Bowel and Bladder Incontinence Physical Therapy Edmonton

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Physiotherapy for Bowel and Bladder Incontinence

Bowel and bladder incontinence can significantly impact your quality of life, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Bowel and Bladder Incontinence Physical Therapy Edmonton​ are designed to help you: 

Our experienced physiotherapists are committed to delivering compassionate and effective care tailored specifically to your unique needs.

Bowel And Bladder Incontinence Physical Therapy Edmonton

Understanding Bowel And Bladder Incontinence

The condition known as bowel and bladder incontinence is characterized by a person’s lack of control over their bowel movements and urine. Peripheral nerve injury, various medical disorders, and weak pelvic floor muscles can all contribute to this issue. Because of the potential for embarrassment and social isolation, this therapy is highly helpful.   

Our Approach To Incontinence Therapy

In our clinic, we offer extensive services in the assessment, pelvic floor physiotherapy and treatment of bowel and bladder incontinence. It is our aim to assist you in taking your power back and living the best life possible with an initial evaluation of your needs, followed by selected exercises and effective therapies.

Bowel and Bladder Incontinence Physical Therapy Initial Assessment

In the first stage, the causes of incontinence will have to be assessed. This may include:

Physical examination:
This is done in order to evaluate the degree of quality and the tone of the muscles which make up the floor of your pelvis.
Questionnaires:
In order to evaluate how bothersome and troublesome the symptoms are related to your daily activities.
Biofeedback:
The addition of electrodes and spontaneous response is used to enhance the feedback of pelvic musculature through visual and auditory means.
Imaging tests:
There are some instances, for example, ultrasound, where muscle action can be visualized, and other abnormalities can be examined.

Common Causes of Incontinence

Understanding the common causes of incontinence can help in managing and treating the condition effectively. Some of the primary factors include:

Pelvic floor disorders

Injuries such as childbirth, surgery, aging or obesity can also cause the muscles that hold the bladder, bowel and uterus up to become weak or damaged, causing incontinence.

Nerve damage

Conditions like diabetes, cerebral vascular accident, multiple sclerosis, or spinal injury by an assault or operation may produce a nerve which interferes with the regulation of the bladder and bowel.

Pelvic organ prolapse

It is a situation whereby the bladder, uterus or rectum shifts to the vaginal canal. This condition is due to the low tone of pelvic floor muscles, which leads to pressure and incontinence.

Overactive bladder

Overactive bladder entails the need to urinate, expressing itself as an urgent, compelling urge leading to incontinent urination. This condition arises from neurological disorders, urinary tract infections or some Types of Drugs used in treatment.

Physical Therapy Techniques For Incontinence

Bladder training
Bladder training is a process of determining a set time for taking the patient to the bathroom and then taking longer intervals in between to achieve longer intervals. Your physiotherapist will create a bladder training schedule that can be non-intrusive and will cover what you can handle every day.
Manual therapy
Manual therapies that assist in the reduction of muscle tone and the increase of blood circulation include myofascial release and trigger point therapy. They are useful for decreasing pain and increasing muscle strength.
Behavioural therapy
Behavioural therapy is concerned with such aspects as exercise, diet, and bowel and bladder control to discourage incontinence patterns. Some of the interventions may be related to dietary modification products, including water intake and voiding timetable.
Functional dry needling
Functional dry needling is a technique in which thin needles are inserted into the body's specific trigger points or tight areas. This relieves pain and improves the function of the pelvic floor muscles. It is similar to acupuncture but focuses more on muscle release.
Electrical stimulation
Electrical stimulation works with a mild electrical current to contract and also to make the pelvic floor muscles stronger. It is particularly beneficial for those with critical muscle atrophy and peripheral neuropathy afflictions.
Breathing techniques
In order to promote good and deep breathing, our physiotherapists are familiarizing the patients with diaphragmatic breathing exercises. They impose a reduction in tension and strengthen the muscles in this region and the woman’s overall mental and physical health.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses gentle, targeted acoustic waves to stimulate tissue healing and improve muscle function. In pelvic floor physiotherapy, it may help reduce pain, release muscle tension, and improve blood circulation in the pelvic region. This can support better bladder and bowel control when combined with pelvic floor exercises.
Dry Needling
Dry needling involves inserting very fine needles into tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles to relieve trigger points and muscle spasms. This technique helps release tension, reduce pelvic pain, and improve muscle coordination — all of which are important for better bladder and bowel control.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine needles placed at specific points on the body to restore energy balance and promote healing. In the treatment of bladder and bowel incontinence, it may help reduce urgency, improve pelvic muscle function, and ease discomfort. It is often used alongside physiotherapy exercises for optimal results.

Bladder training

Bladder training is a process of determining a set time for taking the patient to the bathroom and then taking longer intervals in between to achieve longer intervals. Your physiotherapist will create a bladder training schedule that can be non-intrusive and will cover what you can handle every day.

Manual therapy

Manual therapies that assist in the reduction of muscle tone and the increase of blood circulation include myofascial release and trigger point therapy. They are useful for decreasing pain and increasing muscle strength.

Behavioural therapy

Behavioural therapy is concerned with such aspects as exercise, diet, and bowel and bladder control to discourage incontinence patterns. Some of the interventions may be related to dietary modification products, including water intake and voiding timetable.

Functional dry needling

Functional dry needling is a technique in which thin needles are inserted into the body's specific trigger points or tight areas. This relieves pain and improves the function of the pelvic floor muscles. It is similar to acupuncture but focuses more on muscle release.

Electrical stimulation

Electrical stimulation works with a mild electrical current to contract and also to make the pelvic floor muscles stronger. It is particularly beneficial for those with critical muscle atrophy and peripheral neuropathy afflictions.

Breathing techniques

In order to promote good and deep breathing, our physiotherapists are familiarizing the patients with diaphragmatic breathing exercises. They impose a reduction in tension and strengthen the muscles in this region and the woman’s overall mental and physical health.

Pessary Fitting

A pessary is a small, medical-grade device inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs. For women with pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence, a properly fitted pessary can improve bladder control and reduce leakage. Our physiotherapists provide safe, professional pessary fitting, ensuring comfort, correct size, and guidance on care and maintenance.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses gentle, targeted acoustic waves to stimulate tissue healing and improve muscle function. In pelvic floor physiotherapy, it may help reduce pain, release muscle tension, and improve blood circulation in the pelvic region. This can support better bladder and bowel control when combined with pelvic floor exercises.

Dry Needling

Dry needling involves inserting very fine needles into tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles to relieve trigger points and muscle spasms. This technique helps release tension, reduce pelvic pain, and improve muscle coordination — all of which are important for better bladder and bowel control.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses fine needles placed at specific points on the body to restore energy balance and promote healing. In the treatment of bladder and bowel incontinence, it may help reduce urgency, improve pelvic muscle function, and ease discomfort. It is often used alongside physiotherapy exercises for optimal results.

You’re Not Alone — And There’s No Need to Feel Embarrassed

Bladder or bowel incontinence is far more common than many people realize, and it can affect anyone at any stage of life. These challenges can impact confidence, daily routines, and quality of life — but they are nothing to be ashamed of. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. With the right treatment and support, it’s possible to regain control, reduce symptoms, and feel comfortable again. 

Our caring physiotherapy Bowel and bladder incontinence team is here to listen, guide, and help you take the first step toward recovery in a safe, respectful environment.

Take the first step towards recovery

Bowel and bladder incontinence do not have to dominate your life. Consult with us today and take that first step towards recovery with the help of our specialized physiotherapists. If you have any queries or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

It strengthens the pelvic floor muscles so they support the bladder better, reducing leakage during pressure activities.

Yes. Bladder retraining, urge suppression strategies, and pelvic floor control reduce urgency and frequency.

Yes. Therapy improves muscle strength, coordination, and bowel emptying techniques to restore control.

Your therapist will review your symptoms, lifestyle, and habits, then assess pelvic floor strength and create a tailored treatment plan.

Sometimes, with your consent. It helps assess pelvic floor function more accurately, but alternatives exist if you’re not comfortable.

A: Most patients see changes within 4–6 weeks, with significant results in 3–6 months of consistent therapy.

Yes. Post-partum women and men after prostate surgery often benefit from pelvic floor rehab for regaining control.

A: Likely yes. Adjusting fluid intake, reducing bladder irritants, preventing constipation, and improving toilet posture support faster recovery.

No. Techniques are gentle and non-invasive. Any procedure is explained fully, and your comfort is the priority.

Instep Physiotherapy helped me overcome bladder leakage with pelvic floor therapy. The team was caring, professional, and made me feel comfortable. I finally feel confident again!
I came in for bowel incontinence treatment after surgery. The exercises and guidance from Instep made a huge difference. I feel more in control now—highly recommend!