If you are experiencing urinary incontinence you are not alone. Men and women, young or old can experience some form of urinary incontinence that can leave them feeling embarrassed and socially isolated. An estimated 13 million Americans are affected by this medical condition every day. Many more live in quiet desperation too ashamed to admit their symptoms to a health care provider.

Stress Incontinence occurs when there is a build up of pressure within the abdomen. For example, when you are coughing, sneezing, bending, lifting, or are participating in athletic activities.

Urge Incontinence, also referred to as “overactive bladder,” is the inability to prevent urine leakage long enough to reach the toilet when you sense the urge to urinate.

Mixed Incontinence is a combination of both urge and stress incontinence. Typically one will be more bothersome than the other.

Overflow Incontinence occurs when the bladder cannot empty completely because of obstructions or loss of bladder muscle strength.

• weak pelvic floor muscles

• pregnancy and childbirth

• urinary tract and bladder infections

• obesity

• medication side effects

• constipation

• chronic illness

• blocked urethra

• nerve disorders

• brain or spinal cord injury

• birth defects

• Education about the bladder, pelvic floor muscles, normal emptying techniques, and how to re-train the bladder using a regular toileting schedule.

• Therapy where exercises are used to strengthen the pelvic floor and bladder muscles.

• Medication to treat infections, replace hormones, or stop abnormal bladder muscle contractions.

• Dietary Modifications including monitoring food and drink that contributes to urinary output.

• Surgery in some instances is necessary to correct the bladder position.

Therapeutic Intervention:

The National Association of Incontinence (NAFC) states, “while only one out of twelve incontinent patients in the United States actually report their symptoms to their doctors, approximately 80% can be cured or improved.” Most people with bladder control problems benefit from a personalized program that emphasizes strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles.

Our therapists have a variety of treatment interventions and modalities that can be used to enable successful participation in exercises that will minimize episodes of incontinence and enhance your freedom to engage in daily activities.

Be assured that treatment sessions are offered in a discrete, private environment with highly trained professional therapists. In as little as one month, you may find that you are able to look forward to the rewards of feeling like yourself again.

You can do something about urinary incontinence. Talk to your primary care practitioner about whether therapy may be right for you, call 503.353.1278 or visit us online at www.nwtherapy.net.