Melissa Aul, P.T.
Physical Therapist
Sees patients at Marshfield Clinic Chippewa Falls Center
Question: Do exercises work for people with bladder control problems?
Yes, with the help of a Marshfield Clinic physical therapist trained in pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Urinary leakage is a common affliction which is often triggered by coughing, sneezing, incontinence, or simply moving around.
Leakage is often accompanied by an urgent feeling of need to urinate.
Treatment consists of education, exercise, diet and toileting recommendations.
Additional options include electromyograph (EMG) biofeedback or electrical muscle stimulation.
A training program may require anywhere from five to ten visits, typically occurring over a six to 12 week period of time.
“Training” pelvic floor muscles effectively for urinary control usually requires individual instruction.
This physical therapy program teaches patients how to strengthen and improve coordination of bladder muscles.
These muscles can weaken after childbearing, lifting, manual labor, surgeries in the pelvic area, or in response to hormonal changes.
For more information on this topic please visit
Physical Therapy Urinary Incontinence Program.