Does pelvic floor therapy help with bladder leakage?
Absolutely! And one of the most important things to know is that bladder leakage may be common, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you just have to live with.
Whether you’re leaking when you sneeze, jump, run, or simply can’t make it to the bathroom in time, pelvic floor physical therapy can help you better understand what’s happening and work toward improving your bladder control.
At Rausch Physical Therapy, we look at the bigger picture. Your pelvic floor doesn’t work in isolation! It works alongside your diaphragm, abdominal muscles, hips, and nervous system. That’s why treatment goes beyond simply telling you to do Kegels.
Research supports supervised pelvic floor muscle training as a first-line treatment for stress and mixed urinary incontinence. A 2018 Cochrane review found that women participating in pelvic floor muscle training were more likely to experience improvement or resolution of symptoms compared with women who did not receive training.
While every person’s experience is different, our goal is to identify what’s contributing to your symptoms and develop an individualized plan to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your body.
Who can benefit from pelvic floor therapy for incontinence?
Pelvic floor therapy can help women and men experiencing a variety of bladder symptoms, including:
- Leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or exercising
- Bladder leakage during pregnancy or after childbirth
- Urinary urgency or feeling like you constantly need to use the bathroom
- Difficulty making it to the bathroom in time
- Bladder leakage associated with pelvic organ prolapse
- Urinary leakage or dribbling following prostate surgery
And remember, you don’t have to wait until your symptoms become severe to seek help!
What happens during pelvic floor therapy for incontinence?
Your first appointment is a full 60-minute evaluation where we take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals.
We assess more than just your pelvic floor. Depending on your symptoms, we may also evaluate your breathing patterns, abdominal wall, hip mobility, posture, and how your core and pelvic floor muscles work together.
An internal pelvic floor assessment may be recommended to better understand muscle strength, coordination, and relaxation. However, this is always optional and performed only with your informed consent. You are welcome to ask questions, bring a support person, request a chaperone, or decline any portion of the examination.
Treatment may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle strengthening or relaxation, depending on your needs
- Breathing techniques and pressure management
- Bladder retraining and urge suppression strategies
- Manual therapy and mobility exercises
- Core and pelvic floor coordination
- Nervous system regulation and relaxation techniques
- An individualized home exercise program
The goal isn’t just to stop leaking. It’s to help you understand your body and return to the activities you love with confidence.
How does pelvic floor therapy compare with pads, medications, and surgery?
There are several approaches to managing bladder leakage, and the right option depends on your symptoms and medical history.
Pads and absorbent products can help manage leakage, but they don’t address the underlying contributors.
Medications may be helpful for certain types of urinary urgency and incontinence, while surgical interventions may be appropriate for some patients.
Pelvic floor physical therapy takes a conservative, individualized approach by addressing muscle function, coordination, bladder habits, and movement patterns.
For many people, it’s a great place to start! Physical therapy can also work alongside medical treatments when appropriate.
Related pages: Pelvic floor physical therapy · Postpartum · After prostate surgery · Your first visit
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Frequently asked questions
How many pelvic floor therapy visits will I need?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer!
Some people notice improvements relatively quickly, while others benefit from a longer treatment program. Your progress depends on factors such as your symptoms, medical history, muscle coordination, and consistency with your home program.
Research-based guidelines often recommend at least three months of supervised pelvic floor muscle training for stress or mixed incontinence.
During your initial evaluation, we’ll discuss a treatment plan and visit frequency that make sense for your individual needs and goals.
How much does pelvic floor therapy cost at Rausch PT?
Cash-pay pelvic floor physical therapy is $249 per 60-minute session. Your initial evaluation includes a comprehensive pelvic health assessment and an individualized treatment plan.
HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Please visit our pricing page for additional information.
Does insurance cover pelvic floor therapy?
Insurance may cover a portion of your pelvic floor physical therapy services, depending on your individual plan and benefits.
For more information about accepted insurance plans and scheduling, please contact our Mission Viejo office at (949) 276-5401.
In California, most patients can begin physical therapy without a physician referral. Medicare patients should confirm referral requirements before scheduling. Under California direct-access rules, additional physician involvement is required after 45 days or 12 visits.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
We recommend bringing your photo ID, insurance information, medication list, and any relevant medical records or referrals.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily, and plan to arrive about 10 minutes early.
It can also be helpful to think about when your leakage occurs, what seems to trigger it, and what activities you’re hoping to return to.
If you’re pregnant, please bring provider clearance before any internal pelvic floor assessment.
When should I see a physician about bladder leakage?
Although pelvic floor therapy can be very helpful, certain symptoms require medical evaluation.
Contact your physician if you experience blood in your urine, painful urination, fever, difficulty emptying your bladder, or sudden changes in urinary symptoms.
Sudden loss of bladder control accompanied by new weakness, numbness, difficulty walking or speaking, loss of bowel control, or other acute neurological symptoms requires emergency medical attention.
