When it comes to exercising, there might not be another activity we think so much about to just get dirty. We plan our schedule, we plan our routine, we plan around our favorite instructors, we even plan what we are going to wear. But there is one thing we don’t plan for… bladder leaks. Urine leaks while you are exercising are embarrassing. You thought you were done with accidents in kindergarten, you thought you were doing the right thing to stay healthy by running, or jumping, or dancing, but now you have to deal with incontinence?
 |
| If you want to jump, twist, and shout withoughout peeing your pants, pelvic floor physical therapy may be just what you need. Not sure what pelvic floor physical therapy can do for you? Just read on. |
What is Incontinence when Exercising?
I get it, because I have been there. Whether it is just a few drops, you need to wear a pad, or you feel like you have to stop exercising altogether, exercise induced incontinence is real and it is common, but that doesn’t make it normal. Incontinence when you exercise is formally known as "exercise induced incontinence" or formally as “stress urinary incontinence.” 'Stress' meaning the pressure or tension placed on your pelvic floor, not the emotional stress that comes from urine leaks while you are running.
Your Pelvic Floor Muscles are just like the rest of your muscles; they can be strong, flexible, healthy muscles, or they can be weak, tight, unhealthy muscles. Even athletes in great shape can neglect their pelvic floors, and the repetitive pounding from certain activities (like running or jumping) actually increases the stress on your pelvic floor muscles.
Treatment for Incontinence when Exercising
Remember, that just because incontinence when you exercise is common, it is not normal and that means we can do something about it. You could have surgery, or take medication, or just deal with pads, but you are already exercising, so why not use targeted exercises to CURE your stress incontinence. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy incorporates stretching, strengthening, and breathing to eliminate your incontinence when you exercise. You may think, oh I just need to learn how to do pelvic floor muscle exercises, or “Kegels,” but in my experience if they were that easy you would probably already be doing them. The reality is many women can contract the pelvic floor muscles, but they may have difficulty relaxing these muscles, or they may have difficulty coordinating their breathing, or they may be contracting other muscles that they shouldn’t. All of these can lead to other challenges in the future (including other pelvic floor symptoms and back pain). You wouldn’t start a new exercise routine without knowing how to use the equipment, it is well worth the investment in yourself to see a pelvic floor physical therapist.
-FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Oklahoma City
FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Oklahoma City provide world class orthopedic rehabilitation to our patients. Our physical therapists specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation, balance and falls prevention, and Pelvic Health. Our practitioners take a patient-centered individualized approach that focuses on your pelvic health needs. If you are unsure about your pelvic health, or you want to see the FYZICAL Difference for yourself, schedule a free consultation today.