Overactive Bladder
Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a condition in which a person has a sudden urge to urinate, which can result in increased urinary frequency or incontinence. This may also cause a person to wake up to urinate several times. Women are more commonly affected, and there is increased incidence with age; US studies suggest a prevalence of up to 43% in women and 27% in men older than 40 years of age. Some individuals may reduce their daily intake of fluids in an attempt to reduce the need to urinate but this may exacerbate the issue and cause further irritation to the bladder lining by increasing the concentration of uric acid (waste product) in the urine.
Causes
- Neurological disorders
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes
- Urinary tract infections
- Enlarged prostate
- Constipation
- Tumors or bladder stones
- Caffeine/alcohol
- Medications
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Poor cognition
How Can PT Help?
A pelvic physical therapist will evaluate and treat the pelvic floor muscles to improve muscle tone and strength. Treatment sessions will also include behavioral strategies to improve bladder function such as:
Timed Voiding- normal frequency of urination is every 2 to 4 hours
Avoid bladder irritants– such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods
Toileting posture- proper toileting posture to improve pelvic floor muscle relaxation
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/overactive-bladder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355715
