Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. It affects more than 10 million adults. If left untreated, it progressively worsens and eventually impacts your quality of life. The good news is 70-80% of those individuals living with incontinence can improve with proper treatment.

What are some of the signs of symptoms of incontinence?

• Strong desire to urinate
• Inability to reach the bathroom in time
• Leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, and physical exertion
• Leakage with extreme temperature change

How can physical therapy help me?

A licensed physical therapist can provide you with the appropriate exercises and perform treatment techniques that can increase the strength of your pelvic muscles.

How do I make an appointment for treatment?

You must have a referral from your healthcare provider. After discussing your situation with your provider, he/she will make the referral for you and advise you of the date and time.

What can I expect during my first visit?

The initial evaluation usually takes about one hour. A complete history is taken, followed by an external exam of the vaginal area. An internal exam may be necessary to further evaluate the pelvic floor musculature.

Muscle awareness and activity will be assessed using a unit called biofeedback. External electrodes will be placed on the abdomen and rectal areas to record muscle activity.

Your therapist will advise you in proper positioning to avoid unnecessary stress on your pelvic floor as well as instruct you in a pelvic floor exercise program. Exercise is an essential component of improvement and it will be necessary for you to perform your given exercises every day.

How many times do I have to attend?

Return visits are usually scheduled for once a week for a period of 4-6 weeks to advance your exercise program. It may be necessary to increase the frequency if intense strengthening is needed.

Will physical therapy be able to cure me 100%?

If diagnosed with urge or stress incontinence, physical therapy can significantly reduce your symptoms. The physical therapist can not do it alone. It is very important that you realize what an important part you play in your rehabilitation process.

Will my insurance cover the cost of this physical therapy service?

Most insurance companies will pay for services which are medically necessary, if progress is noted. We encourage you to call your insurance provider to determine your benefits regarding the use of:

• Biofeedback
• Electrical stimulation
• Kegel exercises
• Pelvic floor evaluation

Who provides this service locally and where can I learn more about it?

TAMC Women's Health Center has a full time physical therapist who is trained to provide this service.

For further information, call TAMC Women's Health Center at 76-WOMEN (769-6636).