Beyond Kegel
Relief From Urinary Incontinence
Loss of bladder control (even a little leakage) isn't normal and it isn't an inevitable part of childbirth.
Stress incontinence typically happens when you are active and you leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exert yourself. Exertion causes an increase in pressure on the bladder, resulting in leakage that the weakened pelvic muscles cannot effectively stop.
The person with urgency incontinence typically experiences a sudden need to urinate, whether they are active or not. The bladder muscle appears very irritable, and like any irritable muscle will contract quite forcibly without warning. When the bladder muscle contracts in this fashion, urine leaks.
People with stress and urgency incontinence experience both the uncontrollable urge, and the irrepressible leak with exertion.
Biofeedback Techniques Used
Beyond Kegel utilizes a unique type of physical therapy to condition and strengthen the pelvic muscles. And because we recognize that women are often embarrassed with this problem, you will work with a female therapist who understands your need for privacy during treatment.
If needed, we use biofeedback techniques to find the problem. By finding the specific muscles that are causing the incontinence the therapist can devise an individualized treatment plan for the patient.
The individuals we work with see their muscle activity displayed on a computer screen in a form that enables biofeedback training. They actually see how their muscles are working and very quickly learn what they have to do to regain control. Early initial success restores a person's confidence and accelerates the whole rehabilitation process.
Lifestyle Changes Also Help
Our therapists also provide information on diet modification explaining the adverse effect of spicy foods and caffeine.
We also discuss lifestyle changes that may alleviate the problem. Some people simply learn that they need to drink more water. They usually stop drinking, thinking they will reduce the leaking. That just concentrates the urine, which irritates the bladder lining, and causes them to leak even more.
Evaluation Determines Suitability
When we receive a referral from your medical provider, you are thoroughly evaluated to determine if this treatment could benefit you. Our therapists carefully review your medical and incontinence history. Programs usually include education, behavioral counseling and physical therapy.
Treatment Typically Lasts Four-Eight Weeks
For most people treatments last between four and eight weeks without drugs or surgery and about 80% see substantial improvement.
The cost of the program is often less than what an individual spends for absorbent products each year and in many instances will be covered, at least in part, by insurance.
