Incontinence
Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or jump, or a sudden strong need to go, is common, but it is not normal and it does not have to be permanent. Physical therapy is often recommended as a first treatment. East Mountain Physical Therapy treats women's health concerns, including incontinence, in Cedar Crest, Edgewood, Tijeras and Moriarty, in one-on-one visits.
Which kind of leaking is it?
Stress incontinence
Leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift or jump.
Urge incontinence
A sudden, strong need to go that you cannot put off. Overactive bladder and frequent urination fall here.
Mixed
Many people have both, and the plan covers both.
Bowel leakage
Less often stool. This is treatable too, and it is fine to bring up.
Why it starts
Childbirth, menopause, prostate surgery, aging and constipation are the usual reasons, and men are affected too, especially after prostate surgery. The muscles of the pelvic floor may be too weak, too tight or poorly timed. Your therapist works out which.
What a visit involves
A private conversation
When it happens, how often, what else is going on. Nothing you say will surprise us.
An assessment
Posture, hips, breathing and the pelvic floor muscles, with your consent at every step.
A plan you can do at home
Exercises, habits for the bladder and what to avoid, adjusted as you improve.
Other pelvic conditions
Tell your therapist if you also feel heaviness or a bulge, which is a different problem with its own treatment. Leaking after childbirth is covered on prenatal and postpartum care. Leakage after surgery is also part of post-surgical rehab.
Related care
Incontinence care in the East Mountains
We see patients from Cedar Crest, Edgewood, Tijeras, Moriarty and the East Mountains.