3 Behavioral Techniques to Help Manage Bladder Control Conditions
When it comes to urinary incontinence and overactive bladder conditions, behavioral techniques can help you strengthen pelvic muscles and better listen to your physical cues. Physical therapists draw on a variety of resources in treating these conditions including:
- Kegel Exercises – These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the pelvic organs. Kegels are easy to do, but they must be done correctly. A physical therapist can teach you how to do them.
- Biofeedback – This therapy use electronic sensors and a monitor to show you what’s happening inside your body so you can learn to control your bladder muscles. As you watch your muscles respond on the screen, a certified therapist can help you train yourself to regain control of rogue muscles.
- Bladder training – An at-home exercise, this charting helps you avoid accidents by identifying triggers or patterns. Using that information, you can plan bathroom breaks before you start to leak.
While you may have to work for several weeks in behavioral therapy before noticing an improvement in symptoms, many women prefer physical therapy alternatives to more extreme treatments like surgery or medication.