Urinary Incontinence
Struggling with bladder leakage? You’re not alone—and it’s treatable.
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine.
It’s extremely common, particularly in women, but often goes untreated due to embarrassment or the belief that it’s “normal”.
It’s not something you have to put up with—and in many cases, it can improve significantly with the right treatment.
What Are The Symptoms?
Urinary incontinence can present in different ways, including:
- Leaking when coughing, sneezing or exercising
- A sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Not making it to the toilet in time
- Frequent trips to the toilet
- Leakage during or after activity
Symptoms can range from occasional leaks to more frequent or disruptive issues.
What Causes Urinary Incontinence?
There are several common causes, including:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Weak or poorly functioning pelvic floor muscles
- Hormonal changes (including menopause)
- Previous surgery
- High-impact exercise or repetitive strain
- Bladder habit changes over time
Often, it’s a combination of factors rather than a single cause.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy focuses on identifying why your symptoms are happening, then addressing the underlying issue.
Treatment may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation
- Bladder retraining strategies
- Advice on fluid habits and lifestyle factors
- Core and movement retraining
- Gradual return to exercise
The aim is to improve control, reduce symptoms, and help you feel confident in day-to-day life again.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
You should consider physiotherapy if:
- You experience any bladder leakage
- Symptoms are affecting your confidence or activity levels
- You’ve had children and don’t feel fully recovered
- You’re avoiding exercise because of leakage
Early treatment is often more effective—but it’s never too late to improve symptoms.
Why Choose Handforth Physiotherapy & Rehab?
At Handforth Physiotherapy & Rehab, we provide:
- Specialist women’s health physiotherapy
- A private, comfortable clinic environment
- Clear, personalised treatment plans
- A focus on long-term results—not quick fixes
We understand these symptoms can feel difficult to talk about, and we ensure every patient feels at ease throughout.
Book An Appointment
If you’re experiencing bladder symptoms, we can help.
Book your appointment online or contact the clinic to speak with us in confidence.
Your Questions, Answered.
Can’t find what your looking for?
Is urinary incontinence normal after having a baby?
It’s common, but not something you should have to live with. Many postnatal women experience symptoms, and physiotherapy can be highly effective in improving control.
Can urinary incontinence be cured?
In many cases, symptoms can be significantly improved or resolved with the right treatment. Outcomes depend on the cause, but most people see meaningful progress.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Some people notice changes within a few weeks, but most programmes take several weeks to months depending on the severity and consistency with exercises.
Will I need an internal examination?
An internal assessment may be recommended to fully assess the pelvic floor, but it is always optional and only carried out with your full consent.
Can I still exercise if I have bladder leakage?
Yes—but it’s important to modify activity and address the underlying issue. We’ll guide you on how to stay active safely while improving symptoms.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us without a referral.
Can’t find what your looking for?
