Condition
Urinary Incontinence & Pelvic Floor Weakness
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It can range from occasionally leaking a few drops when coughing or exercising to experiencing sudden urges to urinate that are difficult to control.
Although common, bladder leakage shouldn’t simply be accepted as an inevitable part of ageing or having children.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel and pelvic organs. These muscles also play an important role in bladder control, core stability and everyday movement.
When the pelvic floor becomes weak or does not function effectively, symptoms can develop.
Common factors associated with pelvic floor weakness include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause and hormonal changes
- Ageing
- Previous pelvic or prostate surgery
- Increased abdominal pressure
- Being overweight
- Chronic coughing
- Repeated heavy lifting
- Reduced pelvic floor muscle strength or control
Understanding the type of symptoms you are experiencing is an important first step towards finding the most appropriate management strategy.
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Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Problems
Pelvic floor dysfunction can present differently from person to person.
You may notice:
- Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing or laughing
- Leaking during running, jumping or exercise
- Difficulty holding urine when you suddenly need the toilet
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Bladder weakness following pregnancy or childbirth
- Reduced pelvic floor strength
- Pelvic heaviness or pressure
- Changes associated with menopause
- Reduced pelvic stability or core control
- Bladder-control problems following prostate surgery
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone – and there are options available to help manage pelvic floor dysfunction.
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Different Types of Urinary Incontinence
Stress Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence occurs when pressure on the bladder causes urine to leak.
This commonly happens during:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Laughing
- Running
- Jumping
- Lifting
- Exercise
It is often associated with reduced pelvic floor strength or control.
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence involves experiencing a sudden, intense need to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.
Some people may also experience increased urinary frequency or feel that they constantly need to know where the nearest toilet is.
Mixed Incontinence
Mixed urinary incontinence is a combination of both stress and urgency symptoms.
Identifying which symptoms you experience helps determine the most appropriate approach to management.
PELVIC FLOOR TECHNOLOGY
Introducing the Better Pelvi Pelvic Floor Chair
At Swansea Chiropractic Clinic, we have invested in Better Pelvi technology to provide an additional option for pelvic floor training.
Better Pelvi is a specialist pelvic floor chair that uses magnetic field technology to stimulate contractions of the pelvic floor muscles.
Instead of performing the contractions yourself, you simply sit comfortably on the chair while the technology stimulates repeated pelvic floor muscle contractions.
What makes Better Pelvi different?
-
Fully clothed
There is no need to undress during your Better Pelvi session. -
Non-invasive
There are no internal probes or invasive procedures. -
Approximately 28 minutes
A typical Better Pelvi training session lasts around 28 minutes. -
Comfortable seated treatment
Simply sit on the specialist chair while the pelvic floor muscles are stimulated. -
Targets the pelvic floor
The technology is specifically designed to stimulate the muscles involved in pelvic floor function.
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Who May Benefit From Pelvic Floor Training?
Pelvic floor training may be appropriate for people experiencing:
Bladder Weakness & Urinary Incontinence
Pelvic floor muscles contribute to bladder control. Training these muscles may form part of the management of stress and mixed urinary incontinence.
Postnatal Pelvic Floor Weakness
Pregnancy and childbirth place considerable demands on the pelvic floor.
Following childbirth, some women experience bladder leakage, weakness or reduced pelvic-floor control.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation can therefore form an important part of postnatal recovery.
Please note: Better Pelvi treatment is not used during pregnancy.
Menopause
Hormonal and physical changes around menopause can contribute to changes in pelvic floor and bladder function.
Pelvic floor training may help maintain strength and function during this stage of life.
Men Following Prostate Surgery
Some men experience urinary incontinence or reduced bladder control following prostate surgery.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation is commonly incorporated into recovery programmes, and our team can discuss whether Better Pelvi may be appropriate for you.
Exercise-Related Leakage
Do you leak when running, jumping, lifting weights or participating in sport?
This can be a sign that the pelvic floor is struggling to manage increases in abdominal pressure.
An appropriate pelvic floor strengthening programme may help improve control during physical activity.
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Pelvic Floor Treatment in Swansea
Our Approach
Pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t the same for everybody.
At Swansea Chiropractic Clinic, our aim is to understand your symptoms before recommending an appropriate course of action.
Depending on your presentation, management may involve:
- Pelvic floor education
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises
- Advice regarding bladder habits
- Lifestyle recommendations
- Core and functional rehabilitation
- Better Pelvi pelvic floor training
- Referral to a pelvic health physiotherapist, GP or appropriate specialist when required
Pelvic floor muscle training remains an important part of managing many forms of urinary incontinence.
The Better Pelvi chair can provide an additional method of stimulating and training the pelvic floor muscles as part of an appropriate pelvic health programme.
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Your First Pelvic Floor Appointment
We understand that discussing bladder leakage and pelvic floor problems can feel embarrassing.
Our team provides a private, professional and supportive environment where you can talk openly about your symptoms.
Your initial consultation will include a discussion about:
- The symptoms you’re experiencing
- When your symptoms started
- Pregnancy and childbirth history where relevant
- Previous operations or prostate surgery
- Exercise and activity levels
- Bladder habits
- Relevant medical history
- Your goals and what you would like to improve
We can then discuss the options available and whether Better Pelvi pelvic floor training is appropriate for you.
If your symptoms require further medical assessment, we’ll advise you to contact your GP or an appropriate pelvic health specialist.
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Why Choose Swansea Chiropractic Clinic for Pelvic Floor Training?
Advanced Better Pelvi Technology
Access specialist pelvic floor training technology at our Swansea clinic.
Completely Non-Invasive
Better Pelvic allows pelvic floor stimulation while you remain comfortably seated and fully clothed.
Discreet & Professional
We understand the personal nature of pelvic floor problems and provide a comfortable, confidential environment.
Individual Approach
Your symptoms and goals are unique. We will discuss your presentation before recommending a programme.
Multidisciplinary Clinic
Our wider clinic brings together chiropractic care, rehabilitation and other physical-health services, allowing us to look beyond a single symptom and consider your overall function and movement.
Convenient Swansea Location
Visit our multidisciplinary clinic at Unit 11 Tower Court, St David’s Road, Enterprise Park, Swansea SA6 8RU.
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Don't Let Bladder Weakness Control Your Life
Avoiding running?
Worried about coughing or sneezing?
Always checking where the nearest toilet is?
Experiencing bladder weakness since having children?
Pelvic floor problems can have a significant impact on confidence, exercise, work and everyday life.
There are options available.
Book a pelvic floor consultation at Swansea Chiropractic Clinic and discover whether Better Pelvi pelvic floor training could be suitable for you.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Better Pelvi chair?
Better Pelvi is a specialist pelvic floor training chair that uses magnetic field technology to stimulate repeated contractions of the pelvic floor muscles while you sit on the chair.
Do I need to undress?
No. Better Pelvi sessions are performed while you remain fully clothed.
How long does a Better Pelvi session take?
A Better Pelvi training session typically lasts approximately 28 minutes.
Can Better Pelvic help urinary incontinence?
Pelvic floor muscle training forms an important part of the management of stress and mixed urinary incontinence. Better Pelvi is designed to stimulate pelvic floor muscle contractions and may be incorporated into an appropriate pelvic floor training programme.
Results vary between individuals, and an assessment is important to determine whether this approach is suitable for you.
Is Better Pelvi suitable after pregnancy?
Pelvic floor rehabilitation is commonly recommended following childbirth. Better Pelvi may be considered after pregnancy when appropriate, but the chair should not be used during pregnancy.
Can men use Better Pelvi?
Yes. Pelvic floor problems can affect men as well as women, particularly following prostate surgery. We can discuss whether pelvic floor training is appropriate for your circumstances.
Is urinary incontinence normal after having children?
Urinary leakage is common following pregnancy and childbirth, but that doesn’t mean you simply have to live with it. Pelvic floor assessment and appropriate rehabilitation can help manage symptoms.
Where can I get pelvic floor treatment in Swansea?
Swansea Chiropractic Clinic provides pelvic floor training and Better Pelvi sessions from our multidisciplinary clinic at Unit 11 Tower Court, St David’s Road, Enterprise Park, Swansea SA6 8RU.
