After years of being able to control your bodily functions, it’s quite embarrassing if you wake up one day and realize your bodily functions are controlling control you.  You may also find that comfort rooms are often too far for your comfort.  It is even more embarrassing to have to wear disposable diapers after years of not needing them.  Unfortunately, certain circumstances require such measures.

At Pain Solutions & Physical Therapy, Inc., we are here to assist you.  By using tried and tested methods, our incontinence treatment program will help you regain control of your bodily functions and stave off conditions such as:

Bladder Incontinence

Bladder Incontinence is not uncommon.  Most patients who suffer the stresses of bladder control issues are referred to a urologist, who is a medical practitioner who specializes in the evaluation, examination and/or diagnosis of illnesses concerning the urinary tract.

After examination, patients often start with non-invasive treatments like behavior management, monitoring liquid intake, medications and the use of shields, bladder control undergarments, diapers, and underpads.  If discomfort continues, further treatment approaches may include surgery or the use of foley catheters.

There are many options for individuals with bladder incontinence.  The most important is to be aware of it and know that there are routine activities to help ease the stresses such as following a healthy urination schedule, relaxing muscles, etc.

Bowel Incontinence

It can be very difficult for those who have bowel incontinence to assume normal activities of daily living.  The involuntary passage of excretion/stool can be related our nervous system’s ability to detect signs of bowel movement.  This problem is more common in women than in men especially at ages 65 and over.

Causes can include chronic constipation, over-use of laxatives, as an after-effect of bowel surgery, emotional stresses, injuries in the anal muscles, severe diarrhea, and even hemorrhoids.

While there are many challenges in bowel incontinence, this health condition has many remedies.  Approaches can range from diet adjustments, fecal impaction, medications, and bowel retraining.

Prolapse

When the pelvic floor muscles are weakened, it could result in a prolapse or uterine prolapse. Patients who have this condition must seek medical attention immediately.

A Prolapse could refer to fallen wombs or hernias.  Symptoms can range from heaviness in the pelvis to experiencing pain during intercourse.  Many healthcare practitioners recommend doing Kegel exercises to prevent the condition.  Kegel exercises promote strong and healthy pelvic muscles, especially for women.

Other preventive measures are quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, and therapeutic exercises as recommended by your physician or therapist.