Physical Therapy As The First Line Of Defense For Urinary Incontinence

60% of women experience urinary incontinence with a projected increase over the next few years. The annual direct cost of urinary incontinence treatment noted in a 2022 study was $16.3 billion. Evidence supports nonsurgical, non pharmacological, pelvic floor muscle training and bladder training as the first line of defense. Yet, less than 10% of primary providers are recommending this as a first line interventions.

There are many types of incontinence, the two most common types are stress urinary incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence is when we leak urine with an increase in stress through our body. Stress incontinence can happen when we laugh, sneeze, cough and/or lift heavy things. Urge incontinence is the inability to hold urine as soon as you feel like you need to pee. Often, we can relate to hearing running water and needing to pee right away. These things do not have to be a part of your normal routine.

Physical therapy can help with unwanted urinary leakage and pelvic discomfort by learning your symptoms, performing an internal and external pelvic floor examination, and providing you tools to manage these symptoms.

Want to read more on this topic? Check out this study.

If you or someone you know is experiencing involuntary leaking and wants an option besides surgery or medications - schedule a free discovery call here! Our convenient Edina physical therapy, and Stillwater physical therapy locations will happily welcome you. Call us at (612) 405-8503 or book with us online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.

Lexi Noel, DPT