URINARY INCONTINENCE

If you have any involuntary loss of urine from your bladder, then by definition you have urinary incontinence (UI). About 245 million people worldwide also experience urinary incontinence so you are definitely not alone! The good news is there are things you can do to help reduce the impact, one of those is having regular Bowen Therapy.

WHO IS AFFECTED?

UI doesn’t just affect old people or those that have had babies, it impacts any age and any gender. It is common with other health issues such as Diabetes, Obesity, Cancer of Pelvic organs, Chronic urinary tract infections, Congestive heart failure or Post menopause.

IMPACT OF URINARY INCONTINANCE

As a result of embarrassment UI can stop people joining in physical activity or attending social events and this can lead to reduced mental well being. Purchasing products or obtaining treatment can be a big economic burden on people with UI. There can also be an increased risk of falling due to needing to rush to the toilet. Unfortunately this can be linked to being responsible for increased nursing home admissions,

THREE MOST COMMON TYPES OR UI

1. Urge incontinence is the most common and is characterized by abrupt urgency, frequency and night time voiding
2. Stress incontinence is the second most common and is the loss of small amounts of urine with physical activity such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, walking stairs or lifting
3. Mixed incontinence is a combination of urge and stress incontinence

QUESTIONS TO ASK

1. How long has this been going on? If only recent see your Doctor as it may urinary tract infection
2. When does it seem to happen? See, think or worry about it- Urge.  Laughing, sneezing etc –Stress
3. Does your Doctor know? They may know of other causative factors
4. Does it bother you? We can offer help

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT UI?

1. Keep a voiding log for 3 days and record behaviour around voiding, this can help to identify related issues
2. Timed voiding –use a clock or alarm vs the urge for voiding, this may be helpful if you have urgency or frequency issues
3. Dietary modifications- common bladder irritants to reduce or avoid coffee, alcohol, carbonation, citrus juices, artificial sweeteners. A good idea is to drink more water, if not urine is more concentrated and becomes an irritant. Insufficient water can also lead to constipation which can be closely linked to UI
4. Behavioural modifications- avoid frequent trips to the bathroom “just in case”
5. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight

BOWEN THERAPY

This technique is gentle on the body and helps to reduce stress by bringing the body into a rest and repair state. Special procedures can be performed to help the nerves and related muscles associated with the urinary tract and bladder function more effectively. It can be helpful for both urge and stress incontinence.

KEGALS

Pelvic floor contractions can help bring more control – sit upright, contract pelvic floor muscles and hold the contraction for 10 seconds, increase the squeeze over that time. Having good posture provides better support for the pelvic floor. Try to only use pelvic floor muscles, avoid contracting glutes, abdomen or adductors to help, keep breathing, and remain relaxed.

WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE SEEK EXTRA HELP?

1. If you are worried
2. If you are not getting any better with changes made
3. If you are getting worse

   For more information
   https://www.optp.com/Understanding-and-Treating-Incontinence Sarah Haag

   For information on Bowen Therapy and to book your appointment
   https://www.bordernaturaltherapies.com.au/services/bowen-therapy/