Incontinence in Jacksonville

Regaining Control: Pelvic Floor Therapy for Incontinence in Jacksonville

Living with urinary or fecal incontinence can feel frustrating, isolating, and downright embarrassing. But you don’t have to suffer in silence anymore. At Direct Orthopedic Therapy, our team of highly trained pelvic health specialists is dedicated to helping women resolve bladder and bowel control issues once and for all through individualized pelvic floor physical therapy.

A Personalized Approach to a Private Problem

Incontinence afflicts millions of women – estimates range from 13 million to even up to 25 million. But statistics offer little comfort when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional burden firsthand. Whether you occasionally leak when you sneeze or constantly need to locate the nearest bathroom, our compassionate therapists understand what you’re going through. We’ve helped hundreds of women with all types and severity levels find freedom through treatment tailored to their unique needs and goals.

During your initial one-on-one consultation, your therapist will conduct a detailed assessment to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms, taking into account factors like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, chronic conditions, past surgeries, and more. They’ll then design a customized treatment plan leveraging techniques like:

• Manual therapy to improve muscle coordination, downregulate tight areas, and strengthen weak spots
• Neuromuscular re-education utilizing biofeedback and/or electrical stimulation
• Therapeutic exercises promoting core stability, perineal mobility, and improved bladder/bowel control
• Stress management coaching and relaxation techniques

With time and consistency, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to better control symptoms both inside and outside of therapy sessions. And your therapist will be there providing ongoing support, modifying the treatment plan as needed, and helping ensure your long-term success.

Why Pelvic Floor Therapy Should Be Your First Line of Defense

Pelvic floor therapy boasts an excellent track record for resolving or significantly improving urinary and fecal incontinence without drugs or surgery. Studies show nearly 80% of women experience considerable relief of symptoms with physical therapy as the primary intervention. What’s more, the techniques you learn through therapy provide lifelong benefits you can lean on during future pregnancies, menopause, and beyond.

If you’ve tried Kegel exercises without success, know that pelvic floor therapy is far more advanced, precise, and effective. We utilize state-of-the-art assessment and biofeedback tools paired with manual therapy only specialized pelvic health PTs can provide. This enables us to give you the most accurate, quantitative feedback possible as you learn to properly activate specific muscles. We also tailor the strengthening regimen to your precise impairment and functional deficits for optimal outcomes.

While some opt for medication or surgery before trying conservative therapy, both come with significant risks and side effects. Studies indicate treating overactive bladder with physical therapy as the first line of defense reduces the need for such invasive options down the line. Plus, combining therapy with other interventions proves more effective than relying on just one. By starting with us, you set yourself up for the best chances of resolving symptoms once and for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the initial appointment and assessment take?
Our Therapist blocks off 60-90 minutes for new patient evaluations in order to complete a thorough assessment, take a full medical history, listen to all of your questions and concerns, and educate you on what to expect moving forward.

What happens during a pelvic floor therapy session?
Sessions incorporate a combination of manual techniques, neuromuscular reeducation, biofeedback, electrical stimulation (sometimes), therapeutic exercises, relaxation strategies, and more based on your custom treatment plan. The therapist will guide you through everything being done and stop immediately if you ever feel uncomfortable. You are in complete control.

What if I feel too uncomfortable to complete certain assessment procedures or interventions?
Your comfort and consent are of the utmost importance from your very first session onwards. Please communicate openly with your therapist so they can adjust or stop any procedure causing distress. There are almost always effective modifications we can leverage to obtain the necessary information for your plan of care without sacrificing comfort.

How long does it take to resolve incontinence with pelvic floor therapy?
Most patients start experiencing measurable improvements within the first 4-6 weeks. However, total treatment time varies a great deal depending on the nature and longevity of your symptoms. Please discuss your case specifics with your therapist to get a customized estimate. Consistency with your home exercise program also plays a big role.

Take Control of Your Bladder Health

Urinary incontinence can be frustrating, limiting, and impact your confidence, but effective treatment is available. At Direct Orthopedic Therapy, our pelvic health specialists provide personalized care designed to address the root cause of your symptoms and help you regain control. Through targeted pelvic floor therapy and evidence-based treatment techniques, we can help improve bladder function, reduce leakage, and restore your quality of life. Don’t let incontinence keep you from doing the things you love—call our team today or schedule an appointment to get started on your path to lasting relief.