Have Overactive Bladder? PT May Help!

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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.

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Erin Glace, MSPT, PRPC, BCB-PMD: Erin Glace received her undergraduate degree at University of Florida in 1988 for Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She completed her graduate education at Old Dominion University in 1994 for a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. She is certified in PRPC- Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification and BCB-PMD- Board Certified Biofeedback- Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction. She is currently the director of Physical Therapy and Urodynamics Department at Urology of Virginia. Erin has been working at Urology of Virginia since 2000. She has dedicated her career to working with patients suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction with a special interest in working with patients experiencing pelvic pain and dysfunctional voiding. Over the years, Erin has taken many post-graduate courses related to pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain syndromes for men and women and has lectured internationally on the subject of Physical Therapy for Pelvic Pain in men and women. She remains committed to continuing to learn and to offering comprehensive care to her patients. Erin is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), International Pelvic Pain Society and the Women’s Health Section of the APTA. Erin is a resident of Chesapeake, VA. She enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children. She is a certified Yoga instructor and incorporates yoga principles into the care of her patients.