An overactive bladder (OAB) is a syndrome of symptoms that significantly lowers a woman's quality of life—affecting sleep, work activities, relationships, and sense of security. Frequent, urgent urges to urinate, episodes of incontinence, or having to plan the day around toilet access are not physiological norms—even if many women perceive them as such.
Urogynecological physiotherapy is currently one of the most rational and recommended first-line treatment methods for an overactive bladder. This approach is based on functional diagnostics, working with the neuromuscular system, and re-educating mechanisms of bladder control. The goal of therapy is not to mask the symptoms, but to restore control and balance within the pelvic floor and bladder.
WHAT DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR OVERACTIVE BLADDER ENTAIL?
Therapy begins with detailed functional diagnostics. It is crucial to understand whether the issue stems from over-tension of the pelvic floor muscles, their weakness, coordination disorders, or improper urinary habits.
In the therapeutic process, we utilize:
- detailed medical history and analysis of the voiding diary
- assessment of pelvic floor muscle function (strength, endurance, coordination, resting tension)
- manual therapy within the pelvic floor and pelvis
- techniques for reducing excessive muscle tension
- pelvic floor muscle re-education (functional training, not just "squeezing")
- learning control of urgent voiding (so-called voiding delay techniques)
- work with breathing and diaphragm, crucial in regulating intra-abdominal pressure
- elements of bladder behavioral training
- supportive therapy, including INDIBA® in selected indications
The mechanism of action of the therapy is based on restoring proper communication between the bladder and the nervous system, as well as normalizing the tension and function of the pelvic floor muscles. In many cases, it is excessive tension in these muscles that intensifies the feeling of urgency – hence, classic "Kegel exercises" without diagnostics can worsen the situation. This is precise and individualized therapy. There is no single scheme for everyone – there are specific causes and specific solutions.
WHO IS OVERACTIVE BLADDER PHYSICAL THERAPY INTENDED FOR?
Overactive bladder can affect women of various ages - it is not exclusively a postmenopausal issue. Indications for physiotherapy include:
- frequent urination (more than 8 times a day)
- urgent need to urinate that is difficult to control
- episodes of urgency incontinence
- the need to get up at night (nocturia)
- feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- coexisting tension or pain in the pelvic area
- symptoms worsening after childbirth
- symptoms worsening during perimenopause and menopause
- lack of improvement despite pharmacotherapy
- desire to avoid pharmacological treatment as a first choice
Any woman who notices that she is functioning "around the toilet" should take this as a signal for diagnosis. The earlier the therapy is implemented, the greater the chance of full control over the symptoms.
EFFECTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY ON OVERACTIVE BLADDER
The effects of therapy are a result of restoring the proper functioning of the pelvic floor muscles and regulating bladder responses. It is a process that requires commitment but yields real and measurable results.
Possible effects include:
- noticeable reduction in the frequency of urination during the day
- reduction of episodes of urgent need to urinate
- limiting or completely eliminating urge incontinence
- improvement in control of urination in stressful situations
- reduction in the number of nighttime awakenings
- improvement in psychological comfort and sense of control
- normalization of pelvic floor muscle tension
- improvement in sexual function if there were coexisting tension disorders
- enhancement of quality of life and freedom in planning the day
In clinical practice, many patients report improvement after just a few weeks of therapy. However, it is crucial to systematically implement the recommendations and have an individually tailored work plan.
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY OF OVERACTIVE BLADDER
The safety of the therapy is a priority. Before starting treatment, each patient undergoes a qualification process.
Contraindications include:
- acute urinary tract infections
- active inflammatory conditions within the pelvis
- recent surgical procedures within the pelvic area (until healing is complete)
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- lack of patient consent for an internal examination (in which case the scope of therapy is modified)
In case of any doubts, the physical therapist may recommend prior medical consultation or additional tests.
POST-OPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS AND ELEMENTS OF SELF-WORK
Urogynecological physiotherapy does not end in the clinic. The effectiveness of therapy depends on the consistent implementation of recommendations.
These most often include:
- keeping a bladder diary
- regularly performing individually tailored exercises
- working with diaphragmatic breathing
- consciously avoiding "preventive" urination without the need
- modifying fluid intake (without excessive restriction)
- reducing factors that exacerbate symptoms (e.g., excessive caffeine)
Consistency is more important here than intensity. Well-conducted therapy provides lasting results – not just temporary improvement.
An overactive bladder is not "just the way it is" or an inevitable consequence of age or childbirth. It is a functional disorder that, in many cases, can be effectively treated without pharmacology or invasive procedures.
At the Ambasadę Urody in Warsaw, therapy is conducted by an experienced urogynecological physiotherapist, based on current clinical knowledge and individual diagnostics. The goal is not temporary symptom relief but the restoration of real control and comfort in life.