Why is my urologist recommending Physical Therapy for my overactive bladder?
Many patients are confused when their doctor recommends seeing a physical therapist for bladder symptoms. There is no need to worry that your doctor didn’t understand you. He or she is actually offering a very effective type of treatment. During physical therapy, patients will learn how to properly use their pelvic floor muscles to help retrain their bladder, learn about foods that may be contributing to the problem and some simple behavioral strategies to help control bladder frequency and urgency.
Pain free electrical stimulation can also help calm down an overactive bladder or help build strength and sensation to your pelvic floor muscles. One effective type of electrical stimulation, also called neuromodulation, is PTNS or Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation. This is effective in helping nocturia (getting up frequently at night). Other types of neuromodulation can be used based on your evaluation, needs and lifestyle.
Pelvic muscle exercise and many of the treatments provided by pelvic floor physical therapists are recommended by the American Urological Association as a first line of treatment, meaning these treatments for some patients should be tried before more invasive treatments. So, if your doctor recommends pelvic floor physical therapy for your overactive bladder (or other bladder symptoms), make sure you thank that doctor and give PT a try.
