November is Incontinence Awareness Month!
Urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, results in the accidental leaking of urine. While over 25 million adult Americans of all genders and ages are susceptible to incontinence, it is most prevalent in women 50 years or older.
While incontinence is common, it is never normal. Many factors play a role in the onset of urinary incontinence including, but not limited to: urinary tract infection, vaginal infection, upper respiratory illness with a cough, or constipation. While these culprits tend to be short-term, persistent incontinence may be due to weak or tight pelvic floor muscles, an overactive bladder, or weak or damaged nerves. The most habitual offender of urinary incontinence is aging - the body’s muscles just don’t function as well as they used to.
The good news?! FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Dakota Dunes features highly skilled physical therapists who have received specific training in areas of pelvic health, including incontinence. Upon arrival, one of our doctors of physical therapy will obtain an extensive medical history before performing an exam and discussing your symptoms. Combined, these steps will allow your therapist to better tailor your plan of care towards your individual needs.
Through re-education of the urinary muscles, physical therapy can strengthen your pelvic floor, resulting in a better-trained bladder. Treatment may include hip and core strengthening, pelvic floor strengthening and coordination exercises within the system, biofeedback retraining, electrical stimulation, and management of other pain or muscular conditions impacting symptoms.
Remember, physical therapy is direct access in the state of South Dakota so no referral or doctor’s orders are required. And FYZICAL is your place for Pelvic PT as the therapists have more combined years of pelvic experience than any other clinic in the Siouxland area!
What are the next steps, you may ask?! Call our clinic at (605) 217-4330 to schedule an initial evaluation. Our receptionist will record necessary information over the phone and pair you with the appropriate provider for your case. Together, we can help YOU start loving your life again!
Sources
“Urinary Incontinence in Women.” Urinary Incontinence in Women | Johns Hopkins Medicine, 18 Oct. 2022, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/urinary-incontinence/urinary-incontinence-in-women#:~:text=Over%2025%20million%20adult%20Americans,stress%2C%20functional%20and%20overflow%20incontinence.