Pelvic Health Physiotherapy for your Bladder Health
Bladder health plays a vital role in overall pelvic wellbeing. As pelvic health physiotherapists, we understand how bladder issues such as leakage, urgency, frequency, or pain can impact your quality of life at any age. The good news is that many of these concerns are treatable with the right support. Through education, pelvic floor muscle training, bladder retraining, and lifestyle strategies, we help you regain control and improve your daily function.
Bladder Leakage
Bladder leakage is something many people experience, and we want you to know you’re not alone. Whether it’s just a few drops now and then, or more frequent accidents, it can feel frustrating, embarrassing, or even overwhelming. But it’s important to know that help is available, and things can get better. At 18 Physio, we work gently and supportively to understand what’s going on, and to help you feel more confident and in control again.
There are several types of urinary incontinence we assess and treat:
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Stress Incontinence: This occurs when pressure on the bladder from coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise causes leakage. It is often related to pelvic floor muscle weakness or poor coordination.
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Urge Incontinence: A strong, sudden need to urinate followed by leakage. We can help by using bladder retraining techniques and pelvic floor muscle training.
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Post-Micturition Dribble: When the bladder does not empty fully and urine leaks out. This may require a more in-depth assessment and a collaborative approach with your medical team.
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Functional Incontinence: Difficulty reaching the toilet in time due to mobility or cognitive challenges. We can work with you to improve functional mobility and toileting strategies.
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Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence, which we commonly see and manage effectively through a tailored physiotherapy program.
- Coital Incontinence: Loss of urine during sexual activity.
Bladder Urgency
Bladder urgency is a sudden, intense need to urinate, and it often feels like it comes out of nowhere. If this is something you’re dealing with, please know you’re not alone. It can be incredibly challenging to manage, especially when it begins to interfere with daily activities, social situations, or a good night’s rest. For some, this urgency is also accompanied by leakage, which can add to the stress and frustration.
At 18 Physio, we take a compassionate and holistic approach. We’ll work together to gently retrain your bladder, teach calming strategies, and help you strengthen and coordinate your pelvic floor muscles. With support and the right tools, it’s absolutely possible to feel more in control and less anxious about your bladder.
Bladder Emptying Issues
Feeling as though you’re constantly needing the toilet, or not fully emptying your bladder, can be both physically and mentally draining. You might also notice you’re going frequently throughout the day, waking multiple times at night, or simply feeling that something isn’t quite right with your bladder habits.
These symptoms may be related to the pelvic floor muscles, bladder sensitivity, or other underlying factors. Through a thorough assessment, we aim to understand what’s contributing to your experience and work with you to develop a personalised, gentle approach to ease symptoms.
Common symptoms of bladder emptying issues include:
- Going to the toilet too often
- Difficulty starting the flow
- Feeling like you haven’t emptied properly
- Dribbling after going
- Waiting up at night more than usual
- Pain with emptying the bladder
- Needing to urinate again shortly after going
Bladder Pain
Bladder pain can feel like a constant need to urinate. It often brings discomfort, frequent urination, and a constant urge to go to the toilet, even when your bladder isn’t full. Everyone’s experience is different, which is why we take time to listen and understand your story.
Our gentle approach may include strategies to relax tight pelvic floor muscles, calming your nervous system, education, advice on bladder irritants, and offering practical tools to ease symptoms. We’re here to support you with care, every step of the way!