Continence Exercises
Introduction
"Don't make me laugh, I'll wet my pants!" This is a common humorous statement made by many people. But it is no longer a laughing matter. Urinary incontinence (UI) affects people of all ages and lifestyles from athletes such as gymnasts to young mothers to active elderly gardeners. UI is not a hopeless problem. 13 million Americans are affected by Urinary Incontinence. 30% of females between 15 to 64 years of age have incontinence problems. There is neither a need to be embarrassed, nor is there a need to feel that you have to just "live with it." A small urinary "leak" could be the beginning of a chronic problem. Unfortunately women typically will live with UI 3 to 9 years before seeking treatment.
Causes & Types Of UI
The most common from of UI is stress incontinence. Activities such as laughing, sneezing, coughing, lifting, gardening and exercising can lead to urine leakage. The main cause is weak pelvic floor muscles. Urge incontinence is also a common problem. The urge to urinate is abrupt and unavoidable. It is caused by the brain signaling to the bladder that it is full. The above two are the most common types of incontinence. It is also very likely for people to have mixed incontinence, a combination of the two.
The Continence Program
It is designed to meet the individual needs of our clients. It is a confidential and conservative approach to solving UI problems. Whether one experiences little leakage "accidents" or major urine loss, there is hope in regaining control without surgery or medications. Bring action and fun back in your life
The continence program includes:
- Physical Therapy evaluation
- Fluid and Dietary recommendations to decrease bladder irritability.
- Exercise to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and relax muscles which would oppose the pelvic floor muscles.
- Pelvic floor muscles retraining utilizing biofeedback or electrical stimulation.
- Home training program which enables patients to work on their own schedules.
What is biofeedback
Biofeedback helps one understand the natural body signals that take place before incontinence occurs. It enables you to learn how to control the muscle which prevents untimely wetting by giving immediate feedback while you exercise. Generally the exercises and biofeedback program can be mastered in 2 to 12 weeks.
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