Let's talk about Urinary Incontinence

Since no one wants to talk about urinary incontinence, we will break the ice.

Yes, it can be an uncomfortable and personal topic, but we want you to know that you have options.

And we’re here to support you in any way that we can as you navigate your journey with leakage, urgency, or experience while you are going or attempting to go to the bathroom.

First, let’s learn about what urinary incontinence is.

What is Urinary Incontinence?  

Urinary incontinence refers to the inability to control the urine flow, which can cause slight to significant leakage.  

Many women and men mistakenly believe it's an inevitable part of aging, but it's not!  

With the help of a trained pelvic health physical therapist, you can gain the necessary strength and learn techniques to minimize or prevent urinary incontinence. 

There are 4 main types of Urinary incontinence: Stress, Urge, overflow, and functional.  

Stress Incontinence is classified by the inability to control the flow of urine with increased intraabdominal pressure or higher-impact activities. It occurs during activities like coughing, laughing, jumping, running, or lifting.  

Urge Incontinence is classified by a sudden, intense need to urinate, often leading to leakage on the way to the bathroom. This urgency can significantly affect confidence in public situations.  

Overflow Incontinence occurs when you leak urine because your bladder is too full. It may feel that you haven't completely emptied your bladder at the time of voiding. Overflow incontinence can be caused by a blockage in the urinary system, other medical conditions, or dysfunction of your pelvic floor muscles.   

Functional Incontinence involves the sensation of needing to urinate but being unable to get to the bathroom in a timely manner due to factors such as muscle weakness, poor balance and coordination, dysfunctional movement patterns, or even a cluttered household.  

Life’s too short; there’s no time to worry about leakage or urgency. 

So much can be done in pelvic health physical therapy to address these issues. 

Contact us to schedule an appointment with a trained pelvic health physical therapist!

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Madeline at our Neenah clinic on Commercial St., call (920) 215-6225.

We also have therapists specializing in pelvic health at our Appleton North clinic on Enterprise Dr.

Pelvic Health and You

May is Pelvic Health Month and here at Advanced, we are all about changing the narrative around symptoms/conditions that may be caused by pelvic floor dysfunction.

Did you know that 1 in every 3 women will develop a pelvic floor dysfunction in her lifetime and 1 in every 8 men* will develop a pelvic floor dysfunction in his lifetime?

While very common, it’s certainly not normal.

Pelvic floor issues may be embarrassing to admit to and even harder to talk about, but they affect the quality of your life. We understand that you may have questions; that’s why we are here.

Not all physical therapy practices have a therapist who specializes in pelvic pain/dysfunction, but Advanced PT’s Autumn Pawlowski is a physical therapist with training and experience in the management of a wide range of issues (for both women and men) that occur with compromised pelvic floor muscles.

When you are ready, please call the Appleton North clinic (920.991.2561) to request an appointment with Autumn.

In the meantime, here are a few facts that just might be the inspiration for you to take action and get back to living the life you want. 

What are pelvic floor muscles?

●     Group of muscles in your pelvis that is kind of like a hammock between your sit bones

●      Support pelvic organs

●       Maintain continence

●      Role in sexual function

What happens if there is dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles?

●     Urinary incontinence

●     Urinary frequency and/or urgency

●     Pelvic pain

●     Heaviness/fullness feeling

●     Low back or hip pain

Are there other conditions that a pelvic health physical therapist could help out with?

●     After a prostatectomy

●     Prenatal and postpartum

●   Post-cesarean delivery care

What should I expect during my first pelvic health physical therapy visit?

Your pelvic health physical therapist has gone through extensive training in order to treat individuals who have pelvic floor dysfunction.

The first visit will allow you to discuss your concerns with the pelvic health physical therapist and they will ask you follow-up questions.

Then the provider will complete an assessment to help determine the root cause of your symptoms. The assessment may include an orthopedic screen (looking at your back/hips) to see if there are any significant findings that may be contributing to your symptoms.

If the pelvic health physical therapist feels like an internal pelvic floor assessment would be appropriate, they will explain what that would entail. The internal pelvic floor assessment would only be completed if you provide consent. Based on the findings, the pelvic health physical therapist will develop a treatment plan for you.

Treatment may include modifying bathroom habits, modifying diet/fluid intake, strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, breathing techniques, and discussing how the nervous system has a role in your symptoms.

How do I set up an appointment with a pelvic health physical therapist?

You are not alone with your symptoms.

We know how difficult it may be to pick up the phone and call to schedule an appointment, but we promise you you’ll be glad you did. The pelvic health physical therapist will be able to answer a lot of your questions during the first visit. 

Call our Appleton North clinic at 920.991.2561 to request an appointment with Autumn Pawlowski PT, DPT.

*Data is limited for our populations that do not align with the above genders; however, we recognize that every population has unique pelvic floor needs and implications.*

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References:

https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/womens-pelvic-health/patient-education/pelvic-floor-disorders#:~:text=One%20in%20three%20women%20will,problems%2C%20or%20bowel%20control%20problems.

https://theconversation.com/men-have-pelvic-floors-too-and-can-benefit-when-they-exercise-them-regularly-184451#:~:text=Though%20pelvic%20floor%20problems%20are,pelvic%20floor%2C%20bladder%20or%20bowel.