Leakage. There, we said it.

Also known as incontinence, the condition that afflicts more than 13 million people in the U.S. annually is hardly a taboo topic.

For those over the age of 65, incontinence occurs in 51 percent of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women have a higher rate of incontinence than men. Incontinence encompasses leakages related to either or both the bowel and bladder.

Incontinence risk factors

For the aging, incontinence is associated with a number of factors, including chronic conditions such as diabetes and stroke, cognitive impairment and mobility impairment. Bladder incontinence can also be influenced by aging-related changes in the lower urinary tract, urinary tract infection and other health-related conditions to include mobility impairment.

Risk factors for bowel incontinence include chronic diarrhea, inadequate fiber and water intake and chronic constipation. Health factors include diabetes, stroke, neurologic and psychiatric conditions, cognitive impairment and mobility impairment.

In addition to the financial burden, people suffering from incontinence may carry an emotional burden of shame and embarrassment that adds to the physical discomfort and disruption of their lives.

Treating incontinence

Incontinence is not inevitable with age, however, and is a treatable and often curable condition. Tidewater Physical Therapy specializes in women’s health services, including the treatment of incontinence and pelvic pain. Tidewater Physical Therapy’s services are aimed at increasing a woman’s quality of life through self-management and using specific strategies to reduce symptoms and improve function.

People with incontinence suffer most commonly from stress incontinence or urge incontinence.

Stress incontinence stems from the increased abdominal pressure and weak muscles, resulting in the accidental release of urine— this happens, for example, when people laugh, cough, sneeze or jog.

Urge incontinence occurs when people must get to the bathroom right away from an immediate urge that there is no stopping.

But because people feel discomfort in talking about incontinence issues, many people fail to seek treatment. However, talking to a family doctor or gynecologist for a referral to see a physical therapist who specializes in women’s health, can truly help incontinence symptoms and ease feelings of shame, isolation and depression.

The role of physical therapy

Physical therapy helps incontinence patients gain control of their symptoms and will reduce the need for pads, special undergarments and medications.

In a private treatment room of the clinic, patients will have their pelvic floor muscles evaluated.

The pelvic floor is like a sling of muscles and it runs from the pubic bone in the front and goes all the way to the tailbone in the back. It’s one of the components that make up the core of the body.

Treatment includes heat to relax the muscles, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and manual therapy. The first day of therapy, 20 to 25 minutes is spent simply educating patients on what exactly the condition entails.

A therapist will help patients “find” the right muscles and use them correctly. The pelvic floor is one of the components that make up the core of the body, so it’s important to work on core exercises. Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, will work to strengthen the muscles that control your bladder, and put the patient in control of their urges again.

Finding a Physical Therapist

As part of your healthcare team, a physical therapist will make an assessment of your condition and create a plan to start you on the road to wellness. Our team will communicate with your physician of record and obtain a referral, if necessary, for your continued treatment. We will also work with your insurance carrier to make sure services are covered by your plan. To make your own appointment, find a clinic near you.

This article is sponsored by Tidewater Physical Therapy

You know – the one you had in your early 20’s, or before you became pregnant? If so, you’re not alone.

Now there is a way to do it! And if you don’t believe it, just ask Lisa McGhan who knows it works.Lisa was recently featured in a Richmond Times Dispatch article.

Lisa McGhan – Photo source: http://www2.timesdispatch.com

Lisa’s Story

Lisa is the mother of four children under the age of 10, and she has been overweight since third grade. She peaked a couple of years ago at 310 pounds in her mid-30s. She started Body Back at Mom’s Treehouse at 288 pounds – she lost 19 pounds in her first Body Back session, and went on to lose 75 pounds!

She attributes it all to the Body Back session and learning to move and live a healthier lifestyle – thanks to Mom’s Treehouse and their supportive and encouraging programs.

Rachel Pustilnik, owner of Mom’s Treehouse, said McGhan has become a role model for others.

Body Back Classes

Mom’s Treehouse offers an awesome Body Back class for women. There are THREE great reasons for you to participate in the next session which begins November 5th.

1) Why did you decide to return to Body Back?

I decided to return to Body Back for multiple reasons…I left thinking I could continue to work out on my own and continue to eat healthy. Body Back had given me the tools I needed to stay healthy. I started off working out 6 days a week and ate well. As months went by, my workouts dwindled to 3-4 workouts a week using workout videos and running. I finally realized it wasn’t just the tools that I needed, it was the support I got from the Body Back instructors and the amazing women who carried me with them along our journey.

2) What did you miss most about the program?

I missed the entire experience I received from the Body Back program – the friendships, support, and the chat group from the women in the class, the food journaling and the instructor who took the time to look over it and make comments or suggestions. I also missed being held accountable for showing up to class, and the 5 minutes of relaxation at the end of our workouts.

3) What is the greatest lesson that you have learned from being part of Body Back?

The greatest lesson I learned from Body Back was to love yourself, nobody is perfect, and there are women who go through similar trials and tribulations as you, and to take time for yourself no matter what life throws at you.

4) Since you have returned, what are you most benefiting from?

Since I’ve been back I am most benefiting from the sense of empowerment that I receive after every class.

5) What advice would you give to someone who has stopped the program?

The advice I would give to someone who has or wants to leave the program is don’t! You can eat healthy and work out on your own but you will not get that sense of accomplishment, strength, power, and support from any other gym or on your own.