Bladder and Bowel Continence

Whether you have small wetting accidents, major urine loss or bowel incontinence, there are treatments available that may give you control without surgery or medication.

We often assume that involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control is just a normal part of aging, menopause, pregnancy, post-partum or post-surgery. But this is not true. Of the more than 13 million Americans who suffer from this problem, 80 percent can be helped by non-invasive biofeedback therapy. At our clinic, we offer treatment for several types of incontinence, including:

• Stress: leaking of small amounts of urine due to increased pressure from coughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects and exercise
• Urge: leaking of urine in connection with a strong and sudden urge to urinate
• Mixed incontinence: a combination of urge and stress incontinence
• Reflex: loss of bladder control due to impaired nerve function
• Overflow: loss of bladder control because urine is retained in the bladder after voiding
• Fecal: involuntary loss of stool due to impaired rectal sensation or muscle control

We will customize a treatment program of pelvic exercises and biofeedback training so you can strengthen and control the muscles that prevent incontinence. The biofeedback also helps you learn the natural body signals that take place just before incontinence occurs. The program generally lasts four to six visits over the course of two to six weeks.

If you think you may benefit from this program, consult your physician. (A referral from your physician is necessary to participate in this program.)

For more information about this program, please call HealthPartners Specialty Center - Physical Therapy at 651-254-7700.