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What is Incontinence and Painful Urination?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine that can occur at any time during the day or night. Painful urination is a condition characterized by a burning sensation or discomfort while passing urine. These are common conditions that often go untreated due to embarrassment or lack of awareness about available treatment options.

Causes of Incontinence and Painful Urination

Urinary incontinence and painful urination may be caused by weakness in the muscles of the pelvic floor and urinary bladder, nerve injury, underlying medical conditions, and infections.

What to Expect from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for treatment of Incontinence and Painful Urination?

A personalized pelvic floor physical therapy program will be recommended based on your specific diagnosis. The therapy may include the following:

  • Kegel Exercises: These exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles resulting in improved urinary sphincter tone and reduced urine leakage.
  • Biofeedback: Your pelvic floor muscle activity will be measured using electrodes and this information is used to make you more aware of the correct way to train your pelvic floor muscles.
  • Muscle Strengthening Exercises: You will be taught special exercises to strengthen the urinary bladder muscles for better bladder control.
  • Manual Therapy: This involves connective tissue manipulation to help to release constrictions in the fascia and deactivate painful trigger points.
  • Electrical Stimulation: This involves using mild electric current to stimulate the nerves in the pelvic region that supply the bladder to enhance bladder function.
  • Lifestyle Changes: You will be given advice on dietary changes, bladder training, and modification of activities to better manage your symptoms.

Outcomes of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Treating Incontinence and Painful Urination

Depending on the cause and the severity of the urinary incontinence and painful urination, undergoing pelvic floor physical therapy along with other pelvic floor physical therapy treatments as recommended, may be sufficient to improve bladder control and reduce or eliminate your painful symptoms.