for a number of different reasons. Urine leakage can have huge social consequences and may lead you to decrease your physical activity. Fortunately, incontinence can significantly improve and often completely resolve with the help of physiotherapy. If you have been struggling with urinary incontinence and you are looking for help, schedule an appointment at Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness today with one of our dedicated Toronto physiotherapists.
Why am I experiencing urinary incontinence?
There are several reasons why someone may leak urine accidentally. 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 an underlying condition, such as:
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Overactive pelvic floor muscles
- Blockage from an enlarged prostate
- Damaged pelvic floor nerves, from diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s
- Mobility issues affecting your ability to get to the bathroom in time
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Prostatitis
- Benign prostate hyperplasia
- Damaged pelvic floor nerves, due to injury or surgery
In addition to the different ways in which urinary incontinence can be caused, there are also different types of urinary incontinence that can occur. The different types of urinary incontinence include:
Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence is used to describe urine leakage that occurs during a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure. For example, stress incontinence can occur when jumping, running, lifting something heavy, laughing, coughing, or sneezing. Typically the amount of urine lost each time is small. Stress incontinence is the most common type of bladder incontinence in younger to middle-aged women. It is also often associated with pregnancy or menopause.
Urge incontinence
Urge incontinence is caused when there is a sudden and urgent need to urinate. Someone experiencing urge incontinence may not have enough time to make it to the bathroom and usually experiences larger amounts of urine loss.
Mixed incontinence
Mixed incontinence is a term used when an individual experiences a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.
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 get to the bathroom quickly enough before leakage occurs. People with functional incontinence actually have normal bladder control; however, they have an alternative condition (such as arthritis) that makes it difficult for them to get to the bathroom in time to empty their bladder.
If you are experiencing persistent urinary incontinence that has been occurring for several weeks, months, or even years, contact our Toronto physiotherapy office as soon as possible to seek help.
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How will physiotherapy help with my urinary incontinence?
At Foundation Physiotherapy, we know that living with urinary incontinence can be limiting – and even embarrassing at times, especially when it occurs during a social setting. Our Toronto physiotherapists 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 physiotherapists will perform a physical examination to determine the strength and resting tension level of your pelvic floor. Your physical exam, along with an evaluation of your medical history and discussion of your symptoms, will help in determining the best treatment plan for you. Your treatment plan may include:
- Exercises to address the strength and endurance of your pelvic floor and surrounding core muscles
- Pelvic floor muscle training with feedback, to improve awareness, length and control
- Breathing exercises
- Performing strengthening exercises in functional and dynamic positions
- Addressing postural issues that may be related to your incontinence
- Modifying diet
- Keeping a bladder diary
- Timing or scheduling trips to the bathroom
- Participating in an exercising/walking/mobility program.
- Participating in functional activities.
- Participating in a home exercise program
If you are struggling with urinary incontinence and are looking for help, schedule an appointment at Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness today. One of our Toronto physiotherapists will get you started on the path back toward bladder control and relief from urinary incontinence.
