Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump, or lift is common—but it’s not something you have to live with. Stress incontinence happens when pressure placed on the bladder exceeds the body’s ability to manage it. Physical therapy addresses the why behind that pressure, not just the symptom itself.
Stress incontinence often shows up during workouts, running, postpartum recovery, or as activity levels change. While many people assume it’s purely a pelvic floor strength issue, the reality is more complex—and that’s where physical therapy makes a meaningful difference.
What Causes Stress Incontinence?
Stress incontinence occurs when increased abdominal pressure—like during coughing, jumping, or lifting—overwhelms the support system of the bladder and urethra. Contributing factors may include:
Pelvic floor muscle weakness or overactivity
Poor coordination between the diaphragm, core, and pelvic floor
Postpartum changes or pregnancy-related strain
High-impact exercise without adequate pressure control
Core or hip weakness that increases downward pressure
Breathing patterns that drive force into the pelvic floor
Because these factors vary from person to person, a one-size-fits-all solution rarely works.
How Physical Therapy Helps Stress Incontinence
1. Pelvic Floor Assessment Beyond Kegels
Physical therapy evaluates how the pelvic floor muscles function—not just how strong they are. Many people with stress incontinence have muscles that struggle to relax, coordinate, or respond quickly under load. Strengthening alone doesn’t solve that.
2. Pressure Management & Breathing
The diaphragm, deep core, and pelvic floor work together to manage pressure. Physical therapy retrains breathing patterns so pressure is distributed efficiently instead of pushing downward during movement.
3. Core & Hip Support
Weakness or poor control in the hips and trunk increases stress through the pelvic floor. Targeted strengthening improves how force travels through the body during daily tasks and exercise.
4. Movement Retraining
Running, lifting, squatting, and jumping all place load on the pelvic floor. Physical therapy focuses on how you move—adjusting mechanics so the pelvic floor can do its job without leaking.
5. Gradual Return to Impact
Avoiding impact forever isn’t the goal. Therapy provides a structured progression back to higher-level activities with confidence, control, and fewer setbacks.
Why Pads Aren’t a Long-Term Solution
Absorbent products manage leaks, but they don’t address the underlying cause. Over time, untreated stress incontinence can worsen, limit activity choices, and affect confidence during exercise or daily life.
Physical therapy offers a proactive path forward—focused on restoring control, strength, and trust in your body.
When to Consider Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Leaking during workouts, running, or lifting
Urine loss with coughing, sneezing, or laughing
Postpartum leakage that hasn’t resolved
Avoiding certain exercises due to fear of leaking
Feeling pressure or heaviness during activity
The Goal: Strength, Control, and Confidence
Stress incontinence isn’t a personal failure—and it isn’t inevitable. With the right physical therapy approach, many people return to exercise, sport, and daily life without leaks or hesitation.
If leaking is affecting how you move or train, pelvic floor physical therapy can help uncover what’s missing and build a plan that supports long-term function—not quick fixes. Book an evaluation at our Brookfield or Mequon clinic today!
