June 2009 Newsletter – Incontinence Basics 101
We hope that each of you have been able to take something away from these monthly newsletters, and June’s issue should be no different. Male, female, young or aged to perfection, our knowledge regarding bladder health could use a boost. Have you ever given a thought to how many times a day you head to the bathroom? Are you familiar with nearly every location of the public restrooms in your local area? Many of you may be surprised to learn that physical therapy is an effective form of treatment for incontinence and increased urinary frequency.
What is Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the complaint of any involuntary leakage of urine, and there are 3 common types:
- Stress incontinence is defined as involuntary loss of urine on effort or exertion (i.e. coughing, sneezing, exercise). It’s typically a small amount of urine loss and is usually caused by pelvic floor weakness and/or supportive dysfunction.
- Urge incontinence is an involuntary loss of urine with a strong urge to urinate. It tends to be a larger amount of urine loss associated with an irritant (i.e. running water, walking by the bathroom, putting the key in the lock, nervousness) usually caused by uninhibited bladder contractions.
- Mixed incontinence is a combination of the two and may be a progression, in that it represents greater severity of symptoms and condition.
What Are Normal Effects of Age On Going to the Bathroom?
Are you dreading a day when you have to buy your first box of Depends? Don’t worry! Incontinence is NOT a normal part of aging. In fact, the only “normal” effects of aging on going to the bathroom (voiding) are:
- Less warning that you need to go
- Urine production occurring more at night
Specifically to the bladder:
- Smaller urine amounts when going to the bathroom
- Increased urine remaining in the bladder after urinating
- Smaller bladder capacity
How Do I Know If I Have a Problem?
In addition to, or instead of urine leakage, how do you know if you just have a problem with increased trips to the bathroom? Below are a few guidelines for what’s an average range of trips to the bathroom:
- 5-7 total trips to the bathroom per day with an average interval between urination of 2-5 hours
- 0-1 trips per night for those under 65 years of age
- 1-2 trips per night for those over 65
If you’re going to the bathroom more frequently than indicated above, you might be dealing with incontinence. Physical therapy can help. So, instead of adding another medication to the list, budgeting for those Depends, decreasing your fluid intake, or training yourself and your children to continue to go “just in case,” why not schedule a physical therapy appointment with a women’s health specialist to learn more. We just happen to have one at Valley PT South! And yes, incontinence and bladder training is under the umbrella of “women’s health,” but it includes males as well.
Contact us to schedule your appointment,
Therapeutic Associates Valley South
1875 Golf Course Rd S
Salem, OR 97362
503-585-4824
June 2009 Newsletter – Incontinence Basics 101