Most people are aware that Kegel exercises can be helpful for strengthening pelvic floor muscles to prevent and address bladder leakage. However, did you know that this is only part of the picture? If you happen to be experiencing bladder leakage in response to a strong urge to urinate, Kegels will likely not correct this alone.
There are two main types of bladder leakage that can occur, the first is called stress incontinence and the second is urge incontinence. Many people may also experience a combination of the two, which is then called mixed incontinence. The treatment for each of these conditions are different and it is important to understand what type of intervention you need to address your unique symptoms.
Stress incontinence is typically more related to pelvic floor muscle strength and function, whereas the primary intervention for urinary urge incontinence is bladder training. If you have mixed incontinence, then both need to be addressed for you to get optimal improvement in bladder leakage symptoms.
Through bladder training we uncover the unconscious changes that have occurred to your daily routine that over time can cause you to urinate more frequently, have a stronger urge to urinate when it is time to go, and be more likely to leak urine on the way to the bathroom. Bladder training typically includes education on normal bladder function, as well common changes that occur and how to begin reversing some of the unconscious behavioral changes. Going to the bathroom more frequently “just in case”, as well as decreasing your water intake/high bladder irritant intake, and paying attention to the timing of your voids are all things that are very important to address urge incontinence symptoms.
If you have been working on your Kegel exercises and still not seeing the change in urge incontinence symptoms, it’s time to give bladder training a try. The good news is that patients often start to notice small improvements in their urge incontinence symptoms in a matter of weeks. Patients often find it very empowering to understand why their symptoms are happening as well as to have a way to begin addressing it.
Let us help you figure out what your unique bladder needs are and provide guidance so you finally get the results you deserve. Endurance Physio has three pelvic health specialists who can help you. Feel free to reach out to set up a visit. You deserve it!
Ph: 406-926-2150
Email: endurancephysioinfo@gmail.com