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Involuntary loss of urine during athletics is more common than you thought

Athletic incontinence is a type of stress incontinence that happens during an athletic event. Stress incontinence is an involuntary loss of urine due to a pressure or force like coughing, sneezing or jumping. When most people think of urinary incontinence they do not usually picture young athletes, however it is surprisingly common.

A study of young, elite athletes found 43% experienced urinary leakage while participating in their sport. The study also investigated which sports had higher incidences of incontinence:

  • gymnastics 56%
  • ballet 43%
  • aerobics 40%
  • badminton 31%
  • volleyball 30%
  • athletics 25%
  • handball 21%
  • basketball 17%
    (Thyssen et al., 2002)

The pelvic floor is a group of voluntary muscles; One of its many jobs is to keep us continent for urine and stool. Some other actions of the pelvic floor is to support the pelvic organs, sexual pleasure, stability (as part of the core) and lymphatic flow. These muscles work in unison with the diaphragm and supporting muscles of the spine. Given the many jobs of the pelvic floor it is not uncommon for many women to find that they may have more than one dysfunction in the pelvic floor. Some additional symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are pelvic pressure/prolapse, pelvic pain, urinary frequency, dyspareunia (pain with intercourse), low back or pelvic pain.

In another study of 106 female athletes also found a similar incidence of urinary incontinence of 41.5%. In this study they found 0% of the athletes had reported incontinence to their medical providers (Jácome et al., 2011). The focus group revealed that the athletes believed urine loss to be a normal condition and unrelated to their sport. Another study found that many of these athletes did not report incontinence due to fear, anxiety and embarrassment.

This type of incontinence may stem from pelvic floor muscles that are either too tight, weak, uncoordinated or any combination of these. If you are experiencing athletic/stress incontinence the best way to know which one may be affecting you is to see a pelvic floor physical therapist. They will evaluate which particular impairment is at the root of your incontinence and develop a customized treatment plan. Contact us for an in-office or telehealth session in California (or virtual consultation worldwide) to personalize your treatment plan.

 

References:

Jácome, C., Oliveira, D., Marques, A., & Sá-Couto, P. (2011). Prevalence and impact of urinary incontinence among female athletes. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 114(1), 60–63. doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.02.004

Thyssen, H. H., Clevin, L., Olesen, S., & Lose, G. (2002). Urinary Incontinence in Elite Female Athletes and Dancers. International Urogynecology Journal, 13(1), 15–17. doi:10.1007/s001920200003

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Testimonial by P.M.

I was hopeful but frankly skeptical when the doctor treating me for Interstitial Cystitis recommended that I go to Heather for physical therapy. Medication and diet helped control my IC symptoms, but I had never heard of physical therapy being used to treat IC. The education and treatment I received from Heather was a revelation. She explained that the pain I experienced with IC had helped create a cycle of muscle guarding which affected the entire pelvic area. I had no idea of the amount of tension being held there. No wonder my husband and I had not been able to have sexual intercourse for years!

Read more: Testimonial by P.M.

Testimonial by J.H.

My last appointment with Heather was over 6 years ago but I still think of her every day. I don’t take for granted that I can easily get out of bed, care for my two active and busy young boys, run, play tennis, clean my house, or sit at a desk for several hours at a time. None of these tasks were easy for me before meeting Heather. Eight years ago my car was struck from behind by a tractor trailer that was estimated to have been speeding. I spent 3 years working with different PTs and Drs trying to heal and move on with my life. When I became pregnant and the hormone relaxin that “relaxes” all the joints of the body and the additional weight gain erased all my progress and I was suddenly in a lot of pain again. My OB sent me to Heather for one last try.

Read more: Testimonial by J.H.

Testimonial by Carolina J.

I had tried Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy before (with another PT) and I had a really bad (painful) experience. A friend of mine and fellow patient, told me about Heather, Laureen and Femina PT (née Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy) and I decided to try again. I am so happy I did! Femina PT have, literally, changed my life. I was able to do again things I couldn't do for over 10 years!! Their bedside manners are impeccable, their knowledge and understanding make me feel comfortable to recommend this place to anyone in pain. Specially if you have Endometriosis. 100% recommended!!

-- Carolina J., 12/28/16 via Yelp!

Testimonial by A.W., age 32

I wanted to let you know that my pelvic floor held strong and gave me no trouble whatsoever in my trail race this morning (12 miles)! In a way, I felt like I ran better than ever because my core feels so rock solid from all the exercises you have me doing. That was especially valuable on the technical downhill - I just flew down the trail because I had confidence in my balance and form. Thank you for helping me get back to doing what I love.

-- A.W., age 32
(completed Post-partum Renewal Program using the InTone biofeedback/stim unit)

Testimonial by S.H., age 24

I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me for the past 19 months. I literally could not have reached my goals without you and your practice. You gave me the courage to keep moving forth with my treatment no matter how afraid and anxious I was. You were always there to answer questions and made this whole process so much easier than I expected it to be.

It's because of you that my marriage is on the right track, that I can get pregnant and that this part of my life is finally over. I really feel that Fusion Wellness is a team of people you can call family and are there to root for you and cheer you on until you reach your goals. There is nothing better than knowing I accomplished this with you guys by my side and as calmly and patiently as I needed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being there and helping me reach my goals.

S.H., age 24

Testimonial by Carolina J.

I had tried Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy before (with another PT) and I had a really bad (painful) experience. A friend of mine and fellow patient, told me about Heather, Laureen and Femina PT (née Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy) and I decided to try again. I am so happy I did! Femina PT have, literally, changed my life. I was able to do again things I couldn't do for over 10 years!! Their bedside manners are impeccable, their knowledge and understanding make me feel comfortable to recommend this place to anyone in pain. Specially if you have Endometriosis. 100% recommended!!

-- Carolina J., 12/28/16 via Yelp!

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