Incontinence and Prolapse

Types of Incontinence

• Stress urinary incontinence is the loss of urine with physical exertion such as coughing, laughing, sneezing and exercise. 
• Urge urinary incontinence is the loss of urine with a strong urge to void or with various triggers such as hearing running water, passing a bathroom, cold, putting a key into the door when arriving at home. 
•  Mixed Incontinence: May include symptoms of both stress and urge urinary incontinence.
• Fecal incontinence is the loss of gas, liquid stool or feces. 

What is Prolapse?

Prolapse is the descent of an organ (such as bladder, rectum, uterus) into the vaginal canal.  You would feel heaviness or pelvic pressure, especially with prolonged standing or activity. 

How Does Pelvic Physical Therapy Work?

Pelvic physical therapy can positively improve your function and life. We offer a thorough evaluation of your pelvic girdle and the strength of surrounding muscles, including the abdominal and hip muslces. A detailed assessment of the strength and endurance of your pelvic floor muscles will also be performed. The use of surface electromyography is also helpful in learning how to contract your pelvic floor muscles in various positions while providing visual feedback. 

Through pelvic physical therapy, we help you work toward the following goals:

• Elimination of leakage
• Improved voiding intervals and bladder habits
• Reduction in pad usage