Do you find yourself constantly running to the bathroom? Do plan your trip around the city based on the nearest public restrooms? Do you find yourself running straight to the bathroom as soon as you get home? Do you always urinate before leaving the house? Are you waking up throughout the night to use the bathroom?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time to see a pelvic floor physical therapist!
First, let’s learn what “normal” bladder and urinary functions consist of:
Frequency
- Normal urinary frequency is considered 4-6 times per day, although this can vary depending on activity level and liquid intake. You should be able to hold your bladder for 2-4 hours.
Quantity
- Many people don’t count how long it takes to empty their bladder, but give it a try next time you are in the bathroom. Urination should last 8-10 seconds (8-10 ounces). If you find yourself counting anything less than 8 seconds, your bladder may not have been full, even if you had a strong urge.
Nighttime Voiding
- If you are under the age of 65, you should be urinating 0 times per night. If you are over 65 years old or are pregnant, it is common to urinate 1-2 times per night.
Urge
- When you get the first urge to urinate, you should be able to ignore the urge and carry on with what you are doing. You should NOT have pain or feel the need to immediately get to the closest restroom when you feel the first urge.
If you do not meet the “normal” expectations, it may be time to seek help from a pelvic floor physical therapist. Other signs and symptoms that are common, but not normal:
Urinary Symptoms
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary urgency
- Hesitancy/Slow stream
- Feeling of incomplete emptying
- Incontinence
- Bladder pressure
Pain Symptoms
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with bladder filling
- Pain/burning with urination
- Painful intercourse
- Painful bowel movements
- Low back, hip, or tailbone pain
How can physical therapy help me?
At your first appointment, you and your physical therapist will discuss your symptoms and any pain or dysfunction that may be occuring. Your therapist will perform a thorough examination which will likely include an external examination of your joints, muscles, and posture. It is common for pelvic floor physical therapists to perform an internal (vaginal or rectal) examination to assess the pelvic floor muscles. Based on your symptoms and presentation on examination, your physical therapist will determine what treatments will be most effective for you. Treatment may include bladder retraining techniques, myofascial release, visceral/bladder mobilization, joint mobilization, nervous system uptraining or downtraining, therapeutic exercise, specific stretching, etc. All treatments are performed in a private treatment room where you are 1-1 with your physical therapist. Come in and let us create an individualized treatment program based on your needs!
Jessica Nielson PT, DPT, CSCS
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