Are You Experiencing Chronic Urinary Retention? Physical Therapy Can Help!
If you have urinary retention, that means your bladder does not fully empty when you urinate. Oftentimes, this condition is caused by blockages, nerve issues, certain medications, or infection and swelling.
At Beyond Physical Therapy in Franklin and Spring Hill, TN, we understand that urinary retention can be extremely frustrating to experience. And with symptoms including leaking urine and the inability to fully empty your bladder when you urinate, this condition can feel difficult for some to discuss with a medical provider.
Our team of knowledgeable physical therapists has extensive experience treating clients with urinary retention and incontinence issues and will strive to make you as comfortable as possible from the moment you step foot in our clinic.
We can develop a treatment plan to address your painful or uncomfortable symptoms together. Contact Beyond Physical Therapy today to get started.
What’s the difference between acute and chronic urinary retention?
Both men and women can experience urinary retention (UR), though the condition is seen more commonly in men. Urinary retention also becomes more common with age. For example, for men in their 80s, the rate of acute urinary retention is 300 per 1,000 men.
Urinary retention can either be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). Unlike chronic UR, acute urinary retention is classified as an emergency. Symptoms of acute UR include:
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen
- The urgent need to urinate paired with the inability to urinate
- Swelling in the lower abdomen
If you experience any of these symptoms suddenly or rapidly, treat it as a medical emergency. Untreated, acute urinary retention can be life-threatening.
Because the symptoms of chronic urinary retention are generally less severe and develop gradually over time, this condition can be harder to diagnose. However, with the assistance of a physical therapist, it is not hard to treat.
If you have chronic UR, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Leaking urine without warning
- The inability to fully empty your bladder while urinating
- Excessively frequent urination in small amounts
- The consistent urgent need to urinate, even directly after urinating
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- A slow urine stream, or difficulty starting the flow of urine
At Beyond Physical Therapy, we understand that these symptoms can be irritating and uncomfortable. Plus, if chronic urinary retention goes untreated for too long, it can lead to serious health problems down the road.
How can PT help with urinary retention?
When you first visit a physical therapist for urinary retention, you will undergo a comprehensive physical examination to determine the cause of your condition. Here, your medical history will also be evaluated, and your therapist will likely ask you to describe your symptoms.
Your physical therapist may work in combination with your existing healthcare providers to determine the cause of your urinary retention. Common causes of UR that you might encounter include:
- A medical issue that narrows the urethra and blocks urine flow (e.g., An enlarged prostate, urinary tract stones, or a urinary tract infection)
- Weak pelvic floor and bladder muscles (can be caused by age-related loss of bladder muscle strength, pregnancy/childbirth, or trauma)
- Certain medications that interfere with nerve signals sent to the bladder, prostate, or urethra (e.g., Some antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin
Once your therapist has determined why you are experiencing urinary retention, they can begin formulating an individualized treatment plan for you. If your therapist found that your pelvic floor and bladder muscles are weak, you will likely be prescribed pelvic floor rehabilitation.
This treatment technique strengthens the muscles under your bladder, to treat and eventually eliminate urinary retention. A pelvic floor rehabilitation program at Beyond Physical Therapy may include custom exercises, muscle re-education, postural and habit retraining, and more!
As you progress through your treatment plan, you will strengthen and stabilize your transverse abdominals, hip muscles, and pelvic floor. You may also participate in various functional activities and a personalized mobility program.
These therapeutic treatment plans will lessen your uncomfortable symptoms, abdominal pain, and lead you into an easier and more comfortable day-to-day life.
Ready to receive your personalized treatment plan? Contact us today!
At Beyond Physical Therapy, our primary goal is to ensure that every single one of our clients leaves our clinic feeling healthier, happier, and more comfortable in their bodies than when they arrived.
You don’t deserve to deal with the irritating and uncomfortable symptoms of urinary retention. Seek treatment today with us to get started on the path to excellent long-term health.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!