Physiotherapy for Incontinence
Regain confidence and control with pelvic health physiotherapy for bladder control issues.
About physiotherapy for incontinence
Urinary incontinence — the unintentional leakage of urine — is a common condition that affects many people at various stages of life. It can occur during everyday activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting, and may lead to embarrassment, anxiety and a reluctance to participate fully in life. Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a conservative, supportive way to manage and improve symptoms without immediately turning to medication or surgery.
Your pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting your bladder and controlling the release of urine. When these muscles aren’t functioning optimally — whether due to childbirth, ageing, surgery, persistent straining or muscle weakness — urinary incontinence can occur. Physiotherapy focuses on understanding how these muscles work and helping you retrain them to restore better bladder control, alongside strategies to enhance movement confidence and quality of life.
What is physiotherapy for incontinence?
Physiotherapy for incontinence — often known as pelvic floor physiotherapy — is a focused approach that assesses and treats dysfunction in the muscles and structures that support bladder control. These muscles form a “hammock” beneath the pelvis and work to keep the bladder and urethra closed when needed, and relaxed when you decide to urinate. Strengthening and retraining these muscles with guided therapy helps increase their endurance and coordination, which can reduce or eliminate episodes of leakage.
Physiotherapists assess how your pelvic floor muscles contract and relax, identify contributing factors, and develop a tailored plan that may include exercises, biofeedback, movement strategies, and lifestyle advice to improve bladder control and overall pelvic health.
Incontinence symptoms & challenges
- Urinary leakage during physical activities such as coughing, sneezing, lifting or exercise (stress incontinence).
- A sudden, strong urge to urinate that’s hard to delay (urge incontinence).
- Frequent trips to the bathroom both day and night.
- Accidental leakage on the way to the toilet or with minimal warning.
- Impact on daily life or avoidance of activities due to fear of leakage.
Physiotherapy for incontinence treatments
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Comprehensive Assessment & Goal Setting
A detailed evaluation of your bladder habits, pelvic floor function and contributing factors to symptoms. -
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Guided exercises that strengthen and improve coordination of the muscles responsible for bladder control — a first‑line treatment recommended in clinical guidelines. -
Biofeedback and Skill Development
Visual or auditory feedback to help you learn how to correctly activate and relax your pelvic floor muscles.
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Behaviour and Bladder Training
Techniques to improve timing and control of bladder emptying, reducing urgency and frequency. -
Manual Therapy and Release Techniques
Where appropriate, hands‑on care to address muscle tension or mobility restrictions that affect pelvic floor function. -
Lifestyle and Functional Advice
Practical strategies for everyday habits, activity modification and long‑term pelvic health.
Frequently asked questions
What causes urinary incontinence?
Can physiotherapy really help with incontinence?
How long before I see improvement?
Why choose us?
Personalised pelvic health care
We tailor every treatment plan to your symptoms, lifestyle and goals so that care fits your unique journey and needs.
Experienced women’s health physiotherapists
Our clinicians are skilled in pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation, offering supportive and evidence‑informed treatment.
Confidential, supportive environment
We provide a respectful space where you can discuss sensitive symptoms without judgment and work towards meaningful improvements.