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• Electrotherapy uses a device to increase muscle awareness, and tone and strengthenpelvic floor muscles. For stress incontinencetherapy, the device replicates a perfect Kegelexercise. For urge incontinence therapy, thedevice provides stimulation to prevent inap-propriate bladder contractions by reducingurge sensations.

• Physiological Quieting includes the use ofrelaxation tapes and instruction in diaphrag-matic breathing exercises.

• Bladder Retraining involves education aboutfoods and beverages that can contribute to urinary leakage and/or increased urination.Patients keep a bladder diary and receiveinstruction in retraining their bladder toreduce the frequency of urination.

• Education about the pelvic floor muscles, theirfunction, and overall bladder health.

Responding to Your NeedsResponding promptly to you and your physician isvery important to us. Patients are contactedwithin 24 hours after referral from a physician to set up an appointment. To ensure consistencyof care, patients are given the option of workingwith the same therapist throughout their treatment program.

For More InformationIf you are experiencing incontinence problems,speak to your physician about a referral to St. Peter’s Physical Therapy program. We acceptmost insurance plans and offer early morning and evening hours.

ST. PETER’S PHYSICAL THERAPY & FITNESS

UrinaryIncontinence

ST. PETER’S PHYSICAL THERAPY & FITNESS1240 New Scotland RoadSlingerlands, NY 12159

ph 518.475.1818

sphp.com

As part of our commitment to high-quality,personalized health care, the physical therapistsat St. Peter’s are specially trained in urinaryincontinence management.

The physical therapy staff at St. Peter’s is dedicated to helping patients feel better physically and emotionally. Our patients benefitfrom an individualized program that promotesrehabilitation, education and overall well-being.

We offer our services for Capital Regionresidents at St. Peter’s Physical Therapy &Fitness in Slingerlands.

Temporary incontinence may be caused by:

• Urinary tract infection• Constipation• Certain medications• Vaginal infections or irritation• Certain foods and beverages

What Are the DifferentTypes of Incontinence?There are four main types of incontinence.

Stress IncontinenceStress incontinence is when urine loss happensduring exercise or with physical exertion.Leakage often occurs when a person laughs,coughs, sneezes, or lifts something. Many peoplewith this problem use the bathroom often during the day to avoid potential accidents.

Urge IncontinenceUrge incontinence is when a person has only afew seconds or minutes warning before they feela strong sensation to urinate, resulting in urineloss. Many people with this problem leak urineon the way to the bathroom, or leak urine whenthey drink, touch, or hear running water. Theyuse the bathroom frequently during the day and night.

Mixed IncontinenceThis is when a person has signs and symptoms ofboth stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

Overflow IncontinenceOverflow incontinence is when a person isunable to completely empty their bladder. Theyurinate a small amount and still feel as if thebladder is partially full. They often get up duringthe night to use the bathroom as they feel theneed to urinate, but cannot. People with thisproblem often leak urine during the day andnight.

How is IncontinenceTreated?St. Peter’s offers a wide range of low-risk, effectivetreatment options referred to as behavioral tech-niques. In an informal survey, patients receivingthese treatments at St. Peter’s have reported a significant reduction of incontinence symptoms, and an improved quality of life.

On average, a patient receives treatments one totwo times per week for a period of one to two months. Treatments may include a combination of the following:

• Biofeedback involves the use of a painless devicethat records muscle activity and strength duringtherapeutic exercises. It lets the user knowwhether the exercises are being done properlyby offering visual and auditory feedback.

• Therapeutic Exercise involves a series of individualized exercises designed to strengthenpelvic floor muscles, abdominals, and other muscle groups.

Urinary incontinence is a medicalcondition that affects millions ofwomen and men. The conditionmay be improved, or even resolved,with specialized physical therapytreatments.

What is UrinaryIncontinence?Urinary incontinence is a condition where involuntaryloss of urine becomes a social or hygienic problem.Most people feel it is a natural part of aging so theydo not seek help, but urinary incontinence is not anormal part of aging. It is caused by a physical problem. Urinary incontinence is, however, a commonproblem and individuals should not feel embarrassedto get help.

• Approximately 13 million men and womensuffer from urinary incontinence.

• Half of all women will experience urinaryincontinence in varying degrees during their lifetime.

• Approximately 10 to 15 percent of children ageseight to 16 have bed-wetting problems relatedto incontinence.

What Causes UrinaryIncontinence?Urinary incontinence can have several causes including:

• Weakened pelvic floor or urethral sphincter muscles

• Childbirth• Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)• Weakened bladder• Pelvic or abdominal surgery• Prostate surgery or other prostate conditions