Urinary Incontinence, Frequency and Urgency

Urinary incontinence is typically broken down into three categories: stress, urge and mixed.

• Stress incontinence refers to leaking of urine with activities that place a strain on the pelvic floor such as coughing, sneezing, laughing and jumping.

• Urge Incontinence is leaking urine when a strong urge to urinate is felt.

• Mixed incontinence includes symptoms of both stress and urges incontinence.

Along with these symptoms a feeling of incompletely emptying the bladder and frequent trips to the bathroom during the day or night can all be troublesome. A physical therapist trained to treat the pelvic floor will evaluate your muscle strength and coordination. A bladder diary to assess voiding patterns can also give your therapist useful information. In addition to exercise, education about bladder irritating foods and beverages, biofeedback and pelvic floor muscle stimulation may be part of your treatment plan.