URINARY INCONTINENCE PROGRAM

DEFINITION OF INCONTINENCE:

• Involuntary loss of urine or stool sufficient to be a problem
• Occurring at the same time that internal abdominal pressure is increased, such as with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical activity

 

PREVALENCE OF URINARY INCONTINENCE:

• Affects about 13 million people
• Occurs in ages 15 to 64 years: 10 - 30% for females; 1.5 - 5% for males
• Occurs in ages over 60 years: 15 - 35% (twice as likely in females)
• Occasional incontinence affects approximately 50% of all women, and as many as 10% have regular incontinence
• Approximately 20% of women over age 75 experience daily incontinence
• Risk increases with advancing age, obesity, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and childbearing
• Nursing home residents, the risk is 50% or greater
• Home bound elderly, the risk is approximately 53%

 

SYMPTOMS OF INCONTINENCE:

• Sensation of bladder fullness
• Increased urinary frequency or urgency
• Discomfort during intercourse
• Loss of urine when coughing, sneezing, standing, or during physical activity
• Feeling of pressure or bulging in the vagina
• Difficulty in initiating urine stream
• Inability to empty bladder completely

 

EFFECTS OF INCONTINENCE:

• Withdrawal and isolation
• Depression
• Skin irritation and breakdown
• Nursing home admissions

 

TREATMENTS FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE:

• Lifestyle changes
• Physiological quieting
• Therapeutic exercises ("Beyond Kegels")
• Modalities
• Medication
• Surgical intervention

 

PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENT FOR INCONTINENCE:

• Five to eight visits total
• One session per week
• Initial visit is 60 to 75 minutes in duration
• Subsequent sessions average 30 to 45 minutes
• Noticeable results typically in 7 - 10 days
• Physical Therapy sessions would address: lifestyle changes, physiological quieting, therapeutic exercise, and use of biofeedback

 

For more information on the Urinary Incontinence program at Rice Rehab:
lsti@rice.willmar.mn.us or (320) 231-4175