Regain Control: How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help Urinary Incontinence

At Vertex PT Specialists, LLC, located in Columbia, SC, we are committed to helping individuals regain control over their lives through effective and personalized physical therapy solutions. One area we specialize in is pelvic floor therapy for those experiencing urinary incontinence. If you’re struggling with leaks or other bladder issues, this post will guide you through what urinary incontinence is, its causes, and how pelvic floor therapy can help.

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, which can happen to people of all ages. However, it’s especially common in women due to factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. It can impact daily life, self-confidence, and even physical activity, but the good news is that pelvic floor physical therapy offers a proven solution.

Common Types of Urinary Incontinence:

• Stress Incontinence: Leakage caused by activities like sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercise.
• Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate that’s difficult to control.
• Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.

At Vertex PT Specialists, our Women’s Health Physical Therapists are trained to assess and treat all forms of incontinence with a tailored approach.

Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence

Several factors can contribute to urinary incontinence, including:

• Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness or Tightness: Muscles may not function properly to support the bladder.
• Poor Bladder Habits: “Just-in-case” bathroom trips can lead to bad habits.
• Hormonal Changes, Pregnancy, or Childbirth: These events can weaken the pelvic floor.
• Chronic Constipation or Straining: Increased abdominal pressure can damage pelvic muscles.
• Nutrition and Hydration Issues: Caffeine, alcohol, and dehydration can irritate the bladder.

Our team  focuses on identifying the root cause of your incontinence to create a treatment plan that works for you.

How Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Help?

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to strengthen, relax, and coordinate the muscles in the pelvic region. Here’s how we can help:

1. Internal and External Assessments:
   • Our Women’s Health PTs assess muscle strength, coordination, and areas of tightness or tenderness both internally and externally to provide a comprehensive evaluation.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans:
   • Bladder Habits: Education on healthy bladder routines.
   • Guided Kegel Exercises: Learn proper technique with external cuing to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
   • Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM): Address muscle tightness or scar tissue in internal and external structures that may contribute to incontinence.
3. Education and Empowerment:
   • We educate patients on the connection between lifestyle factors (hydration, nutrition, and exercise) and pelvic health.

Tips for Improving Bladder Health

In addition to pelvic floor therapy, here are some actionable tips you can use today:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water, but avoid overhydration or dehydration.
• Bladder Training: Avoid “just-in-case” bathroom trips. Aim to urinate every 2-4 hours.
• Limit Irritants: Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks if they irritate your bladder.
• Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor: Engage in pelvic floor exercises under the guidance of a professional.

Take the First Step Toward Freedom from Leaks

If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, don’t wait to seek help. At Vertex PT Specialists in Columbia, SC, our Women’s Health Physical Therapists, Dr. Carly Holthausen, PT, DPT, and Dr. Katie Bailey, PT, DPT, are here to provide expert care tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment:
Visit us at vertexpt.com
Call us at (803) 973-0100

Take control of your pelvic health and live life without limitations—schedule your appointment today!

Why Choose Vertex PT Specialists?

With a commitment to quality care and a team of experienced specialists, Vertex PT is your trusted partner for all your physical therapy needs in Columbia, SC. We offer comprehensive pelvic floor therapy, empowering our patients to regain control of their lives.

At Vertex PT Specialists, we don’t just treat conditions—we treat people. Let us help you on your journey to better health.