Restoring Bladder Control: Treatment of Urinary Urgency and Frequency

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.

What is considered normal bladder function?

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.

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 optimizing 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.

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.

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.

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