Physical Therapy-Based Assistance for Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is, simply put, any involuntary leakage of urine. It can affect individuals of all ages and may arise from a variety of causes, including problems within the bladder, pelvic floor, or surrounding muscles, as well as neurological or lifestyle factors.

The condition can vary greatly in both frequency and severity, ranging from occasional leaks during activities like exercise, coughing, or sneezing, to more constant and disruptive symptoms that impact daily routines and quality of life. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and achieving long-term results.

In many cases, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a highly effective solution, providing targeted exercises and interventions that strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder and urethra. With guidance from a skilled therapist, individuals can often experience significant improvement in bladder control, reduced episodes of leakage, and lasting relief—helping them regain confidence and return to normal daily activities.

Read on to learn more about the forms of incontinence and how it’s treated, or find a JAG Physical Therapy location or book an appointment today to get started.

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What Are The Four Types of Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is grouped into four categories based on the general type of dysfunction causing it. These types of incontinence are:

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence is a symptom seen in people with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Individuals with this condition may be unable to hold in urine despite their best efforts, because their urge to urinate and the resultant pain and discomfort from resisting is simply too overwhelming.

Stress Incontinence

The “stress” in stress incontinence is physical strain on the outlet of the bladder. In this type of incontinence, the urethral sphincter – the pair of muscles that pinches the exit point of the bladder closed – does not seal all the way. Physical force caused by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, changing positions, tripping and falling, or other factors can make urine in the bladder pass the inadequately closed urethral sphincter involuntarily.

Overflow Incontinence

People who have a blockage in the bladder outlet from narrowed urethra, prostate cancer, or non-cancerous enlarged prostate, or whose destrusor muscle (the muscle that pushes urine out of the bladder and through the urethra) is weakened, may experience overflow incontinence. In this form of incontinence, the bladder can become completely full without triggering the urge to urinate, and urine can simply leak out. In addition, overflow incontinence is a potential side effect of certain NSAIDs and anticholinergic drugs.

Mixed Incontinence

Some people may have more than one of these types of incontinence, putting them at risk of bladder leakage in multiple situations and in multiple ways. This is referred to as mixed incontinence.

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How Pelvic Physical Therapy Can Treat Urinary Incontinence

Countless individuals with urinary incontinence seeking relief have found help with the use of physical therapy. At JAG Physical Therapy, the expertise and compassion of our PT staff allows them to combine treatment methods to allow all of our patients to rehabilitate their condition, no matter the cause, type, or extent of their urinary incontinence.

JAG PT’s pelvic floor specialization has helped many people manage their urinary incontinence in the least-invasive way possible with minimal side effects. We utilize a combination of treatment modalities to achieve the best results for diverse patients with unique health situations. These include pelvic floor exercise training that can be utilized at home and day-to-day to build strength and control, ultrasound and biofeedback to help patients learn more about their own bladder condition, neuromuscular stimulation to promote physical healing, and others.

Schedule an Appointment with a Physical Therapist

JAG Physical Therapy offers a wide network of convenient locations throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, making high-quality care easy to access when you need it most. With clinics strategically located in local communities, accessing treatment is simple and stress-free—whether you’re seeking care close to home, work, or school.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing ongoing pain, or working to restore strength and mobility, our experienced team is ready to work with you every step of the way. Don’t put your recovery on hold—find your nearest location or schedule your initial appointment today.

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