How Can A Physiotherapist Help with Urinary Incontinence?

Written By Danielle Bararuk

Written by Danielle Bararuk | Jul 17, 2019

Urinary Incontinence affects both women and men, although it is more common in women. Urinary Incontinence is defined as any involuntary loss of urine and according to the Canadian Continence Foundation, 1.5 million Canadians are incontinent.  Urinary incontinence after having children is not normal, it is considered a dysfunction and is treatable.

The three most common types of incontinence are:  Stress, Urge and Mixed Incontinence.  Stress Incontinence is the loss of urine due to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercising). Urge Incontinence is urine loss associated with a strong, uncontrollable need to void and the inability to delay voiding. Mixed incontinence is when both stress and urge incontinence occur at the same time or in different circumstances. 

Urinary incontinence can be the result of many different factors. Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can be determined by a pelvic health physiotherapist.   Increased muscle tension or muscle weakness can both cause dysfunction in the pelvic floor that can result in urinary incontinence. 

A physiotherapist is also able to make recommendations for lifestyle changes that may be impacting your bladder control. These recommendations may be such things as avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes.  

Physiotherapy for constipation will include keeping a bladder and fiber diary to assess fluid and fiber intake. The bladder and bowel sit in very close proximity to one another.  Constipation can put added pressure on the bladder causing increased urinary frequency, retention and dysfunction.  A physiotherapist can also teach proper toileting habits and positions, assess breathing mechanics, and perform abdominal massage to promote optimal bowel function.   

A physiotherapist can also correct lifting mechanics and provide intervention strategies to promote optimal breathing mechanics during lifting to prevent added pressure that can cause leakage. A Physiotherapist may also provide postural stability exercises and abdominal re-education that promotes inner core strength without increasing intra-abdominal pressure that can cause incontinence.  

There are many different factors that can contribute to urinary incontinence.  It is important to seek out advice fro a pelvic health physiotherapist to help identify the right treatment for you.  We are happy to help here at Holistic Physiotherapy & Wellness!

 

Danielle Bararuk

Physiotherapist

Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Paediatric Physiotherapist

 
Danielle Bararuk

Danielle Bararuk strongly believes that physiotherapy is both a proactive and reactive profession. She is passionate that it is not only her goal to get someone well after injury but to empower patients’ to take control of their recovery and to stay well.

Danielle completed her Bachelor of Physical Therapy at the University of Saskatchewan in 2008. Danielle started her career in the private practice setting treating Musculoskeletal injures and became fascinated with the biomechanics and the complexity of the human body. She has spent her time over the past ten years gaining experience treating all ages and all types of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Her aim is to reestablish appropriate movement patterns, improve function and reduce the likelihood of re-injury. She always uses an individualized treatment approach that incorporates manual therapy, exercise prescription and patient education. Danielle believes that by listening to her patients and having them be an active component in their own rehab, she can provide them with the correct treatment and education to empower them to reach their treatment goals.

Danielle has completed additional education courses in orthopaedic manual therapy, myofascial release and pelvic floor physiotherapy. Danielle has a special interest in pediatric physiotherapy and is excited to be adding additional pediatric educational courses in the near future!

Danielle believes in leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle and the importance of spending quality time with her family and friends. She enjoys physical activity daily with her three young children and you can usually find her out walking, running or biking on a trail with them. Life is full of adventure and wonderful experiences and Danielle aims to help you return to the ones that are most important to you!

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