COMPASS
Incontinence
By Heather Simpson, MS, PT, BCIA-PMDB
Incontinence is the sudden, involuntary loss of bladder or bowel contents. A major contributor to this common problem is weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. Aging, childbirth, abdominal surgery, or chronic coughing can cause it. Men are prone to incontinence after treatment for prostate cancer. We have an 80-90% success rate in either eliminating or greatly improving the symptoms of incontinence.
Treatments We Offer:
Electrical Stimulation to strengthen the muscles and help the bladder be less irritable.
Behavior or Bladder Training to teach you to control urges and reduce the number of bathroom trips
Biofeedback of the pelvic floor muscles. It allows you to “see” their activity during exercise as a graph picture on a computer screen.
Exercises designed to improve strength, endurance and coordination of the pelvic floor so you can reduce leakage during a cough, walking to the bathroom or even when playing golf.
How Long Will I Need to Come To Therapy?
This is determined on an individual basis, but in general, patients receive treatments 2-3 times a week for 4-8 weeks. Appointments are one-on-one with the therapist and last about an hour.
Why Come to a Physical Therapist for Bladder/Bowel Control Problems?
Physical therapists (PT’s) work with people who have many physical problems, including muscle weakness, poor endurance and lack of coordination. These problems are commons in pelvic floor muscle disorders, like incontinence. For example, weakness in the muscles underneath the bladder can cause one to lose control of their urine. Strengthening these muscles through rehabilitation can reverse this process.
Pelvic Pain
Many medical conditions can cause pain in the pelvic region, such as
vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, and prostatitis. Muscles in the pelvis can
spasm in response to this pain. Chronic spasm creates trigger points of pain
and restricting Myofascial bands in the pelvic floor muscles. These problems
can be relieved by Physical Therapy.
Treatments We Offer:
Exercises designed specifically for you to stretch tight areas in the body and strengthen weak muscles.
Modalities used for reducing pain and inflammations include electrical stimulation (TENS or interferential), ultrasound, and heat or cold therapy.
Manual Therapy (Massage) is provided to loosen tight muscles, restore normal joint movement, and release trigger points and Myofascial bands in the pelvic region.
How Long Will I Need to Come To Therapy?
This is determined on an individual basis, but in general, patients receive treatments 2-3 times a week for 4-8 weeks. Appointments are one-on-one with the therapist and last about an hour.
Why Come to a Physical Therapist for Pelvic Pain?
Physical therapists (PT’s) work with people who have many physical problems, including muscle weakness, muscle spasm and pain. These problems are commons in pelvic floor pain syndromes. Faulty posture often results when the pain becomes chronic in nature, compounding the problem. For example, muscle spasms in the pelvic floor can cause severe pain that makes it difficult to sit normally, go to the bathroom or even have intercourse. Treating the spasm and pain with rehabilitation can reduce the symptoms and allow one to return to everyday activities.