| Incontinence
Program
A woman’s body goes through many changes throughout
her life. One of the least talked about conditions is urinary
incontinence. Its emotional and physical consequences can
be devastating. With medical interventions, it may be unnecessary
to "live with" the involuntary loss of urine. Physical
Therapy, in conjunction with medical interventions prescribed
by your physician, can help in many ways.
Types of Incontinence
Stress Incontinence is the urine loss that may occur with
coughing, sneezing, laughing or physical activity. Weakness
of the pelvic floor muscles that surround organs related to
bladder control may contribute to stress incontinence.
These muscles can become weak due to certain medical conditions,
medications, stretching during childbirth or surgery, or aging.
Physical Therapy for urinary stress incontinence involves
strengthening the pelvic floor muscles to improve the control
of urine.
Urge Incontinence is the inability to hold urine after a
sudden and strong desire to void. This may be caused by involuntary
contractions of the bladder itself. Treatment for urge incontinence
generally involves physical therapy along with medications
prescribed by your physician.
Treatment Approaches
Physical Therapists specializing in incontinence will perform
an evaluation and design an individualized treatment plan
for you. Treatments are non-painful, easy to apply, and may
include:
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Biofeedback |
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Vaginal Cones |
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Home Exercise Program |
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Electrical Stimulation |
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Bladder Retraining |
What Physical Therapy Can Do For Incontinence
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Muscle Re-education to facilitate
the proper muscle contraction of the pelvic floor muscles |
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Teach the correct technique of Kegal
exercises |
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Develop an individualized strengthening
program for pelvic floor muscle to be done at home |
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Complete a gross postural and muscular
assessment to rule out other possible contributing factors
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Bladder retraining taking control to
decrease the frequent need to use the bathroom |
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Education about behavioral habits and functional
activities that may be aggravating factors |
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Provide information about dietary influences |
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Develop a post operative exercise program
to further improve a surgically corrected condition |
To make an appointment
A physician referral is necessary to initiate treatment. Most
insurances cover physical therapy services prescribed by a
physician. Please call specific location to make your appointment.
Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehab Physical Therapy
203 Turnpike Street, 3rd floor
North Andover, MA 01845
978-557-7999
Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehab Physical and Occupational
Therapy
Dove Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
978-825-8700
Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehab Physical Therapy
161 South Main Street
Middleton, MA 01949
978-777-7749
NSMC Women's Health Center
1 Hutchinson Drive
Danvers, MA 01923
978-739-6900
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