Understanding and Managing Urge Urinary Incontinence

Hi, I'm Lauren Smith, a Pelvic Physiotherapist at Nose Creek Physiotherapy. Today, we're delving into a common yet often misunderstood condition: urge urinary incontinence (UUI). Many of my patients in Calgary describe UUI as an uncontrollable urge to urinate, leading to frequent bathroom visits and, in some cases, involuntary leakage.

Understanding Urge Urinary Incontinence

UUI is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often accompanied by involuntary bladder contractions. This condition can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort and social anxiety. It's crucial to note that UUI is different from stress urinary incontinence, which is triggered by physical activities like coughing or sneezing.

Common Symptoms of UUI

• Frequent urination.
• Sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate.
• Involuntary leakage on the way to the bathroom.
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

Causes and Risk Factors

While UUI can have various causes, many of my patients in Calgary experience it due to an overactive pelvic floor. This increased muscle tone can prevent the pelvic floor from functioning correctly, leading to UUI symptoms. Other factors contributing to UUI include:

• Age-related changes
• Neurological disorders
• Urinary tract infections (ruled out in our patients)
• Lifestyle factors (e.g., high caffeine intake)

Effective Treatment Strategies

Our approach at Nose Creek Physiotherapy focuses on addressing the root cause of UUI. We emphasize lengthening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, primarily through breathing exercises and stretching.

Breathing exercises help in relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, reducing the frequency of involuntary bladder contractions. Stretching, on the other hand, gently lengthens the muscles, alleviating the tightness contributing to UUI.

We also provide comprehensive education on bladder and bowel habits. This includes maintaining a bladder diary to track bathroom visits and leakage incidents, offering valuable insights into individual patterns and progress.

Finding the Balance in Bathroom Habits

It's crucial to avoid the "just in case" bathroom visits before activities like road trips. Conversely, excessively holding urine can also be detrimental. We guide our patients to find a balance, ensuring effective bladder-brain communication.

Each patient's journey with UUI is unique. At Nose Creek Physiotherapy, we offer personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. Our free discovery sessions allow us to understand your specific situation and develop an effective treatment strategy.

Book Your Discovery Session Today

If you or someone you know in Calgary is struggling with UUI, don't hesitate to reach out. A free discovery session with me, Lauren Smith, can set you on the path to better bladder control and improved quality of life.

Urge urinary incontinence doesn't have to control your life. With the right guidance and treatment, you can manage your symptoms effectively. At Nose Creek Physiotherapy in Calgary, we're committed to helping you regain your confidence and comfort. Contact us today to start your journey to recovery.