Urinary and bowel control problems affect millions of people, yet many suffer in silence. Physical Therapy for incontinence is a clinically proven, non-invasive approach that addresses the root causes of bladder and bowel leakage – not just the symptoms.
Pelvic health physical therapy helps improve muscle coordination, strength, and control so you can regain confidence, comfort, and quality of life.
Understanding Incontinence
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control. While it becomes more common with age, it is not a normal part of aging and often has identifiable, treatable causes.
Incontinence typically occurs when the muscles, nerves, or support systems involved in bladder or bowel control are not working optimally. This may result in:
- Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine)
- Bowel or fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control)
Medication may help manage symptoms for some individuals, but it does not correct underlying muscle coordination, movement patterns, or pelvic floor dysfunction. Physical therapy focuses on restoring proper function for long-term improvement.
Why Physical Therapy for Incontinence Works
Physical therapy treats incontinence by addressing the pelvic floor muscles, core system, breathing patterns, posture, and daily movement habits that influence bladder and bowel control.
Unlike medication or surgery, pelvic health physical therapy emphasizes:
- Long-term functional improvement
- Personalized, one-on-one care
- Drug-free and non-surgical treatment.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Incontinence
- Addresses underlying causes – not just symptoms
- Improves bladder and bowel control
- Reduces urgency, leakage, and frequency
- Supports lasting confidence and independence
- Backed by clinical research and medical guidelines
At OSI Physical Therapy, we provide expert pelvic health services across multiple clinic locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
White Bear Lake Clinic
4463 White Bear Parkway #108 White Bear Lake,
MN 55110
West Saint Paul
433 East Mendota Road West Saint Paul, MN
55118
Somerset Clinic
709 Rivard, Street Somerset, WI
54025
Why Choose OSI Physical Therapy for Back Pain?
Experience
OSI Physical Therapy has helped thousands of patients regain bladder and bowel control through hands-on, evidence-based care.
Expertise
Our licensed physical therapists have advanced training in pelvic health and rehabilitation.
Collaboration
We follow medical best practices and collaborate with referring providers when appropriate.
Trust
With clinic locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin, OSI Physical Therapy is a trusted regional provider known for compassionate, patient-centered care.
Types of Incontinence We Treat
Leakage (typically urinary) that occurs during coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or exercise – often related to pelvic floor weakness or poor pressure management.
A sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate or to have a bowel movement, making it impossible to reach the toilet in time. Commonly associated with bladder overactivity or nerve involvement.
A combination of stress and urge symptoms.
Leakage related to physical or cognitive limitations that interfere with timely bathroom access rather than bladder dysfunction itself.
Frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn’t empty completely.
The involuntary passage of stool or gas without the person being aware. Commonly caused by nerve or muscle damage, chronic constipation, or rectal prolapse.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy:
The Foundation of Treatment
Pelvic floor physical therapy is considered a first-line, conservative treatment for both urinary and bowel incontinence.
Although many people attempt pelvic floor exercises on their own, research shows that most individuals perform them incorrectly when self-guided. Using the wrong muscles (or over-using certain muscles) can worsen symptoms or delay improvement.
A pelvic health physical therapist:
- Identifies whether muscles are weak, tight, overactive, or poorly coordinated
- Determines which strategies are appropriate for your specific symptoms
- Provides individualized guidance and progression
- Integrates pelvic control into real-life movements
This personalized approach leads to better outcomes than generic exercise advice.
Incontinence is Not Just an Issue for Women
Men, women, and older adults can all experience urinary or bowel incontinence. Common contributing factors include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Prostate surgery
- Aging-related muscle changes
- Neurological conditions
- Chronic constipation
- Poor pelvic muscle coordination
Fecal incontinence is also highly treatable with pelvic floor physical therapy that focuses on muscle control, coordination, and sensory awareness.
Clinical studies show that pelvic floor physical therapy can help / significantly reduce or eliminate incontinence symptoms, especially when started early.
Who Benefits Most from Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?
Personalized care is especially important for individuals with:
- Mixed incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
- Post-surgical recovery
- Chronic urgency or incomplete emptying
- Symptoms that have not improved with self-guided strategies
Different Ways to Stop Leaks
and Support Pelvic Health
Managing bladder or bowel leaks is possible with the right strategies and professional guidance. Whether you experience incontinence of bladder, incontinence of bowels, or occasional urgency, these evidence-based steps can help strengthen pelvic health and reduce symptoms naturally.
1. Learn Proper Pelvic Floor Muscle Control
Many people attempt Kegel exercises but unknowingly perform them incorrectly. Contracting the wrong muscles or over-tightening can worsen symptoms. A pelvic health physical therapist ensures correct muscle activation and relaxation for safe, effective results.
2. Strengthen Your Core the Right Way
Your pelvic floor works together with your abdominal and back muscles. Weak or poorly coordinated core muscles increase pressure on the bladder and bowels. Targeted physical therapy exercises improve coordination and reduce leakage of urine during daily activities.
3. Retrain Your Bladder
Bladder retraining teaches the bladder to hold urine longer and reduces urgency and frequency. Gradual scheduling and urge-control techniques help normalize bladder signals without relying on incontinence medication.
4. Improve Posture and Body Mechanics
Poor posture increases pressure on the pelvic floor. Sitting, standing, and lifting with proper alignment reduces strain on pelvic muscles and supports bladder control throughout the day.
5. Manage Fluid Intake Wisely
Drinking too little can irritate the bladder, while drinking too much too quickly increases urgency. Water is best. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, carbonation, and artificial sweeteners can significantly reduce leakage.
6. Address Constipation Early
Chronic constipation places excessive strain on pelvic floor muscles and contributes to fecal incontinence and urinary leakage. Adequate fiber, hydration, and pelvic floor coordination help restore healthy bowel function.
7. Practice Pressure Management
Activities like coughing, sneezing, lifting, or exercising increase abdominal pressure. Learning how to exhale and engage the pelvic floor before these actions protects against stress-related leaks.
8. Stay Active with Pelvic-Friendly Exercise
Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and guided strength training support pelvic health without overloading the bladder or bowels. Avoid high-impact exercises until pelvic control improves.
9. Avoid Over-Reliance on Pads or Medication
Pads manage symptoms but do not treat the cause. Similarly, incontinence medication may reduce urgency but cannot strengthen muscles or improve coordination. Physical therapy provides long-term improvement rather than temporary relief.
10. Work with a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
Professional evaluation is key. A trained physical therapist can identify the specific cause of leaks, whether related to muscle weakness, coordination issues, or lifestyle factors. Personalized care leads to better outcomes and lasting pelvic health.
Supporting Bladder & Bowel Control
-Without the Guesswork-
Managing incontinence requires professional guidance, not trial-and-error. Pelvic health physical therapy may include:
- Education on healthy bladder and bowel habits
- Training for proper pelvic floor muscle coordination
- Core and postural support strategies
- Breathing and pressure management techniques
- Lifestyle guidance tailored to your symptoms
Rather than prescribing generic exercises, your therapist develops a plan specific to your body, symptoms, and goals.
FAQ's About Incontinence
Yes. Pelvic health physical therapy is one of the most effective first-line treatments for urinary and bowel incontinence. With professional assessment and guidance, many people experience significant improvement or resolution of symptoms.
Many patients notice meaningful improvement within a few visits, though timelines vary depending on the type, cause, and severity of symptoms.
In many cases, yes. Symptoms can significantly improve or resolve with pelvic health physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and individualized treatment.
Early signs may include leaking with coughing or sneezing, sudden urgency, frequent urination, or difficulty holding urine.
Sudden incontinence can be related to muscle coordination changes, hormonal shifts, nerve irritation, infections, or other medical factors. A physical therapist can help identify contributing causes and guide appropriate care.
Stress incontinence is the most common type, particularly among women, and often occurs during activities that increase abdominal pressure.
Common contributors include muscle weakness, mobility limitations, neurological conditions, and medication side effects.
Because pelvic floor dysfunction varies widely, self-guided exercises can be ineffective or even counterproductive. A professional evaluation leads to safer and more effective results.
Treatment is always explained, consent-based, and tailored to your comfort level. Your therapist works with you to ensure care feels respectful and supportive.
Take Control with Physical Therapy!
Incontinence is common – but it is not normal, and it is not something you have to live with.
Physical Therapy for incontinence offers a safe, effective, and lasting solution for bladder and bowel control issues. If you live in Minnesota or Wisconsin, OSI Physical Therapy is here to support you with expert care, discretion, and compassion.
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