Who is affected by female incontinence?

Female urinary incontinence affects 10-25% of women under the age of 65, and another 15-30% of women over the age of 65.

Female incontinence affects women differently. For the active women, mild leakage that interferes with activity is too much, for another woman, leakage that requires the daily use of absorbent pads becomes part of her lifestyle.

What are the consequences of incontinence?

• Inability to carry out normal desired activities
• Isolation
• Obsession with planning outings around bathroom locations
• Depression
• Costs associated with absorbent padding

What can we do?

Many scientific studies provide evidence that suggest conservative measures for the treatment of stress and urinary incontinence are successful and lower the disability and costs associated with UI.

What can physiotherapy do?

Physical therapy treatment may include some or all of the following, depending on assessment findings:

• Education regarding voiding frequencies through diaries, functional use of the pelvic floor muscles, dietary habits, bowel routine and stress and lifestyle management.
• Exercises including traditional Kegels, wave, abdominal, respiratory training, strength, endurance and speed training
• Manual techniques that may include manual facilitation, passive stretching, friction massage, closure techniques and manual resistance
• Electrical Vaginal Stimulation
• Vaginal Biofeedback through EMG monitoring

WHEN KEGEL'S ARE NOT ENOUGH

EPA - Guelph currently offers treatment for female urinary incontinence.

Jacqueline Sinkeldam BH Sc (P.T.), Hons B.Sc (H.K.), a senior partner of EPA has completed a certification course for the treatment of the above and has been seeing clients for the last five years.

The treatments are individual, due to the necessity for privacy, offered at sites where private treatment sessions can occur.

Treatment includes education, biofeedback and/or electrical stimulation and progressive functional training.

For more information please contact EPA Guelph.