Incontinence and Pelvic Pain
For the more than 18 million Americans suffering from urinary incontinence and pelvic pain, Swedish Hospital's Incontinence and Pelvic Pain Program. Using an exercise-based behavior approach, patients experience long-term relief and regain confidence in enjoying everyday activities.
To schedule an appointment, call
773-878-6888.
What is Incontinence and Pelvic Pain Therapy?
Specially trained and highly skilled physical therapists at Swedish Hospital work with patients to improve or eliminate incontinence, reduce pain and improve overall quality of life.
Therapy may include one or more of the following:
- Instruction on exercises to strengthen and re-educate the pelvic floor muscles
- Biofeedback, which allows the patient to view muscle activity on a computer screen and reinforces effective muscle work
- Bladder retraining
- Education on proper posture and body mechanics
- Electric stimulation to help strengthen very weak pelvic floor muscles
- Manual therapy
Benefits of Incontinence Program
Men and women with stress, urgency or mixed incontinence may benefit from therapy. For people with these conditions, incontinence is caused by weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, overactivity of the bladder muscle or a combination of both.
Others with the following conditions may also benefit from therapy:
- Underlying urinary tract infection
- Chronic condition such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes
- Prior surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Trauma to the bladder
Especially with the elderly, incontinence can be triggered by certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs, restricted mobility or delirium.
Benefits of Pelvic Pain Program
People with pelvic pain conditions can also be treated and their symptoms improved with therapy. These conditions include:
- Pre- and post-natal back pain
- Prolapse
- Pain during intercourse or penetration
- Scar tissue restriction
- Interstitial cystitis
- Other chronic painful conditions of the pelvic area
For women, pelvic floor muscle strength is essential to supporting the bladder and uterus, and pregnancy and childbirth can significantly weaken pelvic floor muscles.
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment, call
773-878-6888.
