Urinary urgency and frequency are common symptoms that can have a significant impact on one's quality of life. These issues often arise due to a variety of reasons, including an underlying pelvic floor dysfunction, which can cause interruptions in daily activities and affect sleep patterns. Fortunately, pelvic floor physiotherapy offers effective and non-invasive treatment options to address these concerns.

⭐ Key Takeaways

Urinary urgency and frequency often stem from pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder hypersensitivity, habitual patterns, or hormonal changes—not just “weak bladder.”
Normal bladder function includes voiding every 2–4 hours (5–8 times per day) with the ability to delay urination without intense urgency comfortably.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the most effective evidence-informed treatments for urgency, frequency, and overactive bladder symptoms.
Treatment includes pelvic floor muscle retraining, bladder training, urge-suppression techniques, breathing strategies, and manual therapy.
Lifestyle factors such as fluid timing, caffeine intake, acidic foods, and stress significantly impact bladder behaviour.
Tight pelvic floor muscles, not weak ones, often contribute to urgency and frequency, and require relaxation therapy rather than strengthening.
Early assessment helps prevent long-term dysfunction such as chronic urgency, leakage, sleep disruption, or bladder pain syndrome.
With guided treatment, most women experience significant improvement in symptoms and bladder control.

What is considered normal bladder function?

rinary Urgency and Frequency Pelvic floor physiotherapy

The bladder, a hollow muscular organ positioned on top of the pelvic floor muscles, has a capacity ranging from 400 to 600 ml of urine. Maintaining proper hydration ideally leads to voiding every 2 to a maximum of 4 hours. It is strongly discouraged to postpone voiding for more than 4 hours due to potential complications such as infections, inflammation, and dysfunction in the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. It is reasonable, though, to comfortably hold urine for up to 2 hours without experiencing an overwhelming urge to urinate.

What is urinary urgency, and when should I consider getting help?

Urinary urgency is characterized by a sudden, compelling need to urinate, often accompanied by concerns about potential urine leakage. This intense sensation can lead to increased urinary frequency, requiring bathroom visits more than 5-8 times a day, typically with small amounts of urine and can significantly disrupt daily functioning.

These symptoms may be due to a range of factors, including conditions such as overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, hormonal changes, ingrained habits, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Addressing these underlying issues through targeted interventions can contribute to improved bladder health and overall well-being.

A Gentle Note Before We Continue

Did you know that many women spend hundreds of dollars treating infections and irritation that could be prevented simply by learning how to care for their intimate area properly?

With the right knowledge, you can protect yourself from unnecessary discomfort, reduce your risk of UTIs, and feel more confident in your body.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s truly safe to use and what might actually be harming your natural balance, this e-book was created for you.

Discover the Essential Guide Every Woman Should Read

Created by an experienced pelvic floor physiotherapist specializing in pelvic pain, irritation, and women’s health, **The Feminine Hygiene Guide** brings years of clinical insight and research into one clear, empowering resource.
For just ***$9.99***, you’ll gain the expert knowledge shared in professional sessions to help you stay balanced, confident, and irritation-free.

Learn more

How can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy help with urinary urgency and frequency?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy takes a targeted approach to enhance the well-being of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues crucial for supporting the bladder. This involves not only refining the coordination and strength of these structures but also retraining bladder reflexes and function. The therapy goes beyond the physical, assessing dietary patterns and habits that could contribute to symptoms, and providing practical strategies for positive change. It's a comprehensive journey toward improved pelvic health and overall well-being.

Here's how pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with urinary urgency/frequency:

Comprehensive Assessment: Pelvic floor physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments to identify contributing factors to urinary urgency/frequency. This may include evaluating pelvic floor muscle strength, coordination, and overall function to tailor treatment approaches accordingly.
Muscle Rehabilitation: Pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in controlling bladder function. Pelvic floor physiotherapy utilizes exercises to improve the function of these muscles.

Relaxation Techniques: In cases of pelvic floor muscle tension or overactivity, relaxation techniques are employed to release tension and reduce urgency. This may involve diaphragmatic breathing, stretching, and Biofeedback to enhance awareness and control of pelvic floor muscles.

Bladder Training: Pelvic floor physiotherapists work with patients to develop personalized bladder training programs. This involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to retrain the bladder and improve its capacity, ultimately reducing urgency and frequency.

Lifestyle Modifications: Education on lifestyle factors such as fluid intake, dietary habits, and posture can contribute to better bladder function. Pelvic floor physiotherapists guide the optimization of these factors to minimize urinary symptoms.

Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy may be utilized to address pelvic floor dysfunction and alleviate associated symptoms.

Urinary urgency and frequency can significantly impact one's daily life, but pelvic floor physiotherapy offers effective solutions to manage these symptoms. If you're experiencing urinary urgency/frequency, consider consulting a pelvic floor physiotherapist to explore personalized treatment options and achieve lasting relief.

❓FAQs About Urinary Urgency, Frequency.

A healthy bladder typically empties every 2 to 4 hours, or about 5 to 8 times per day. You should be able to comfortably hold urine for at least two hours without feeling an overwhelming urge. If you’re visiting the bathroom more frequently or waking up multiple times at night, it may indicate a bladder or pelvic floor imbalance.
Urinary urgency is a sudden, strong need to urinate that can be difficult to delay. It is often accompanied by anxiety about leakage and can lead to frequent bathroom visits with only small amounts of urine.
Common causes include overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, hormonal changes (such as menopause), poor bladder habits, or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. In some cases, stress and dietary factors like caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods can worsen symptoms.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on retraining the bladder and strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles that control urination. It helps restore coordination, improve bladder capacity, and reduce urgency through techniques such as muscle training, relaxation strategies, and biofeedback.
Your session begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, bladder habits, and lifestyle. The physiotherapist then assesses your pelvic floor muscles for tone, coordination, and strength. A customized treatment plan follows, focusing on your specific needs and comfort level.
No. The sessions are gentle and always guided by your comfort. Many patients find the techniques relaxing as they learn how to release unnecessary tension and retrain their bladder in a calm, supported environment.
Most women begin to notice positive changes within a few sessions, although lasting improvement often takes several weeks of consistent practice and gradual bladder retraining.
Yes. Many women with urinary urgency or frequency actually have overactive (tight) pelvic floor muscles rather than weak ones. When these muscles can’t relax properly, they send incorrect signals to the bladder, leading to frequent urges. Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps correct this imbalance.
Absolutely. Drinks like coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, alcohol, and citrus juices can irritate the bladder and increase urgency. Your physiotherapist can help identify triggers and create a bladder-friendly nutrition plan.
If you find yourself urinating more than 8 times a day, waking up frequently at night, leaking when you laugh or cough, or constantly feeling the need to “go,” it’s time to seek help. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and restore confidence in your bladder control.

Why Choose Ova Women’s Health in Burnaby for Bladder Symptoms?

We’re not just pelvic floor physiotherapists; we’re international experts in complex pelvic health.

At Ova Women’s Health, our clinical approach blends global experience, cultural insight, and advanced, evidence-based care. With hands-on training across three continents, we integrate the wisdom of traditional healing with the most up-to-date, research-backed methods in pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Pelvic-floor-physiotherapy-Burnaby-Bc-OVA-Clinic-Canada.jpg

Pelvic-floor-physiotherapy-Burnaby-Bc-OVA-Clinic-Canada-2.jpg

burnaby-pelvic-health-physiotherapy-clinic-BC-woman-health (2).jpg

Pelvic-floor-physiotherapy-Burnaby-Bc-OVA-Clinic-Canada-3 (2).jpg

Bladder symptoms, such as urinary urgency and frequency, are often misunderstood or dismissed. At Ova, we take a deeper look. We’ve treated thousands of complex pelvic cases, including bladder dysfunctions that others may overlook. Whether you're struggling with constant urges, disrupted sleep, or daytime leakage, we create personalized treatment plans rooted in both science and compassion.

Our Burnaby clinic is trusted by women across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland seeking clarity, lasting relief, and expert care.

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.

Book An Appointment

Want to Learn More? Explore Our Exclusive Videos and Resources

At Ova Women’s Health, we’re not just here to treat, we’re here to educate. If you’re looking for real answers to complex pelvic health concerns, our content goes beyond what you’ll typically find online.

📲 On our Instagram, we share bite-sized, expert-led videos on everything from pelvic pain and sexual health to topics rarely discussed, like vulvar hygiene, Oral Sex Safety, and jaw-pelvic floor connections.
📺 Our YouTube channel dives even deeper, with practical guidance and empowering education designed to help you understand your body and feel more in control of your health.

We cover the topics that are often ignored or misunderstood, because women deserve better.
Subscribe and follow us to access trusted, evidence-informed content anytime, anywhere.