Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence
It is estimated that approximately 25 million Americans experience some form of urinary incontinence, and 70-80% of those who suffer are women. There are two main types of urinary incontinence: Stress and Urge incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when one leaks urine with activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, running, or lifting. Urge incontinence is when one experiences frequent and sudden uncontrollable urges to empty the bladder and is unable to get to the restroom in time before leaking urine.
Although 50% of community dwelling women age 65 or older experience urinary incontinence and 25% of men over the age of 65 can also experience bladder control issues, urinary incontinence is not just a dysfunction of the elderly. As many as 25% of women, ages 18-44 also report urinary incontinence, and often bladder control issues begin in the childbearing years as a result of the changes in the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and delivery. Most women in this age group desire to maintain an active lifestyle, but 30%-70% of women experience urinary leakage while exercising.
Pelvic floor muscle strengthening and retraining guided by a physical therapist specifically trained in treating pelvic floor muscle disorders can significantly reduce if not completely resolve urinary incontinence. Treatment typically involves 6-8 PT sessions of a progressive strengthening program with the use of SEMG biofeedback to assist with proper muscle coordination and recruitment.
References:
- National Association for Incontinence, WomensHealth.gov, American Medical Systems Vital and Health Statistics, June 2014, CDC
