Urinary and Fecal Incontinence PT NYC

Eliminate Urinary and Fecal Incontinence with Expert Physical Therapy in NYC

A physical therapist who specializes in treating pelvic floor dysfunction can improve urinary and fecal incontinence in a variety of ways. First, the physical therapist needs to be able to evaluate and examine underlying muscle and nerve dysfunctions that interfere with normal urinary and bowel function. This examination involves an internal rectal exam where the physical therapist evaluates the three layers of muscles and associated nerves. The physical therapists at Schafer Physical Therapy PLLC will also evaluate the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, pelvis, hips, and lower extremity as they can also influence pelvic floor dysfunctions. The following treatment is often medication-free and involves a combination of manual therapy techniques, exercises, biofeedback/neuromuscular re-education, and lifestyle education.

Addressing Musculoskeletal / Biomechanical Dysfunctions:

Strengthening weak muscles: For cases involving muscle weakness, any muscle that attaches to the pelvis may need to be strengthened. This may include resistance exercises for the abdominals, obliques, internal pelvic floor muscles (kegels), gluteal muscles, and many others. All of these muscles can help support the intestines, bladder, and rectum and improve function.

Improving coordination through biofeedback/neuromuscular re-education (dyssynergic defecation): A common issue is when the muscles contract instead of relaxing during urination or a bowel movement. Therapists can retrain the muscles to relax and coordinate with abdominal pressure using exercises and manual techniques.

Retraining Bowel Mechanics and Habits

Urinary and Bowel habit education: Therapists work with patients to establish regular bowel routines and encourage not ignoring the urge to go, which helps prevent stool from becoming hard and dry.

Also, a bathroom diary can detect if the urinary or fecal incontinence can be linked to a particular diet, caffeine, or alcohol intake

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists will also educate you on the different types of incontinence and how you can navigate each one. Urge Incontinence involved involuntary leakage of urine/bowel movement due to a sudden and strong urge to pee. Stress Incontinence involves the involuntary leakage due to activities that increase pressure in the abdomen or pelvis. It can occur from laughing, sneezing, exercising, or coughing. Mixed Incontinence consists of involuntary leakage from a combination of urge and stress incontinence.

Lifestyle Modifications

Dietary and hydration advice: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists provide guidance on ways to improve diet such as increasing fiber intake (ex: prunes, fruits, vegetables) and the importance of adequate hydration to regulate stool shape and promote regularity.

Consistent physical activity: Aerobic exercise and strength training is a fantastic way to regulate the bowel and bladder and improve overall digestive function (including urinary and fecal incontinence). The physical therapists can help you ease into an achievable exercise program that is not overwhelming.

By addressing the root muscular and functional causes of constipation, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a long-term, non-pharmacological solution for lasting relief.