Incontinence
Just because it is common does not make it normal
Incontinence can cause discomfort, fear, embarrassment, and isolation. Whether you’re experiencing a few drops of leakage or a complete loss of bladder or bowel control, you don’t have to simply accept it as part of life.
There are many factors that can contribute to incontinence, including:
- Trauma
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Changes in strength or muscle function
- Surgery
- Coordination problems
- Musculoskeletal changes
Fortunately, there are a variety of strategies, interventions, tools, and behavioral approaches that may help improve these symptoms. At Viya Physical Therapy, we customize your treatment plan based on your symptoms, your contributing factors, and your individual goals.
Are you ready to take control of your pelvic health needs with the expert care you deserve?
Work 1:1 with a physical therapist
Your physical therapy evaluation will help identify the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. From there, we’ll develop an individualized plan to improve pelvic-floor strength, coordination, pressure management, and overall function.
Treatment may include:
- Techniques for connecting with and coordinating your pelvic floor
- Manual pelvic-floor therapy
- Strength & coordination exercises
- Whole body mobility, stretching, and strengthening
- Vaginal weights when appropriate
- Functional training specific to your type of incontinence
Common types of incontinence
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence occurs when activities that increase pressure within the abdomen—such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, bending, running, jumping, or lifting—result in urine leakage.
Mixed Incontinence
Mixed incontinence is a combination of more than one type of incontinence, most commonly stress and urge incontinence.
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence occurs when you experience a strong, sudden urge to urinate that you cannot overcome before reaching the bathroom, resulting in leakage.
Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of bowel contents. This can range from occasional staining or leakage to a complete loss of bowel control.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t have to figure out exactly what’s causing your symptoms before reaching out. A physical therapy evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your leakage and whether pelvic-floor physical therapy may be appropriate for you.
Not Sure If Physical Therapy Is Right for You?
We understand that discussing bladder or bowel leakage can feel uncomfortable, and you may want to ask questions before scheduling an evaluation. Viya offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation call so you can talk through your concerns and learn more about what pelvic-floor physical therapy may involve.
Incontinence FAQs
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine, gas, or stool. Leakage can occur with activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, running, or exercising, or when you’re trying to make it to the bathroom. Whether it’s a few drops or a larger amount of leakage, it is worth discussing if it is affecting your daily life.
Symptoms can range from occasional drops of leakage to a complete loss of bladder or bowel contents. Some people may also change their daily habits—such as using the bathroom more frequently, avoiding certain activities, or limiting exercise—to prevent leakage. These changes can affect confidence and quality of life over time.
Incontinence can develop or worsen following events such as pregnancy and childbirth, surgery, changes in weight, repetitive heavy lifting, or other physical changes. There can be many contributing factors, including pelvic-floor strength, muscle coordination, pressure management, and other musculoskeletal factors.
Every person and every type of incontinence is different. Your progress will depend on the type and contributing factors of your symptoms, their severity, your goals, and how your body responds to treatment. Some people notice changes within several weeks, while others may require a longer course of care. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a plan based on your individual needs.