Pelvic Health Physical Therapy and Bladder Dysfunction: How PT Can Help You Go
November 1, 2022
Bladder dysfunction in men, women, and children includes urinary urgency, stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and incomplete emptying, to name just a few of the most common types. If you have one of these conditions, you may notice symptoms like:
- Leaking urine when you don’t mean to, especially when you sneeze, cough, laugh, jump, or pick up something up
- Having sudden and strong urges to urinate that you may not be able to “hold” (e.g., you often aren’t able to make it to the bathroom on time
- Feeling like you need to go frequently, even though not a lot of urine comes out
- Pain or discomfort during urination
If left untreated, bladder problems can lead to complications like an inconvenience, reduced quality of life, embarrassment and shame, decreased self-esteem, impaired personal relationships, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections and skin infections.
At ITR Physical Therapy, we want to help as many people as possible avoid these complications and get to the root of their bladder dysfunction—so they get back to enjoying their active lives! Read on to learn how pelvic health physical therapy can help when you or a loved one are struggling to go.
Types of Bladder Dysfunction in Adults and Children
In our pelvic health physical therapy practice, some of the most common causes of bladder function among our adult and pediatric patients include:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Prostate enlargement or post-prostatectomy
- Weak and uncoordinated pelvic floor and/or inner core muscle activation
- Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
- Pelvic organ prolapse
Many underlying health conditions are also associated with bladder control problems, including diabetes, obesity, musculoskeletal problems like arthritis, and disorders of the nervous system including spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. Interestingly, all of these underlying health conditions have been shown to benefit from physical therapy services—even in the absence of bladder dysfunction. This means that when bladder problems are present, our Bethesda and McLean physical therapy team can offer comprehensive plans of care that address each patient’s symptoms and enhance their mobility, independence, and overall well-being. Talk about a win-win!
How Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Helps People With Bladder Dysfunction
So, why is pelvic health PT so beneficial for bladder dysfunction specifically? A key reason is where the urinary system is found in the body.
The bladder is one of several internal organs contained within the pelvis. Normally, your pelvic floor muscles help hold your bladder in place. Additionally, the urethra (the tube through which urine passes as it leaves the body) travels directly through the pelvic floor muscles. For this reason, anything affecting the function, motor control, alignment, and tension of the pelvic floor can also affect the function of the bladder, urethra, or both.
By implementing exercises, manual therapy, breathwork, biofeedback technology, and even lifestyle strategies that support a healthy pelvic floor, pelvic health PT can help restore healthy bladder function, too.
And because physical therapy is non-invasive and safe for all ages, it is a great addition to other bladder control treatments prescribed by your doctor.
Looking for Professional, Personal, and Private Bladder Dysfunction Treatment in Bethesda, MD or McLean, VA?
Bladder health is important to everyone. If you’re struggling with the control, emptying, and overall function of your bladder, come meet a pelvic floor physical therapist in Bethesda and McLean who can help. Contact ITR Physical Therapy now to schedule an appointment. You’ve put off your healing long enough—call 301-770-7060!