There can be several reasons that leaking, or urinary incontinence, can occur. The most common reason is muscle weakness. This includes muscle weakness of the pelvic floor muscles that form the bottom of the pelvis and help to support the bladder and other organs. But just as importantly, it can be weakness of the abdominal, or core, muscles and poor coordination of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles with activity.
Imagine the area from your pelvic floor to your diaphragm is a pop can: the tops, sides, and bottom all maintain a constant pressure until you pop the top and have a swig. Now imagine that your pop can has a hole in it–all of a sudden you have pop all over the place! Ideally, your core – the pop can – has a solid pelvic floor, abdominal wall, and diaphragm. However, if you have had a baby, abdominal surgery, prostate surgery, a hysterectomy, carry your weight in the tummy, or are a smoker, all of a sudden you may have a hole in your pop can. All of a sudden, you may pee your pants when you have a good laugh!
Diagnosing Urinary Incontinence
At Foundational Concepts, we use biofeedback so that you can see on a computer screen how your muscles are engaging – or not engaging – then how your brain is telling them to fire. Oftentimes after baby or surgery, your pelvic floor muscles and abdominal muscles have difficulty getting back in sync. The biofeedback is an easy, non-invasive way to help them find their rhythm again with exercises, lifting, and laughing.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Urinary Incontinence
Pelvic floor physical therapy for urinary incontinence can help prevent the leaking! Excellent pelvic floor PT focuses on not only the pelvic floor, but makes sure that the entire system is working together to prevent leaking. Are you activating your pelvic floor when you cough, sneeze, or laugh? Are you holding your breath when you lift something heavy? Are your abdominal and hip muscles strong enough to play a supporting role to the pelvic floor muscles when you go from sit to stand or climb the stairs at work?
Treating the Whole Person
Before you consider buying pads or having a more invasive treatment for urinary incontinence, consider pelvic floor physical therapy at Foundational Concepts. Many times, pelvic floor and abdominal muscle strengthening and improved coordination of the core muscles can make a big difference in eliminating the embarrassment of having an accident while just having a good laugh!