Overcoming Incontinence: Empower Your Pelvic Health

It’s time to experience confidence and control with expert pelvic health care.

Incontinence is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s urinary leakage during a laugh or the urgent need to find a restroom, these challenges can disrupt daily life and impact your confidence. At Fortis Physical Therapy and Pelvic Health in Greenville, SC, we believe in providing expert care and guidance to help you reclaim control and live your best life.

Understanding Incontinence

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control. It’s more prevalent than many realize and can stem from various causes, however, it is never normal. There are several types of incontinence:

1. Stress Incontinence: Leakage triggered by physical exertion, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising.

2. Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense need to urinate, often resulting in accidents.

3. Mixed Incontinence: A combination of both stress and urge incontinence.

4. Overflow Incontinence: A dribble of urine due to an inability to empty the bladder completely, nerve damage, or overactive bladder.

5. Functional Incontinence: Difficulty reaching the restroom in time due to mobility issues or other barriers.
   

Causes of Incontinence

Incontinence can result from:

• Pregnancy and Childbirth: Hormonal changes, pelvic floor strain, and delivery trauma can weaken and increase tightness in muscles.

• Aging: Natural muscle weakening and changes in bladder elasticity.

• Menopause: Lower estrogen levels can affect pelvic floor strength and mobility.

• Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, obesity, or neurological disorders.

• Lifestyle Factors: Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or smoking.
  

Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to know that incontinence is treatable, and you don’t have to endure it silently.

The Pelvic Floor’s Role in Bladder Control

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When these muscles are weak, overactive, or poorly coordinated, bladder control can suffer.

At Fortis Physical Therapy, we focus on finding the root cause of your symptoms and in turn optimizing mobility along with strengthening and retraining the pelvic floor to restore its function and reduce incontinence symptoms.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Pelvic health therapy is a non-invasive, evidence-based approach to addressing incontinence. Here’s what you can expect from your treatment plan:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation:

   • A detailed assessment of your pelvic floor function, posture, global mobility and strength, and movement patterns.

2. Targeted Exercises:

   • Customized exercises to improve coordination and to strengthen or relax your pelvic floor muscles, such as functional strengthening and diaphragmatic breathing. 

3. Lifestyle Modifications:

   • Advice on dietary changes, fluid management, and bladder retraining to support your recovery.

4. Education and Empowerment:

   • We equip you with tools and knowledge to maintain your progress and prevent future issues.
     

Practical Tips to Manage Incontinence

While professional therapy is crucial, you can take steps at home to complement your treatment:

1. Strengthen Your Core:

   • Incorporate core exercises that engage the pelvic floor, such as Pilates or yoga.

2. Track Your Habits:

   • Maintain a bladder diary to identify patterns and triggers.

3. Practice Bladder Training:

   • Gradually extend the time between bathroom visits to improve bladder capacity, aiming for 5-7 voids per (or voiding every 3-4 hours). 

4. Stay Hydrated:

   • Drink water throughout the day, avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol.

5. Invest in Quality Support:

   • Wear protective products if needed while you work toward regaining control.
     

Why Choose Fortis Physical Therapy and Pelvic Health?

At Fortis Physical Therapy, we specialize in personalized, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Expertise in Pelvic Health: Our team has extensive experience in treating incontinence and related conditions.

• Holistic Approach: We address the root causes of your symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves.

• Supportive Environment: We understand the sensitive nature of incontinence and provide care with the utmost respect and privacy.

• Convenient Location: Easily accessible on Woodruff Rd., we proudly serve Greenville and surrounding areas.
  

Incontinence doesn’t have to control your life. With the right care and support, you can regain confidence and freedom.

Take the first step today! Call us at (864) 501-4456 or visit fortisptandpelvichealth.com to schedule your consultation. Let Fortis Physical Therapy and Pelvic Health help you rediscover balance and empowerment.