Our Services - Incontinence

Incontinence

How can our physiotherapists help?

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine, with/without the urge to void. It occurs mainly due to problems with the muscles and nerves that help the control of bladder to hold or release urine. When the pelvic floor muscle is weak or is unable to contract when required (e.g. during a sneeze), leakage happens. 

Physiotherapy can significantly help with incontinence, by providing education and prescribing exercises that are appropriate to the person. 

Common risk factors of incontinence: 

â—Ź · Multiple pregnancy and vaginal delivery 

â—Ź · Ageing 

â—Ź · Chronic constipation / cough 

â—Ź · History of pelvic surgery / neurological conditions 

â—Ź · Family history of incontinence 

A physical therapist sits in an office discussing pelvic anatomy with a patient, using a skeleton model for explanation. Charts depicting human anatomy are visible on the walls.

Symptoms, Treatments and Approach

Types of Incontinence 

· Stress incontinence: leaking during increased intra-abdominal activities e.g. coughing, laughing, sneezing, jumping, lifting. 

· Urge incontinence: leaking when experiencing a sudden compelling desire to void.

Incontinence Assessments 

During your sessions, your physiotherapist would perform detailed assessment that includes: 

â—Ź Questions regarding triggers and volume of your incontinence . 

â—Ź Sensation bladder diary to monitor fluid intake and output. 

â—Ź Manual testing for pelvic floor muscle integrity, strength and asymmetry. â—Ź Real-time ultrasound machine to test for bladder volume and ability to void completely. 

â—Ź Biofeedback machine to determine the exact strength of pelvic floor muscles.

â—Ź Post Electric Stimulation Biofeedback machine to reassess the pelvic floor muscle strength. 

Incontinence Treatments and Advice 

â—Ź Education on pelvic health and the cause of your incontinence 

â—Ź Listing of bladder irritants, including food and fluid to avoid 

â—Ź Biofeedback machine: to determine the exact strength of pelvic floor muscles

â—Ź Electric stimulation: to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles 

â—Ź Kegel exercises 

â—Ź Pelvic floor muscle educator 

*The parameter of the electric stimulation and the type of Kegel exercises suggested will depend on the type of incontinence experienced.