Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy For Urinary and Fecal Incontinence
Urinary and fecal incontinence are far more common than most people realize, and they affect women of all ages, not just those in later stages of life. Leakage, urgency, and loss of control can feel isolating or embarrassing, but these symptoms often have clear, treatable causes. Incontinence is not something you “just have to live with.”
This guide explains the most common causes and risk factors for incontinence, the symptoms to watch for, and why pelvic floor physiotherapy is considered one of the most effective first-line treatments.
⭐Key Takeaways
Incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor, bladder, bowel, or nervous system cannot coordinate properly.
Pregnancy, childbirth, aging, surgery, chronic coughing, obesity, and neurological conditions are major risk factors.
Symptoms include leakage, urgency, frequency, and difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an evidence-based, non-invasive, first-line treatment for both urinary and fecal incontinence.
Strengthening, coordination training, lifestyle changes, and biofeedback significantly improve symptoms.
What is Incontinence?
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence (UI) is the involuntary leakage of urine, a prevalent issue impacting bladder control. The severity of this condition can vary widely. Some individuals may experience minor leaks during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising, known as Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). Others might encounter a sudden, intense urge to urinate that prevents them from reaching a toilet in time, referred to as Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI). In some instances, people may suffer from both types of incontinence, a condition known as Mixed Incontinence, simultaneously.
Fecal Incontinence
Fecal Incontinence (FI), or Bowel Incontinence, is the inability to control bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from the rectum. It can range from occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors For Incontinence?
Both urinary and fecal incontinence can develop for many reasons. Some women experience one clear cause, while others have multiple contributing factors. The most common include:
1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction
Poor coordination between the deep core and pelvic floor muscles is one of the most common causes of leakage.
This may include:
Weak pelvic floor muscles
Overactive/tight pelvic floor muscles
Poor timing and coordination
Reduced endurance
These factors make it harder to control urine or stool during movement, coughing, laughing, or exercise.
2. Aging
Natural hormonal changes, especially decreasing estrogen, affect:
Pelvic floor muscle tone
Bladder and urethral tissue
Bowel function
Nerve sensitivity
This can contribute to urgency, leakage, and difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel.
3. Childbirth
Pregnancy and delivery can stretch, weaken, or injure muscles and nerves that control continence.
Risk increases with:
Perineal tearing
Instrumental deliveries (vacuum or forceps)
Prolonged pushing
Large babies
Episiotomy
These issues often lead to reduced support for the bladder and bowel.
4. Surgery or Pelvic Trauma
Surgeries such as:
Hysterectomy
Prolapse repair
Colorectal procedures
Pelvic tumour removal
may alter pelvic floor strength or nerve function, contributing to leakage.
5. Neurological Conditions
Any condition affecting nerve signals can impact continence, including:
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s Disease
Diabetes
Stroke
Spinal cord injuries
These conditions may reduce sensation, coordination, or muscle activation.
6. Lifestyle Factors
Several everyday habits increase the risk of leakage:
Obesity: increases abdominal pressure on pelvic organs
Smoking: chronic coughing weakens pelvic support + decreases blood flow
High-impact exercise: repeated strain without proper form
Chronic constipation: straining weakens pelvic floor muscles
Addressing lifestyle contributors is often essential for lasting improvement.
What Are the Symptoms of Incontinence?
Symptoms vary depending on type and severity, but commonly include:
Unexpected urine or stool leakage
Sudden, intense urges to urinate or defecate
Going to the bathroom very frequently
Bedwetting during sleep
Difficulty controlling gas or stool
Pelvic heaviness or pressure
These symptoms are common but not normal and definitely not something you should ignore.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: A Primary Treatment Option
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the function and rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder, urethra, bowel, and uterus in women, playing a crucial role in urinary and fecal continence.
How Effective Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Research consistently shows that pelvic floor physiotherapy:
Reduces leakage
Improves coordination and strength
Decreases urgency and frequency
Enhances bladder and bowel control
Reduces the need for medications or surgery
For many women, it is the first and best treatment option.
How Does Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Work?
A pelvic floor physiotherapist uses a variety of techniques to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder and bowel control. These techniques include:
1. Targeted Exercise & Coordination Training
Instead of “just Kegels,” treatment includes:
Strengthening weak pelvic floor muscles
Relaxing overactive/tight muscles
Deep core activation and breath coordination
Functional training for daily tasks
This whole-body approach improves real-life bladder and bowel control.
2. Biofeedback
Biofeedback teaches women to:
Understand how their pelvic muscles are activating
Learn proper contraction and relaxation
Develop better awareness and control
Real-time visual feedback makes training more accurate and effective.
3. Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques help:
Reduce muscle tension
Improve blood flow
Release painful trigger points
Improve pelvic alignment
This is especially helpful after childbirth or surgery.
4. Education & Lifestyle Adjustments
Your physiotherapist may guide you on:
Fluid intake
Bladder habits
Bowel routines
Dietary fibre
Toileting posture
Weight management
Avoiding bladder irritants
Education is essential for long-term success.
❓FAQs About Urinary and Fecal Incontinence
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It is common, but not normal. Incontinence is treatable at any age.
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Yes. It is considered a first-line, evidence-based treatment for both.
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Most women notice changes within 4–6 weeks with consistent therapy.
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In many cases, no. Early treatment prevents symptoms from worsening.
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No, you do not need a referral to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
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Treatment is gentle, private, and always guided by your consent and comfort.
Why Choose Ova Women’s Health in Burnaby, BC?
Incontinence can feel overwhelming, isolating, or embarrassing, but you deserve care that is compassionate, evidence-informed, and completely focused on restoring your confidence. At Ova, pelvic floor physiotherapy is not a general service; it is our specialty.
What Makes Ova Different?
✅ Specialized Expertise
We have advanced training in urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, and complex pelvic health conditions.
✅ Individualized Treatments
No generic “Kegel programs.” Your treatment is designed based on your anatomy, symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
✅ Evidence-Informed Care
We use techniques proven to improve bladder and bowel control, including biofeedback, manual therapy, and coordination-based exercise.
✅ A Whole-Body Approach
We address posture, breath mechanics, nervous system patterns, bowel habits, and pelvic floor function together for long-term success.
✅Compassionate & Private Environment
You are never rushed, never dismissed, and always treated with dignity and respect.
✅ Trusted by Women Across BC
Women travel to our clinic because they want specialized pelvic health care tailored to their needs.
Ready to Begin?
Don’t wait. The sooner we start, the sooner you can feel stronger and more supported. Space is limited due to high demand, but if you’re ready to take the first step toward lasting pelvic health, we’re here to help.
📌Related Blogs on Our Website
➡️Ultrasound Therapy for Clogged Milk Ducts
➡️Restoring Bladder Control: Treatment of Urinary Urgency and Frequency
➡️Bowel & Bladder Issues During Pregnancy and Postpartum
➡️Stress and Pelvic Floor Tension: How Stress Impacts Your Pelvic Health
➡️Biofeedback: A Game Changer for Pelvic Floor Health
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