Neurogenic Bladder & Bowel: Restore Control with Pelvic Floor Therapy
Living with neurogenic bladder or bowel dysfunction can be challenging, but pelvic floor therapy offers effective treatment options. Learn how our specialized care can help you regain control.
What Are Neurogenic Bladder & Bowel Disorders?
Neurogenic bladder and bowel refer to problems with bladder or bowel control due to nerve damage. This can result from conditions like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or diabetes. Damage to the nerves that control these functions can cause symptoms such as incontinence, frequent urination, constipation, or inability to fully empty the bladder or bowel.
At Magic City Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction using pelvic floor physical therapy. Our approach focuses on strengthening and coordinating the muscles of the pelvic floor, which play a crucial role in bladder and bowel control.
Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
Understanding Neurogenic Bladder
When the nerves controlling the bladder are impaired, it can result in a variety of symptoms including:
- Urinary incontinence (leaking urine)
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Increased nighttime urination (nocturia)
- Urinary hesitation or weak stream
- Urinary stream deviation or spraying
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Neurogenic Bladder:
Our pelvic floor therapists are trained to assess and treat bladder dysfunction by:
- Improving muscle coordination through tailored exercises and biofeedback
- Educating on bladder retraining techniques
- Offering relaxation strategies to reduce overactivity in the bladder muscles
- Addressing postural and lifestyle factors that contribute to symptoms
- Caregiver/ family education
Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction
Understanding Neurogenic Bowel
Neurogenic bowel occurs when nerve damage interferes with normal bowel function, leading to:
- Constipation or difficulty emptying the bowels
- Fecal incontinence (leakage of stool)
- A sensation of incomplete bowel movements
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Neurogenic Bowel:
Pelvic floor therapy can significantly improve bowel function by:
- Strengthening and retraining the muscles responsible for bowel control
- Teaching proper bowel habits and toileting positions
- Using techniques to stimulate natural bowel movements and promote regularity
- Providing dietary advice to help manage symptoms
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Works
Our Approach to Pelvic Floor Therapy
At Magic City Physical Therapy, our pelvic floor therapists work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Therapy may include:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to relax or activate pelvic muscles.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Specific exercises to build strength and coordination.
- Bladder/Bowel Training: Techniques and strategies to improve control and reduce urgency.
- Education: Guidance on dietary changes, hydration, and lifestyle modifications to support bladder and bowel health.
- Biofeedback: Using sensors to provide real-time feedback about muscle activity, helping you learn to control and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
Why Choose Magic City Physical Therapy?
Expert Care Tailored to Your Needs
Our therapists are specially trained in pelvic health and neurogenic conditions, with years of experience helping individuals regain their independence. We understand how neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction can affect your quality of life, and we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care.