Introduction

Urinary incontinence, often described as "peeing when you least expect it," is a widespread issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Whether it’s a small leak when you laugh, sneeze, or exercise, or a sudden urge that results in an accident before you can make it to the bathroom, urinary incontinence can significantly disrupt your daily life and overall well-being. The good news is that you don’t have to live with this discomfort. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers effective and non-invasive treatments that can help you manage and even eliminate urinary incontinence, allowing you to regain control over your bladder and, by extension, your life.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of urinary incontinence, the role of the pelvic floor in bladder control, how pelvic floor physical therapy works, and why Chicago Pelvic Health and Wellness is the best choice to help you regain your confidence and freedom from urinary incontinence.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s important to understand that urinary incontinence isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it can have a significant impact on your quality of life, leading to embarrassment, social withdrawal, and even depression if left untreated.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

There are several types of urinary incontinence, each with its own causes and symptoms:

• Stress Incontinence: This type occurs when physical activity or exertion—such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or heavy lifting—puts pressure on your bladder, causing urine to leak. It’s the most common type of urinary incontinence, especially among women who have given birth or undergone menopause.

• Urge Incontinence: Also known as overactive bladder, urge incontinence is characterized by a sudden, intense need to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You may feel the urge to urinate frequently, even if your bladder isn’t full. This type of incontinence can be particularly disruptive, as it often occurs without warning and can lead to accidents in public or at home.

• Mixed Incontinence: This type is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence. It means you may experience urine leakage during physical activities as well as a strong, sudden urge to urinate. Mixed incontinence can be particularly challenging to manage, as it involves multiple symptoms and triggers.

• Overflow Incontinence: This occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely during urination, leading to frequent or constant dribbling of urine. It’s more common in men, particularly those with prostate issues, but can also affect women.

• Functional Incontinence: This type isn’t caused by issues with the bladder or pelvic floor muscles but rather by physical or mental impairments that prevent a person from reaching the bathroom in time. For example, individuals with severe arthritis may find it difficult to move quickly, while those with cognitive impairments may not recognize the need to urinate in time.

Understanding the type of urinary incontinence you’re experiencing is the first step toward finding an effective treatment plan.

The Pelvic Floor’s Role in Bladder Control

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that form a supportive base at the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles are crucial for bladder control because they support the bladder, uterus (in women), and rectum, helping to keep these organs in place and functioning properly. When you urinate, your pelvic floor muscles relax to allow urine to pass, and then they contract to stop the flow and maintain continence.

However, when the pelvic floor muscles become weakened, damaged, or overly tense, they can’t perform these functions effectively, leading to urinary incontinence. There are several factors that can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, including:

• Pregnancy and Childbirth: The physical strain of carrying a baby, combined with the trauma of childbirth, can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, making it harder for them to control urination.

• Aging: As we age, our muscles naturally lose strength and elasticity, including the pelvic floor muscles. This weakening can lead to incontinence, especially during physical activities.

• Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of stress incontinence.

• Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels, particularly during menopause, can affect the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles.

• Chronic Coughing: Conditions like chronic bronchitis or asthma that cause frequent coughing can put repeated strain on the pelvic floor, leading to weakening over time.

• Surgery or Trauma: Pelvic surgeries, such as a hysterectomy or prostate surgery, can sometimes damage the nerves or muscles of the pelvic floor, leading to incontinence.

Understanding the underlying cause of your urinary incontinence is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of therapy focused on strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles. It’s a non-invasive, effective, and evidence-based treatment option that can significantly improve or even eliminate urinary incontinence. At Chicago Pelvic Health and Wellness, our expert Doctors of Physical Therapy use a holistic approach to address pelvic floor dysfunction and restore bladder control.

What to Expect During Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Your journey to better bladder control begins with a thorough assessment by one of our skilled therapists. During your initial consultation, we’ll conduct a detailed evaluation to understand the specific type and severity of your urinary incontinence. This assessment may include:

• A review of your medical history, including any previous surgeries, pregnancies, or other factors that could contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.

• A discussion of your lifestyle habits, such as your activity level, diet, and fluid intake, which can all influence bladder control.

• An examination of your pelvic floor, including an internal and external assessment.

Based on this comprehensive evaluation, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. This plan may include:

• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Also known as Kegel exercises, these are designed to strengthen the muscles that control urination. We’ll guide you on how to perform these exercises correctly to maximize their effectiveness.

• Bladder Training: We’ll work with you to develop a schedule for urination that gradually increases the time between bathroom visits, helping to retrain your bladder.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Changes to your diet, fluid intake, and activity level can have a significant impact on bladder control. We’ll provide guidance on how to make these changes in a way that supports your treatment goals.

• Manual Therapy: In some cases, hands-on techniques may be used to release tension in the pelvic floor muscles and improve their function.

At Chicago Pelvic Health and Wellness, we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized care that helps you achieve long-lasting results. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to regain control over your bladder and enjoy a better quality of life.

Why Choose Chicago Pelvic Health and Wellness?

Choosing the right provider for your pelvic floor therapy is crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes. At Chicago Pelvic Health and Wellness, we offer:

• Expertise: Our therapists are highly trained and experienced in treating pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

• Personalized Care: We take the time to understand your unique needs and create a treatment plan tailored to you.

• Holistic Approach: We believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and we use evidence-based practices to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.

• Convenient Location: Located in the heart of Dupage County, our clinic is easily accessible, making it convenient for you to receive the care you need.

Written by:

Dr. Jana Richardson, PT, DPT, WCS, PRPC, CIDN
Dual Board Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist and Owner of Chicago Pelvic Health

Dr. Jana Richardson is a highly accomplished pelvic floor therapist with dual board certifications and extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor dysfunctions. As the owner of Chicago Pelvic Health, Dr. Richardson is dedicated to providing personalized and effective care for her patients. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and specialized certifications in Women’s Health and Pelvic Rehabilitation, Dr. Richardson is a leading expert in her field. She is also certified in Integrative Dry Needling, further enhancing her ability to offer comprehensive treatment plans. Dr. Richardson’s commitment to patient-centered care and her passion for helping individuals achieve optimal pelvic health make her an invaluable asset to the community.