How can physiotherapy help?
 
A full assessment of the pelvic floor can identify not only general muscle weakness ie can you get a contraction at all, but also the co-ordination and timing ability of the muscles to contract during a cough or laugh when there is increased pressure.  An internal pelvic floor examination is used so the therapist can ensure a correct and effective pelvic floor contraction can be achieved as research has shown that up to 50% of Women perform a pelvic floor contraction incorrectly if they are only given verbal cues.

Once this has been achieved a specific, individualised pelvic floor retraining programme can be commenced. In the case of stress incontinence learning a technique called ‘The Knack’ is also an important component of the treatment; this is the ability to hold the contraction during times of increased pressure. A review of relevant research in 2010 concluded that supervised pelvic floor muscle training is recommended as the first-line conservative management for urinary incontinence with many women reporting they were cured or improved and had better quality of life.

So if you have come to accept a bit of a leak when you lift your little one as just ‘one of those things’ that comes with having children then think again, it is very much one of those things that your physio can help with!