equilibria physiotherapy & nutrition: Incontinence

Incontinence

Incontinence, or the accidental leakage or urine or faeces, needs no explanation to anyone who suffers from it. It can be embarassing and distressing, and has a way of running your life. Many women go to great lengths to control (and hide) the problem. One in three women experience incontinence, and ironically, many women who do feel very alone. Contrary to popular belief, younger women who have never had children can experience it too. Pelvic floor exercises, when done incorrectly, can actually exacerbate the problem, and being given a specific program by a pelvic floor physiotherapist is essential for good results. Digestive and nutritional problems can also hinder success, and it is important to get them treated as well. The longer incontinence is left, the worse it gets - but the good news is it is never too late to get treatment.

AND NOW, A WORD FROM A CLIENT...
"I have been suffering with bladder weakness for many years only when I played sport with a bit of impact and jumping. I found this very embarrassing and always wore a liner. Visiting Alyssa I realized that there was a lot more going on the some sub-standard pelvic floor muscles. I feel inspired to tell others to talk about their problem and seek advice because since I have spoken to people about it, many people identify and understand but haven’t put their hand up to seek medical attention. I would urge people to see Alyssa today and put their problems to rest." Ms K, aged 31

"I actually was referred to Alyssa for pelvic floor and incontinence issues. However I had a lot of other functionally-impacting health issues that medical doctors would not recognise as significant. Fatigue, muscular and joint pain, poor sleep, gastrointestinal problems (IBS), constant headaches, moodiness and irritability, menstrual problems, reflux etc. You name it, I probably was suffering from it. I was at an incredibly low point emotionally as a result of years and years of suffering that was not being acknowledged by any doctors, and I had seen many. I remember my first appointment with Alyssa and I cried and cried telling her about everything that was wrong with me and how hard life was. I remember she said straight-up that she thought I had food allergies/sensitivities. It took a number of weeks and, ironically, a serious food reaction (which I do not recall ever having before) for me to realise she may be right. Sure enough, one blood test later, and a radical change in diet, here I am six months down the track with hardly any body pain, 5 kilos lighter, much much more energy, no bowel and digestive problems after eating (so long as I take my enzymes!), a much more settled menstrual cycle, some small improvements in my bladder function, no reflux, and I actually get rested when I sleep. I still have a ways to go and there is definitely more improvement that can be made but I am better prepared to make the changes necessary and emotionally I am a much stronger person." (Ms L, age 29)

"I began seeing Alyssa after having my second child. Two pregnancies close together resulted in a separation of my rectus-abdominus muscle of 14cm. I have been working on closing this separation and at the same time, improving the muscle tone in the pelvic floor that has been badly affected by the pregnancies and deliveries. The journey has been difficult - two steps forward, one step back – but after 11 months I have the abdomen gap down to a couple of centimetres and the pelvic floor is getting better. As a (previously) very active sportsperson, being unable to exercise to the same level and capacity has been incredibly frustrating and, at times, depressing. I can now, however, walk with small runs included, ride, and have started a yoga/pilates/tai chi class weekly. I am currently undertaking a 12-week strengthening routine at home – which is incredibly challenging with two young boys around (mum lying down means wrestling time, apparently!). I am confident that with Alyssa’s help, I will be back playing competitive sport soon (well, next year anyway). "(Ms T, age 32)