Bladder Control and Fitness (at the Grover location only)

The Problem
Women and men of all ages, children as well as adults, may experience an uncontrolled loss of urine, called urinary incontinence. Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles which form a sling around the vagina (in women), the urethra (tube from the bladder), and the rectum may cause incontinence. Aging, pregnancy, childbirth, high-impact exercising, chronic constipation, and chronic coughing can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. If you notice urine leaking when you cough, lift, sneeze, or exercise, you may have the most common type of leakage called stress incontinence. If you feel a sudden and strong urge to urinate, and sometimes do not make it to the bathroom in time, you may have urge incontinence. A combination of both types of incontinence is called mixed incontinence.

Why Physical Therapy
While incontinence is common, it is not normal and can be treated by a medical team approach, including a physical therapist. The therapist can evaluate your problem and help you manage the debilitating effects of urinary incontinence. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can prevent, decrease, or even stop the leakage of urine altogether.

A Suggested Program May Include

• Instruction in strengthening exercise of "Kegels" for the weakened pelvic floor muscles,
• Gentle electrical stimulation to help tighten the muscles and help the bladder to be less irritable, and,
• Biofeedback training to help you learn to correctly tighten and relax the pelvic floor muscles.

Other Physical Therapy Suggestions That May Help You in the Future

• Designing a home exercise program to meet your needs,
• Instructing you on correct lifting and moving techniques,
• Teaching you how to keep a bladder diary and move toward normal voiding habits, and
• Suggesting foods to avoid which may be irritating to the bladder.

If You Think You May Benefit From Physical Therapy
To help you manage your urinary incontinence, ask your physician to refer you to a trained physical therapist at St. John's Mercy Sports & Therapy in Grover.

If you have any questions regarding our program or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please call us at 636-458-9343.