When to See a Pelvic Floor Therapist for Bladder Symptoms
Many women think bladder leaks or frequent bathroom trips are just a “normal” part of aging or motherhood — but they’re not. Bladder leaks are often a symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction, whether that is muscle tightness, weakness or prolapse issues, all of which can be treated. Pelvic floor therapy can help to address these issues and seeking help is the first step to getting there.
Many people think that leaking is the only bladder symptom that can be treated; but there are other things that can also be addressed with pelvic floor therapy including:
Stress incontinence — leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise
Urge incontinence — sudden, strong urges to urinate – (may have loss of urine when trying to get to the toilet)
Frequent urination — going more than 8 times per day or multiple times at night
Difficulty starting or stopping the stream
Feeling like the bladder doesn’t empty completely
Pain, pressure, or heaviness in the bladder or pelvic area
Oftentimes, surgery or medications are offered when patients discuss bladder urgency, frequency or prolapse but pelvic floor therapy is a less invasive and holistic treatment for these symptoms.
If you’re having to plan your day around the bathroom, your bladder is trying to tell you something! It can be frustrating and embarrassing to deal with these symptoms. Your girlfriends laugh because you’re always running the bathroom and your husband rolls his eyes because you have to stop for a bathroom break AGAIN!
So what are some reasons why you may be having symptoms? Every BODY is different and so identifying the underlying “why” can help to guide your treatment. It may be:
Pelvic floor weakness or overactivity
Hormonal changes (pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause)
Childbirth and delivery trauma
Chronic constipation or straining
High-impact exercise or heavy lifting habits without good pressure management
Poor bladder habits (just-in-case peeing, hovering, etc.)
You may be wondering “when is it FINALLY time to seek pelvic floor therapy?” I personally advocate for as soon as possible! It’s always easier to fix a smaller problem than a bigger one, however, it's never too late to start! Check and see if any of these reasons resonate with you:
You’ve tried “Kegels” but they don’t seem to help — or make symptoms worse
Leaks or urgency are interfering with your exercise, social or even DAILY life
You’re getting up several times at night to pee —(hello, sleepy fall risk)
You feel pressure, bulging, or heaviness – especially after you’ve been on your feet all day
You’ve noticed worsening symptoms as you’re aging
You feel like your bladder controls you, not the other way around
I get it, pelvic floor therapy can be intimidating! It is my goal to make you feel as comfortable as possible. It is always up to your discretion of what we do and don’t do during therapy – whether that is internal exams or certain exercises – it's always your choice to say “nope!” and I will find another way to address the same thing.
Evaluations typically look like:
Initial conversation about symptoms, lifestyle, and goals – we go over your intake form together to make sure we’ve addressed everything and answer any questions you may have
Posture and movement assessment – breathing, pressure management, hip range of motion, foot mobility and strength all play a role in your bladder health
Internal and/or external pelvic floor muscle evaluation – internal exams give us a lot of good information about what is going on with the pelvic floor, but if you’re not comfortable with it, we can do external palpation instead!
Discussion of bladder habits and toileting patterns – yep, we talk about poop and pee pretty regularly! Nothing is TMI during pelvic floor therapy! We even talk about sexy time, because who else is asking these questions?!
Personalized plan for exercises, lifestyle strategies, and behavior changes – Yep, you get homework. But it is also my job to ensure it's manageable for your life!
Pelvic floor therapy is always one on one in a private space so you feel as comfortable as possible. I know it is a private part of your life so I hope to make it as easy as possible.
I also feel it is important for patients to be educated about how their body works so lots of education is given throughout so you can understand the “why” behind everything we are doing! Treatments don’t always look the same every time but it may include:
Pelvic floor muscle training (often not just “Kegels”)
Bladder retraining and urge suppression techniques
Breathwork and core coordination
Manual therapy for tension or restrictions
Education on fluid intake and bladder irritants and toileting postures
Treatment frequency varies for each patient but typically, I see patients for 4-8 sessions depending on symptoms, medical history and adherence to home exercises and education.
Bladder symptoms are common but it is not how your body is meant to function. Pelvic floor therapy can help you regain control of your bladder so you can do the activities you enjoy without worry!
If you’re ready to stop planning your day around the bathroom, you can:
Click here to book a discovery call to answer any questions you may have in a one on one free phone consultation
Click here to book a 90 minute evaluation so we can develop a plan that works best for you!
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What Does The Pelvic Floor Do?
Pelvic Floor Therapy In Lancaster, Ohio
Pelvic Floor Therapy: What To Expect
