Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control, and it affects millions of people in the United States. However, understanding the different types and causes of urinary incontinence can empower those with the condition to seek the right treatment and improve their quality of life.
If you’re struggling with urinary incontinence, the team at Empower Physical Therapy is here to help. We’ll help you understand the factors that might be contributing to your incontinence and develop a personalized treatment program to address them.
Today, we want to explore urinary incontinence in more detail–the four main types, their various causes, and how we can help.
Urinary Incontinence Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to urinary incontinence, and understanding them can guide treatment. Here are some general causes of urinary incontinence:
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- The pelvic floor is a sling of muscles that supports your bladder and other pelvic organs. If it becomes impaired (either too tight or too weak), you may experience incontinence.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
- The strain on pelvic muscles during pregnancy and delivery can lead to dysfunction in the pelvic floor.
Aging
- Muscle tone in the bladder and urethra decreases with age, leading to less effective control.
Prostate Issues
- Men with an enlarged prostate or after prostate surgery may experience incontinence.
Medical Conditions
- Neurological disorders, diabetes, and UTIs can interfere with bladder function.
Understanding Four Types of Urinary Incontinence
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence occurs when pressure on the bladder leads to leakage. It’s often triggered by activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. It’s particularly prevalent among women.
Causes of Stress Incontinence
- Weak pelvic floor muscles, often due to pregnancy or childbirth
- Aging, which can reduce muscle strength and bladder elasticity
- Prostate surgery in men
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often followed by leakage.
Causes of Urge Incontinence
- Nerve damage from conditions like diabetes or stroke
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, leading to frequent dribbling.
Causes of Overflow Incontinence
- Blockages, such as from an enlarged prostate
- Weak bladder muscles
- Nerve damage from diabetes or spinal injuries
Functional Incontinence
Unlike other types of incontinence, functional incontinence doesn’t stem from impairments of the pelvic floor. Instead, physical or mental limitations prevent timely bathroom access.
Causes of Functional Incontinence
- Mobility issues from arthritis or injury
- Cognitive impairments like dementia
How Physical Therapy Can Help Address Incontinence
Physical therapy is an effective, noninvasive approach to addressing the causes of urinary incontinence.
One of the most common techniques involves targeted pelvic floor exercises, improving bladder control, reducing leakage, and enhancing overall pelvic stability. To help with these exercises, we may incorporate biofeedback, a tool that helps patients identify and engage the correct muscles during exercise, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
For urge incontinence, bladder training is a valuable method to increase the time between bathroom visits, helping to retrain the bladder for better control.
Physical therapists also provide education and personalized strategies to address specific challenges you may face. For example, individuals with functional incontinence may benefit from mobility exercises to improve strength and coordination, making it easier to reach the bathroom in time. We can also suggest lifestyle adjustments, such as identifying or avoiding irritations, to reduce pressure on the bladder.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Don’t let urinary incontinence disrupt your daily life. The team at Empower Physical Therapy specializes in evidence-based treatments to address the underlying causes of urinary incontinence. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward improved bladder control and quality of life.
