Incontinence physiotherapy Brisbane southside.
What causes urinary continence issues?
Urinary continence issues are relatively common among women, and the prevalence increases with age. It is estimated that approximately 25% to 45% of women experience some form of urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. The exact prevalence varies depending on factors such as age, childbirth history, menopausal status, overall health, and sometimes genetics. Stress urinary incontinence, which is characterised by urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion, is the most prevalent type of urinary incontinence in women. Other types, such as urge incontinence (sudden and intense urge to urinate) and mixed incontinence (combination of stress and urge incontinence), are also common. It is important to note that urinary continence issues should not be considered a normal part of aging or something to be silently endured. With the right diagnosis, management, and treatment, many women can find relief and improve their quality of life.
How are urinary continence issues diagnosed?
To diagnose urinary continence issues, a comprehensive assessment is conducted. Your Physiotherapist will discuss your medical history, including any past medical conditions or surgeries. A physical examination will be performed to evaluate the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. Keeping a bladder diary to track urination patterns and fluid intake, as well as undergoing specialised tests like urodynamic studies and ultrasound evaluations, may also be part of the diagnostic process.
How can physiotherapy help in urinary continence?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management of urinary continence issues in women. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can be a key component, involving exercises to strengthen and re-educate the pelvic floor muscles. Individualised treatment programs are designed based on each patient's specific needs. Biofeedback techniques are utilised to improve muscle control and coordination. Education and lifestyle modifications, such as dietary and behavioral advice, are provided to support continence. Bladder training techniques are also taught to enhance bladder control and emptying.
What treatments and devices are available for treating urinary continence issues?
There are various treatments and devices available for treating urinary continence issues in women. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common options:
Can I exercise if I'm having urinary continence issues?
Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on urinary continence in women, supported by evidence from research studies. Engaging in exercises that target the pelvic floor muscles, such as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), has been found to improve continence and reduce the frequency of incontinence episodes. Incorporating exercises that strengthen the core muscles, such as the abdominals and back muscles, can provide additional support to the pelvic floor and enhance continence. Research suggests that low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, Pilates and yoga can also contribute to pelvic floor health without placing excessive strain on the muscles. Overall, evidence supports the inclusion of targeted exercises, particularly PFMT and core strengthening, as part of a comprehensive approach to managing urinary continence in women. It is recommended to consult with your women's health physiotherapist or healthcare professional to receive personalised exercise recommendations based on individual needs and conditions.
How can clinical Pilates help with urinary continence problems?
Clinical Pilates is an effective adjunct to physiotherapy in addressing urinary continence problems. Specific exercises are designed to target the pelvic floor, promoting stability and strength. Core strengthening exercises are incorporated to provide additional support to the pelvic floor muscles. Mind-body connection techniques, including breath control and relaxation exercises, help improve muscle coordination and relaxation. Postural awareness is emphasised to ensure optimal bladder function. By engaging in safe and effective exercises guided by experienced physiotherapists, women can work towards improving their continence.
If you are experiencing incontinence our experienced women's health physiotherapy teams at Tarragindi and Coorparoo would love to help. Book via the link below, or give us a call on 07 3706 3407 to discuss with our friendly admin team about what might be right for you.
Urinary continence issues are relatively common among women, and the prevalence increases with age. It is estimated that approximately 25% to 45% of women experience some form of urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. The exact prevalence varies depending on factors such as age, childbirth history, menopausal status, overall health, and sometimes genetics. Stress urinary incontinence, which is characterised by urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion, is the most prevalent type of urinary incontinence in women. Other types, such as urge incontinence (sudden and intense urge to urinate) and mixed incontinence (combination of stress and urge incontinence), are also common. It is important to note that urinary continence issues should not be considered a normal part of aging or something to be silently endured. With the right diagnosis, management, and treatment, many women can find relief and improve their quality of life.
How are urinary continence issues diagnosed?
To diagnose urinary continence issues, a comprehensive assessment is conducted. Your Physiotherapist will discuss your medical history, including any past medical conditions or surgeries. A physical examination will be performed to evaluate the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. Keeping a bladder diary to track urination patterns and fluid intake, as well as undergoing specialised tests like urodynamic studies and ultrasound evaluations, may also be part of the diagnostic process.
How can physiotherapy help in urinary continence?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management of urinary continence issues in women. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can be a key component, involving exercises to strengthen and re-educate the pelvic floor muscles. Individualised treatment programs are designed based on each patient's specific needs. Biofeedback techniques are utilised to improve muscle control and coordination. Education and lifestyle modifications, such as dietary and behavioral advice, are provided to support continence. Bladder training techniques are also taught to enhance bladder control and emptying.
What treatments and devices are available for treating urinary continence issues?
There are various treatments and devices available for treating urinary continence issues in women. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common options:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding bladder irritants (e.g., caffeine, alcohol), and practicing pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) can help improve bladder control and reduce urinary incontinence.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT): PFMT involves targeted exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It can be done independently or with the guidance of a women's health physiotherapist. PFMT helps improve muscle tone and control, enhancing urinary continence.
- Bladder Training: Bladder training involves scheduled voiding and gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits. It helps retrain the bladder to hold urine for longer periods and reduces urgency and frequency of urination.
- Medications: Medications may be prescribed to manage specific types of urinary continence issues. For example, anticholinergic medications can help reduce overactive bladder symptoms by relaxing the bladder muscles.
- Medical Devices: Several medical devices are available to manage urinary continence:
- Vaginal Pessaries: These are removable devices placed in the vagina to support the bladder and urethra, helping to reduce stress urinary incontinence.
- Urethral Inserts: These small, tampon-like devices are inserted into the urethra to temporarily block urine leakage during activities that trigger stress urinary incontinence.
- Neuromodulation Devices: These devices deliver electrical stimulation to the nerves that control bladder function. They can be implanted or used externally to help manage overactive bladder or urge incontinence.
- Intravaginal Support Devices: These are supportive devices, such as urethral slings or vaginal tapes, surgically placed to provide support to the urethra and treat stress urinary incontinence.
- Surgical Interventions: In severe cases or when other treatments haven't been effective, surgical procedures may be considered. Procedures like sling surgery, bladder neck suspension, or artificial urinary sphincter placement aim to provide support to the bladder and improve continence.
Can I exercise if I'm having urinary continence issues?
Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on urinary continence in women, supported by evidence from research studies. Engaging in exercises that target the pelvic floor muscles, such as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), has been found to improve continence and reduce the frequency of incontinence episodes. Incorporating exercises that strengthen the core muscles, such as the abdominals and back muscles, can provide additional support to the pelvic floor and enhance continence. Research suggests that low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, Pilates and yoga can also contribute to pelvic floor health without placing excessive strain on the muscles. Overall, evidence supports the inclusion of targeted exercises, particularly PFMT and core strengthening, as part of a comprehensive approach to managing urinary continence in women. It is recommended to consult with your women's health physiotherapist or healthcare professional to receive personalised exercise recommendations based on individual needs and conditions.
How can clinical Pilates help with urinary continence problems?
Clinical Pilates is an effective adjunct to physiotherapy in addressing urinary continence problems. Specific exercises are designed to target the pelvic floor, promoting stability and strength. Core strengthening exercises are incorporated to provide additional support to the pelvic floor muscles. Mind-body connection techniques, including breath control and relaxation exercises, help improve muscle coordination and relaxation. Postural awareness is emphasised to ensure optimal bladder function. By engaging in safe and effective exercises guided by experienced physiotherapists, women can work towards improving their continence.
If you are experiencing incontinence our experienced women's health physiotherapy teams at Tarragindi and Coorparoo would love to help. Book via the link below, or give us a call on 07 3706 3407 to discuss with our friendly admin team about what might be right for you.
Who to book in with:
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If you are unsure about which appointment type is right for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly reception staff by calling 07 3706 3407 or emailing info@articulatephysiotherapy.com.au.
References
McKinney JL, Keyser LE, Pulliam SJ, Ferzandi TR. Female Urinary Incontinence Evidence-Based Treatment Pathway: An Infographic for Shared Decision-Making. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2022 Mar;31(3):341-346. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0266. Epub 2021 Nov 5. PMID: 34747662; PMCID: PMC8972010.
Aoki Y, Brown HW, Brubaker L, Cornu JN, Daly JO, Cartwright R. Urinary incontinence in women. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017 Jul 6;3:17042. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.42. Erratum in: Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017 Nov 16;3:17097. PMID: 28681849; PMCID: PMC5878864.
Dumoulin C, Cacciari LP, Hay-Smith EJC. Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Oct 4;10(10):CD005654. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005654.pub4. PMID: 30288727; PMCID: PMC6516955.
Bo K, Fernandes ACNL, Duarte TB, Brito LGO, Ferreira CHJ. Is pelvic floor muscle training effective for symptoms of overactive bladder in women? A systematic review. Physiotherapy. 2020 Mar;106:65-76. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2019.08.011. Epub 2019 Aug 24. PMID: 32026847.
McKinney JL, Keyser LE, Pulliam SJ, Ferzandi TR. Female Urinary Incontinence Evidence-Based Treatment Pathway: An Infographic for Shared Decision-Making. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2022 Mar;31(3):341-346. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0266. Epub 2021 Nov 5. PMID: 34747662; PMCID: PMC8972010.
Aoki Y, Brown HW, Brubaker L, Cornu JN, Daly JO, Cartwright R. Urinary incontinence in women. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017 Jul 6;3:17042. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.42. Erratum in: Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017 Nov 16;3:17097. PMID: 28681849; PMCID: PMC5878864.
Dumoulin C, Cacciari LP, Hay-Smith EJC. Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Oct 4;10(10):CD005654. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005654.pub4. PMID: 30288727; PMCID: PMC6516955.
Bo K, Fernandes ACNL, Duarte TB, Brito LGO, Ferreira CHJ. Is pelvic floor muscle training effective for symptoms of overactive bladder in women? A systematic review. Physiotherapy. 2020 Mar;106:65-76. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2019.08.011. Epub 2019 Aug 24. PMID: 32026847.