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Treatment for Urinary Incontinence in Franklin County, PA

An End to Leaks

Urinary incontinence—the involuntary leakage of urine—affects millions of women of all ages, yet many suffer in silence believing it's an inevitable part of aging or motherhood. While common, urinary leakage is not something you should have to accept as normal or manage with pads and lifestyle restrictions.


The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in bladder control, working in coordination with your bladder, urethra, and surrounding muscles. When this complex system experiences dysfunction, various types of urinary incontinence can result. Dr. Christine specializes in treating urinary symptoms through evidence-based, comprehensive care that addresses the root causes of your symptoms rather than just managing them.

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Common Urinary Symptoms We Address

Stress Urinary Incontinence

  • Leaking with coughing, sneezing, or laughing

  • Urine loss during exercise, jumping, or running

  • Leakage when lifting objects or children

  • Difficulty holding urine when moving from sitting to standing

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Urge Incontinence

  • Sudden, strong urges to urinate that are difficult to control

  • Leaking before reaching the bathroom ("key-in-door" syndrome)

  • Triggering of urges by running water, hand washing, or temperature changes

  • Frequent trips to the bathroom "just in case"

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Overactive Bladder

  • Urinary frequency (going more than 8 times during the day)

  • Nocturia (waking multiple times at night to urinate)

  • Persistent urgency even with small amounts of urine

  • Feeling that the bladder doesn't empty completely

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Mixed Incontinence

  • Combination of stress and urge incontinence symptoms

  • Complex symptom patterns that change with activities or time of day

  • Difficulty identifying clear triggers for leakage

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Other Urinary Concerns

  • Painful urination (dysuria)

  • Hesitancy or difficulty initiating urination

  • Interrupted stream or slow flow

  • Impact on daily activities, exercise, and quality of life

A Holistic Approach to Treating Urinary Incontinence

Dr. Christine believes strongly in treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. Urinary function is affected by many factors beyond the pelvic floor, which is why our approach is comprehensive and individualized.

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Initial Assessment

Your first session includes a thorough evaluation to understand your specific challenges, health history, and goals. This typically involves:

  • Detailed discussion of your symptoms, patterns, and impact on daily life

  • Review of your medical history, including pregnancies, surgeries, and medications

  • Assessment of posture, breathing patterns, and core function

  • Evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function (with your consent and comfort)

  • Analysis of potential contributing factors (dietary habits, fluid intake, toileting behaviors)

  • Completion of bladder diaries or symptom questionnaires (if appropriate)

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Personalized Incontinence Treatment Plan

Based on your assessment, we develop a customized treatment plan that may include:

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  • Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Specific exercises to improve strength, coordination, and endurance of pelvic floor muscles

  • Bladder Training: Techniques to gradually increase bladder capacity and control urges

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to address muscle tension, trigger points, or fascial restrictions

  • Functional Training: Integration of pelvic floor activation with daily activities and movement patterns

  • Behavioral Strategies: Modification of fluid intake timing, dietary triggers, and toileting habits

  • Education: Evidence-based information about bladder function and self-management strategies

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Expected Outcomes from Urinary Incontinence Physical Therapy

While individual results vary based on the type and severity of symptoms, most of our clients experience significant improvements. Realistic expectations include:

  • Reduced Frequency and Volume of Leakage: Many women experience 70-80% reduction in episodes

  • Improved Urgency Control: Ability to suppress and manage urges more effectively

  • Decreased Bathroom Frequency: Reduced daytime and nighttime trips to the bathroom

  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Renewed confidence for social activities, exercise, and intimacy

  • Reduced Dependence on Products: Less reliance on pads, liners, or protective garments

  • Long-term Management Strategies: Tools and techniques to maintain improvements

For some women, complete resolution of symptoms is achievable, while others may experience significant improvement that allows for better management and less impact on daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is urinary incontinence an inevitable part of aging or having children?

No. While incontinence is common, it is not normal at any age or stage of life. The pelvic floor, like any muscle group, can be rehabilitated regardless of age or childbirth history. Many women achieve significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms with proper treatment.

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Is it normal to wake at night to urinate?

While waking up to pee every once in awhile is ok, nightly interruption of sleep or waking multiple times can be a sign that something is wrong. There are exceptions for those over the age of 65 and women who are pregnancy, but it is recommended that you seek out care if nightly waking is part of your routine. 

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How long until I notice an improvement in my symptoms?

Many women notice some improvement within 3-4 weeks of beginning treatment and practicing their home program consistently. However, complete rehabilitation typically takes 8-12 weeks as the muscles develop better strength and coordination.

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I've been doing kegels for years with no improvement. Can physical therapy still help?

Absolutely. Many women perform kegel exercises incorrectly or may actually need relaxation rather than strengthening. Some forms of incontinence require coordination training rather than just strength work. Our individualized assessment identifies the specific type of pelvic floor dysfunction you have and targets treatment accordingly.

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Will I need an internal examination?

Internal examinations can be very helpful in assessing pelvic floor function for urinary symptoms, but they are never mandatory. We prioritize your comfort and will discuss all examination options thoroughly before proceeding. 

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Can physical therapy help if I've already had surgery for incontinence?

Yes. Physical therapy can be beneficial both before and after surgical interventions. For women who have had surgery but still experience symptoms, physical therapy can address contributing factors and optimize pelvic floor function to improve outcomes.

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I only leak during certain activities. Do I still need treatment?

Even occasional leakage indicates some level of pelvic floor dysfunction. Addressing these symptoms early often prevents progression to more frequent or severe incontinence. Many women find that treating "minor" symptoms resolves them completely and prevents future problems.

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Your Path to Bladder Control and Confidence

 

Dr. Christine is committed to helping you regain control and confidence through specialized pelvic floor physical therapy. Combining clinical expertise with compassionate care, she addresses the root causes of urinary symptoms rather than just managing them.


If you're experiencing urinary leakage, frequency, or urgency that impacts your quality of life, effective treatment is available. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward bladder health and freedom from the restrictions that urinary symptoms can impose.

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