Bladder Control Center

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

The Bladder Control Center, in affiliation with Outpatient Rehab Services, offers Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, a treatment option for patients with urinary incontinence and prolapse.

How Does it Work?

The program consists of an initial assessment, done by a physical therapist, which is approximatly one hour in length. During this assessment the patient's needs are identified. The patient is taught how to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles by learning correct muscle isolation and contraction. Correct isolation and contraction is achieved through the use of biofeedback/surface EMG.

The process requires that the patient insert a 2 1/2 inch tampon shaped vaginal (female) or a less than 2 inch anal (male) sensor. Inserted, it feels like a tampon with the cardboard still on. The patient is able to stay fully clothed during the assessment once the probe is in place. The patient can visually see muscle activity displayed on a computer screen.

The patient is then placed on a home exercise program for strengthening the pelvic floor. This home program is one of the most important components of the program. Without patient cooperation and commitment there will not be any noted change in symptoms.

Each patient's program is tailored to meet his or her specific needs. Appropriate candidates are those with stress incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, first degree prolapsed bladder and first degree prolapsed uterus. The patient returns weekly four-six subsequent 30 minute visits. At each of these visits progress is monitored and further instruction occurs.

Other components of pelvic floor rehabilitation include keeping a bladder diary, recommendations regarding fluid intake, recommendations regarding diet (i.e., bladder irritants).

Progress is measured by improvements of contractions, decreased urinary frequency, fewer episodes of urinary leaking, decreased usage of protective urinary garments, and decreased nightime toileting.