Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can be found in all ages and in both men and women. Generally, over 4% of the American population is suspected of being incontinent.

It is very common with women, especially those who have had children. Leading obstetricians and gynecologists have found that 50% of their patients are at high risk for experiencing incontinence.

The National Institute on Aging estimates that 10 to 12 million of seniors are incontinent. Incontinence is the leading reason for admission into nursing homes. Over 15% of nursing homes admissions are due to incontinence.

Despite its prevalence, most people who are affected do not seek help because of embarrassment or they are not aware that help is available. They usually turn to absorbent materials, restrict their social activities, suffer from embarrassment, infections, and encounter skin care problems.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

The muscles of the pelvic floor support the bladder in its proper position and control the flow of urine. A loss of strength and coordination of these pelvic floor muscle can cause urinary stress incontinence and/or sinking down of the pelvic organs (the bladder, rectum and uterus become displaced).

Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles is often associated with pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, lack of exercise, estrogen deficiency, chronic respiratory conditions, prior surgeries and nerve damage affecting the pelvic floor.

A urological examination a doctor is the best way to determine the cause of incontinence.

Types of Urinary Incontinence
  • Stress incontinence
  • Urge incontinence
  • Overflow incontinence
  • Functional incontinence
  • Mixed incontinence

Causes of Incontinence
  • In Women
    • Urethral hypermobility – urethra does not close and becomes overly mobile
    • Instrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD) – muscles around the bladder weaken
    • Pregnancy, childbirth, and vaginal delivery – this places strain on the pelvic floor
    • Menopause – low estrogen levels can cause the urethra to thin out and close improperly
  • In Men
    • Prostate cancer surgery and radiation – this can impair the sphincter muscles
    • Benign prostatic hyperplasia – this can happen after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
  • Aging
  • Diabetes
  • Overweight
  • Depression
  • Surgery
  • Smoking
  • Excessive water

Treatment Options
  • Medication – this is available but may not be effective in all cases
  • Surgery – this can sometimes be effective, but should be used as a last resort
  • Tolerance – learning to live with the problem could mean a life of disposable diapers, absorbent inserts, scheduled toileting, and an altered life style
  • Physical therapy – this can treat many cases of urinary incontinence

Why Try Physical Therapy

This weakness of the pelvic floor muscles is the major cause of urinary leakage. A physical therapist can help with urinary incontinence by educating the person how to increase control and strength of the pelvic floor muscles. This may include exercises like Kegel exercises and bladder training.

Find out how physical therapy can help with your incontinence today!
Call our office at 626-576-0591 for a free consultation.
We can also provide free insurance verification before your first visit.

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