Does the Therapy Really Work?

Studies show that many patients report significant improvement or complete recovery of urine control within two to three months. The success rate depends on the patient's condition and diligence. Pelvic floor therapy is completely safe and produces no harmful side effects. If the results are not satisfactory, all other treatment options remain available, including surgery.

What are the costs?

Pelvic floor therapy is covered by most insurance plans for patients with incontinence that has not responded to physical therapy.

Pelvic Floor Therapy for Bladder Control in Men and Women

Pelvic floor therapy is a new method for helping women and men with bladder control problems. Using biofeedback techniques in conjunction with Kegel exercises, pelvic floor therapy teaches patients to properly contract the muscles of the pelvic floor more efficiently, resulting in improved bladder control.

Kegel exercise aim to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, thereby improving the urethra and/or rectal sphinc- ter function. The success of Kegel exercises depends on proper technique and adherence to a regular resistance exercise program. Some people have difficulty identifying and isolating the muscles of the pelvic floor. Biofeedback can help teach people how to use the correct muscles.

Pelvic floor therapy is effective in up to 70 percent of patients and can help avoid the need for medications or surgery. For some patients, pelvic floor rehabilitation and biofeedback therapy serve as a compliment to medication.

How Does it Work?

Pelvic floor therapies vary according to each person's need, but may include the placement of an internal probe to monitor contractions. In this technique, a small sensor probe is inserted vaginnaly for women or rectally for men. Small electrocardiogram (EKG) pads are then placed on the abdomen. The patient is asked to contract the pelvic floor muscles around the sensor. The goal is to isolate the pelvic muscles without using the abdominal muscles. Treatment may also include electrical stimulation, in which the sensor emits a slight pulse that causes the pelvic floor muscles to contract.

How Long is the Treatment?

Weekly 30-minute sessions with a nurse specialist span six to eight weeks. Between sessions, patients are encouraged to continue daily exercises on their own. After six weeks, the patient is re-evaluated and a home maintenance program is provided. As in any other part of the body, muscle strength is not maintained without continued exercise.

Common Conditions Treatable with Pelvic Floor Therapy:

Stress Incontinence - the loss of urinary control with physical activity such as laughing, walking, coughing, sneezing, jogging, dancing, and lifting.

Urge Incontinence - a strong urge to urinate that is uncontrollable. Sometimes these urges are associated with leakage of urine.

Frequency - the need to go to the bathroom often.

Nocturia - the need to go to the bathroom too often at night.

Other candidates who may benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy include patients with bladder problems associated with:

1. Radical Prostatectomy
2. Colon Surgery
3. Hysterectomy
4. Previous Bladder Surgery
5. Fecal Incontinence
6. Pelvic Trauma