URGE INCONTINENCE
Urge incontinence is the result of bladder instability or irritability. People with this problem are not able to
reach the bathroom in time, because they are unable to prevent the bladder from contracting. Frequently,
simple everyday things bring on the urge such as running water, putting the key in the door when you first
get home.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF URGE INCONTINENCE?
Possible causes of urge incontinence are neurological diseases (such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and
Parkinson’s disease), and infection of the bladder or urethra. Irritability of the bladder can occur due to diet
or medications. Pelvic floor muscle weakness often contributes to urge incontinence.
HOW DO I KNOW IF PHYSICAL THERAPY WILL HELP ME?
Due to the complex nature of urinary incontinence, it is best to have a urological exam by your doctor to
determine the cause of incontinence and to rule out other factors that might influence incontinence. If the
doctor determines that therapy is appropriate, you will be evaluated by a physical therapist and an
individual therapeutic program will be designed for you. In most cases, several follow-up sessions will be
needed to assure your success. Significant results are usually obtained within 1-4 treatments. Please
remember, all information about your care is confidential.
YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM MAY INCLUDE...
• a custom home exercise program to address your specific needs
• personal instruction on correct lifting and moving techniques
• instruction in a bladder diary
• use of biofeedback equipment
• strategies to calm down the bladder and achieve normal voiding
• recommendations on food to avoid which are irritants to the bladder
Urge incontinence is the result of bladder instability or irritability. People with this problem are not able to
reach the bathroom in time, because they are unable to prevent the bladder from contracting. Frequently,
simple everyday things bring on the urge such as running water, putting the key in the door when you first
get home.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF URGE INCONTINENCE?
Possible causes of urge incontinence are neurological diseases (such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and
Parkinson’s disease), and infection of the bladder or urethra. Irritability of the bladder can occur due to diet
or medications. Pelvic floor muscle weakness often contributes to urge incontinence.
HOW DO I KNOW IF PHYSICAL THERAPY WILL HELP ME?
Due to the complex nature of urinary incontinence, it is best to have a urological exam by your doctor to
determine the cause of incontinence and to rule out other factors that might influence incontinence. If the
doctor determines that therapy is appropriate, you will be evaluated by a physical therapist and an
individual therapeutic program will be designed for you. In most cases, several follow-up sessions will be
needed to assure your success. Significant results are usually obtained within 1-4 treatments. Please
remember, all information about your care is confidential.
YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM MAY INCLUDE...
• a custom home exercise program to address your specific needs
• personal instruction on correct lifting and moving techniques
• instruction in a bladder diary
• use of biofeedback equipment
• strategies to calm down the bladder and achieve normal voiding
• recommendations on food to avoid which are irritants to the bladder
| BROOKSIDE PHYSICAL THERAPY |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
URINARY INCONTINENCE
Weakness of the pelvic floor
muscles is the major cause of
urinary leakage. Our therapists
are trained professionals with
over 10 years of experience
successfully treating UI.
Weakness of the pelvic floor
muscles is the major cause of
urinary leakage. Our therapists
are trained professionals with
over 10 years of experience
successfully treating UI.
| © 2006 Brookside Physical Therapy -- 8859 Fox Dr. -- Thornton, CO -- Phone: 303.428.4646 -- Fax: 303.429.6255 |
Incontinence
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the accidental loss of urine. Ten million Americans suffer from this problem.
Both men and women of all ages can be affected. It is the second leading reason for admission of the
elderly into nursing homes. While incontinence is common, it is not normal and can be treated by a
medical team approach, including a physical therapist. The two most common types of UI are stress
and urge incontinence.
STRESS INCONTINENCE
Stress incontinence is the loss of urine during simple activities. Laughing, coughing, sneezing or
sudden movements increases abdominal pressure and can cause a loss of control. This is very
common with women, especially those who have had children. Men frequently have incontinence
following prostate surgery.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF STRESS INCONTINENCE?
The muscles of the pelvic floor support the bladder and control the flow of urine. A loss of strength and
coordination of pelvic floor muscles can cause loss of control. There are also medical conditions such
as the dropping /or prolapse of the pelvic organs (the bladder, rectum and uterus) which will cause
leakage as well.
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the accidental loss of urine. Ten million Americans suffer from this problem.
Both men and women of all ages can be affected. It is the second leading reason for admission of the
elderly into nursing homes. While incontinence is common, it is not normal and can be treated by a
medical team approach, including a physical therapist. The two most common types of UI are stress
and urge incontinence.
STRESS INCONTINENCE
Stress incontinence is the loss of urine during simple activities. Laughing, coughing, sneezing or
sudden movements increases abdominal pressure and can cause a loss of control. This is very
common with women, especially those who have had children. Men frequently have incontinence
following prostate surgery.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF STRESS INCONTINENCE?
The muscles of the pelvic floor support the bladder and control the flow of urine. A loss of strength and
coordination of pelvic floor muscles can cause loss of control. There are also medical conditions such
as the dropping /or prolapse of the pelvic organs (the bladder, rectum and uterus) which will cause
leakage as well.
