Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is leaking urine, and sometimes stool, when you do not mean to. It is common, but it is not something you have to accept, and physical therapy is often recommended as a first, non-surgical step. We treat incontinence with pelvic floor therapy in Chubbuck, Idaho, for patients from Chubbuck and Pocatello.
Types of incontinence
Many people have more than one type. Knowing yours shapes the treatment.
Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence is leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, squat, jump or run. Pressure on the bladder is more than the muscles can hold back.
Urge incontinence and overactive bladder
A sudden, strong need to go, and sometimes not reaching the toilet in time. With overactive bladder you may also go very often, called frequent urination.
Mixed
Both of the above together. Bladder leakage of either kind can be tracked in a diary we ask you to keep for a few days.
Bowel incontinence
Leaking stool or gas you cannot control. It is less talked about and can be treated too.
Common, but not normal
Many people leak, and many have been told it is just part of having kids or getting older. It may be common after childbirth, around menopause, with constipation or after prostate surgery, but that does not mean it has to be permanent. Many people do not ask for help for years. Please do not wait.
We do not treat leaking as a bladder problem alone. The muscles of the pelvic floor, the hips and the core, and your habits all play a part. If you also feel heaviness or a bulge, read about pelvic organ prolapse. The full overview is on pelvic floor therapy.
What brings it on
Your therapist asks about each of these.
Pregnancy and childbirth
Stretched or strained muscles are common. See prenatal and postpartum care.
Menopause
Hormone changes can affect the tissue around the bladder and the muscles.
Prostate surgery
Leaking is a known problem for men after prostatectomy. Our therapists treat pelvic floor problems in men and women, and post-surgical rehab covers recovery after other operations.
Constipation, coughing and heavy lifting
Straining pushes down on the pelvic floor again and again.
Aging
Muscles lose strength as we get older, but they can still be trained.
How physical therapy treats leaking
The plan is personal, and we start with an exam of how your pelvic floor, hips and core work together.
- Pelvic floor muscle training, with the right amount of effort and timing
- Relaxation work when muscles are too tight
- Bladder retraining, to space out trips to the bathroom gradually
- Urge suppression techniques, so a sudden urge does not decide when you go
- Guidance on fluids, caffeine and diet that affect the bladder
- Electrical stimulation when your therapist thinks it fits
What sessions are like
Sessions are private and one-on-one. We start by listening, and you can say as much as you are comfortable with. Visits typically last 30 to 60 minutes. Some people need only a handful of visits and others need months. You are re-evaluated regularly, and we write a home program.
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Incontinence questions
Why do I leak when I sneeze or cough?
Coughing and sneezing raise the pressure inside your abdomen. If the pelvic floor muscles do not tighten fast enough or strongly enough, urine can escape. Training can improve both timing and strength.
Why am I leaking when I sneeze, or leaking when I cough?
Both raise the pressure inside your abdomen, and if the pelvic floor muscles do not hold, urine can escape. We train strength and timing.
What about incontinence after prostatectomy?
Incontinence after prostatectomy is common, and pelvic floor muscle training and bladder habits are part of recovery. Your surgeon should be kept informed.
Will exercises cure my incontinence?
We cannot promise a result. Many people see their leaking improve with pelvic floor therapy, and we measure progress at each stage so you know where you stand.
Is there help for bowel incontinence?
Yes. Pelvic floor muscle training and habit changes can help, and your doctor will want to know about it too.
See a doctor first if you have
- Blood in your urine
- Pain or burning when you urinate, or a fever
- Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain or numbness in the groin
- Leaking that began after a fall or injury
Your doctor may want to rule out an infection or another cause before therapy starts.
Incontinence therapy in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.