Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, or bladder leakage, is leaking urine, or less often stool. It is common after childbirth, around menopause and after prostate surgery, but common does not mean normal, and it does not have to be permanent. Physical therapy is often recommended as a first treatment, and PAR Physical Therapy in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina can tell you by phone whether our team treats it.
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Types of incontinence
Stress incontinence
Leaking when I sneeze, leaking when I cough, laugh, lift or jump. The pelvic floor cannot hold against sudden pressure.
- Cough, sneeze, laugh
- Jumping, running
Urge incontinence and overactive bladder
A sudden, strong need to go, with frequent urination and getting up at night.
- Cannot make it to the toilet
- Going often, small amounts
Mixed
Many people have both stress and urge leakage.
- Treated together
Bowel incontinence
Leaking stool or gas, or not being able to get to the toilet in time.
- Often linked to constipation or childbirth injury
Common, but not normal
Many people live with leaking for years because they are embarrassed to ask. It is treatable. Causes include childbirth, menopause, prostate surgery, aging and constipation. Ask your doctor to rule out an infection or other medical cause. Then physical therapy is a non-surgical, first-line treatment to try. For the bigger picture of the pelvic muscles, see pelvic floor therapy.
Incontinence after prostatectomy (prostate surgery)
Leaking after prostatectomy is common in the first months.
Before surgery
Learning pelvic floor exercises ahead of time may help. Ask your surgeon.
After surgery
Pelvic floor muscle training, with biofeedback if it is available, along with bladder habits. See post-surgical rehab.
What sessions involve
Treatment is practical and private.
- A conversation about your symptoms, fluids, diet and bathroom habits
- Pelvic floor muscle training and biofeedback so you can see and feel what works
- Bladder retraining and urge suppression techniques
- Fluid and diet guidance, and electrical stimulation if a therapist advises it
Leaking with other symptoms
Heaviness or a bulge
If leaking comes with pressure or a bulge, read pelvic organ prolapse.
After having a baby
Leaking is common postpartum. See prenatal and postpartum care.
Bladder care in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet
Call either clinic and ask whether a therapist on our team treats this. If we are the right fit, we will find you a time, and if not, we will say so.
We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Request an Appointment Call Myrtle Beach Call Murrells Inlet