Incontinence
Incontinence
Many women experience bladder concerns but aren’t sure where to turn for help. Urinary incontinence—commonly referred to as leaks—is surprisingly common, affecting around 1 in 3 women at some point in their lives.
But let’s be clear: while common, incontinence is NOT normal. Unfortunately, the stigma and normalisation around bladder issues often mean women don’t seek help, with many waiting over six years before addressing it. When they do, they’re often told things like, “It’s because you’ve had a baby,” or, “It’s just a part of menopause.” This simply isn’t true!
There are different types of incontinence, and understanding the cause is key to finding the right treatment. The two most common forms are stress incontinence (leaking during activities like coughing or exercise) and urge incontinence (a sudden, strong need to go). With the right care, incontinence can be managed—and even resolved. Don’t wait to seek support!
Urgency incontinence is a common but frustrating condition many women face. It occurs when you experience a sudden and overwhelming urge to go to the toilet, often leading to leaks before you can make it in time. This happens because the bladder becomes overly sensitive and insists on emptying right now!
Stress incontinence, on the other hand, involves leakage triggered by sudden pressure on the bladder—things like coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting. It occurs when the pelvic floor muscles struggle to counteract this pressure.
Here’s the important part: incontinence is NOT a normal part of being a woman! and you DON’T need to live with it! At Thrive Physiotherapy, we take a holistic approach to your care. We’ll explore your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, and identify your triggers. Then, through a tailored assessment (because you’re more than just your pelvic floor!), we’ll help you regain confidence and control.
Don’t let leaks hold you back—support is here for you!
Incontinence and leaks are often more complex than just a “weak pelvic floor.” At Thrive, we take the time to truly listen to your bladder concerns and understand your unique journey before carrying out a detailed assessment. This holistic approach helps us identify the root causes of your incontinence and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Our assessments consider your whole body—not just your pelvic floor. For your comfort, we don’t offer vaginal examinations during your first appointment. Instead, we assess how your pelvic floor interacts with the rest of your body and identify other muscles or factors that may be impacting your bladder control. If we feel a vaginal examination would be beneficial later, we’ll discuss it with you, and the decision will always be yours.
In addition to individual treatment, our Pelvic Strength exercise class offers a supportive and effective way to build strength, reduce leaks, and regain confidence. Whether you prefer one-on-one support or group sessions, we’re here to help you live leak-free and fearlessly!
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