As a physical therapist with 22 years’ experience, Shona Woods has treated women of all ages who are harboring the same secret: These women suffer from incontinence and leak urine when they sneeze and cough or when they don’t get to the bathroom on time. Woods’ goal is to improve her patients’ quality of life by providing conservative treatment.
“Since we are often too embarrassed to talk about it, women don’t realize that approximately 50 percent of all women struggle with incontinence,” said Woods.
There is now an effective approach that doesn’t involve expensive medications or surgery.
Why are women reluctant to discuss this issue with their doctor when symptoms begin?
Many women assume that this is just part of getting older, and when Kegels don’t work, they belive that the only other treatment options are medications and surgery. Therefore, women wait an average of nine years before talking with their doctor. By that time, it is often affecting their quality of life. They begin to limit their activities and travel and are exhausted from getting up multiple times during the night.
How effective is physical therapy for incontinence?
It is very effective for women with Urge Incontinence. This is often described as “Gotta go-Gotta go” and sends women rushing to the bathroom day and night with the fear they might not make it in time. This is the type of incontinence seen the most. Kegels are usually not effective for Urge Incontinence. Bladder retraining teaches the bladder to resume holding a larger volume and to empty only on demand like it always used to do.
When we were born, we were not continent, but we were able to train our bladders when we were old enough to understand. I have found that no matter what age, as long as the client can understand and follow through with the program, she will often see results in the first week. On the second weekly visit, many clients have implied that they wish they had done this a long time ago.
Stress incontinence causes leaking with downward abdominal force, such as when sneezing. These symptoms are usually due to a weak pelvic floor, and when done correctly, should respond to Kegels. However, just like any other muscle group, it often takes several months to strengthen.
What else should women know about the incontinence program?
Whether a patient is being treated for Urge or Stress Incontinence, I usually need to see only her for three to five visits over a two-month period. My office is located in a private setting at the Winfield Health Care Center, across from the hospital. The program does require a prescription from your doctor and is covered by most insurance.
Lastly, I want women to know that incontinence is common, but not normal, and often responds well to conservative treatment.
“This is a quality of life issue. If a patient has urinary control problems, it will affect everyday life. If we can help people improve without having to give them more medications, then it is win-win for everyone,” said Kimberly Adams-McDarty, APRN, with Health Professionals of Winfield.
“Shona has helped patients through dietary and exercise changes, and now patients feel more empowered and in control. That is what it is all about.”
“Since we are often too embarrassed to talk about it, women don’t realize that approximately 50 percent of all women struggle with incontinence,” said Woods.
There is now an effective approach that doesn’t involve expensive medications or surgery.
Why are women reluctant to discuss this issue with their doctor when symptoms begin?
Many women assume that this is just part of getting older, and when Kegels don’t work, they belive that the only other treatment options are medications and surgery. Therefore, women wait an average of nine years before talking with their doctor. By that time, it is often affecting their quality of life. They begin to limit their activities and travel and are exhausted from getting up multiple times during the night.
How effective is physical therapy for incontinence?
It is very effective for women with Urge Incontinence. This is often described as “Gotta go-Gotta go” and sends women rushing to the bathroom day and night with the fear they might not make it in time. This is the type of incontinence seen the most. Kegels are usually not effective for Urge Incontinence. Bladder retraining teaches the bladder to resume holding a larger volume and to empty only on demand like it always used to do.
When we were born, we were not continent, but we were able to train our bladders when we were old enough to understand. I have found that no matter what age, as long as the client can understand and follow through with the program, she will often see results in the first week. On the second weekly visit, many clients have implied that they wish they had done this a long time ago.
Stress incontinence causes leaking with downward abdominal force, such as when sneezing. These symptoms are usually due to a weak pelvic floor, and when done correctly, should respond to Kegels. However, just like any other muscle group, it often takes several months to strengthen.
What else should women know about the incontinence program?
Whether a patient is being treated for Urge or Stress Incontinence, I usually need to see only her for three to five visits over a two-month period. My office is located in a private setting at the Winfield Health Care Center, across from the hospital. The program does require a prescription from your doctor and is covered by most insurance.
Lastly, I want women to know that incontinence is common, but not normal, and often responds well to conservative treatment.
“This is a quality of life issue. If a patient has urinary control problems, it will affect everyday life. If we can help people improve without having to give them more medications, then it is win-win for everyone,” said Kimberly Adams-McDarty, APRN, with Health Professionals of Winfield.
“Shona has helped patients through dietary and exercise changes, and now patients feel more empowered and in control. That is what it is all about.”
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