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Stress Urinary Incontinence

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Stress Urinary Incontinence Pathway

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a condition where urine leakage occurs during activities that increase pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, running or exercise. Although this can be common, it is not something you need to live with. Many options are available.

At Blizard Physiotherapy, our specialist pelvic health physiotherapists provide evidence-based assessment and treatment for stress urinary incontinence, helping you regain confidence, improve pelvic floor strength and return to the activities you enjoy. We are not MSK physiotherapists with basic training in pelvic health, we are specialist pelvic health physiotherapists with a combined 40+ years of experience.

Our Stress Urinary Incontinence Pathway follows best practice clinical guidance and focuses on restoring pelvic floor function through personalised physiotherapy, education and supportive rehabilitation. We listen to what is important to you, we assess you as an individual in a supportive and sensitive way, and we apply all of this to your goals to support you to get there!
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What is Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments and fascia are unable to provide enough support to the bladder and urethra during physical pressure. This may lead to urine leakage during activities such as:
  • Exercise or running
  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Jumping or lifting
  • Laughing or sudden movements
  • Anxiety about being away from toilets
It commonly affects people:
  • After pregnancy and childbirth
  • During menopause
  • During high-impact sport
  • Following pelvic surgery
  • When pelvic floor muscles become weak or poorly coordinated
The good news is that pelvic floor physiotherapy is highly effective in treating stress urinary incontinence. General statistics suggest at least 50% will be cured or significantly improved with pelvic floor exercises alone. However when we combine this with individual lifestyle advice, supervision and progressive exercises with a whole body approach our results are much higher.
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Our Stress Urinary Incontinence Treatment Pathway

Our pathway provides a clear, step-by-step approach to assessment, treatment and long-term pelvic health support.
1. Individual Pelvic Floor Assessment
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive pelvic health physiotherapy assessment carried out by one of our experienced clinicians.
This includes:
  • Pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance assessment
  • Muscle coordination and relaxation testing
  • Breathing and pressure management assessment
  • Core and trunk control evaluation
  • Review of bladder symptoms and lifestyle factors
This detailed assessment allows us to create a personalised treatment programme tailored to your symptoms and goals.
Pelvic floor muscle training is the first-line treatment recommended by clinical guidelines for stress urinary incontinence. In some cases down training of the pelvic floor is necessary prior to strengthening. Some people are overactive in the pelvic floor muscles and this is only picked up by assessment.
Your physiotherapy programme may include:
  • Structured pelvic floor muscle exercises (3–4 times per day)
  • Progressive strengthening over a 3-month rehabilitation programme
  • Biofeedback or stimulation therapy where appropriate
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  • Core and trunk stability training
  • Lower limb strengthening to support functional movement
Our aim is not only to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles but to ensure they activate effectively during everyday activities and exercise.
Improving bladder control also involves understanding the factors that influence pelvic floor health.
We provide guidance on:
  • Safe return to exercise and sport
  • Fluid intake and bladder habits
  • Bowel health and reducing pelvic floor strain
  • Managing abdominal pressure during movement
  • Long-term pelvic health strategies
Education and self-management are key to achieving sustainable improvements and preventing recurrence.
In some cases, additional support may be helpful while rehabilitation is ongoing.
Our physiotherapists can advise on:
  • Vaginal support devices for exercise
  • Specialist continence underwear or pads
  • Pessaries for additional pelvic support
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  • Discreet solutions to maintain confidence during activity
These options can help you remain active while your pelvic floor strength continues to improve.
Most people experience significant improvement with physiotherapy-led pelvic floor rehabilitation.
If additional investigation or treatment is required, we can support you with:
  • Referral for further bladder function testing
  • Discussion around medication options
  • Referral to specialist medical services if surgical treatment needs to be considered
Our aim is to ensure you receive the most appropriate care at every stage of your recovery.
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Pelvic Health Pathway Templates 5
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Why Choose Blizard Physiotherapy for Pelvic Health?

At Blizard Physiotherapy we take a whole-body approach to pelvic health and rehabilitation.

Our treatment philosophy focuses on:

  • Evidence-based physiotherapy
  • Individualised treatment programmes
  • Restoring confidence in movement and exercise
  • Long-term pelvic health education
  • Supporting people to return to active lifestyles
With expert guidance and structured rehabilitation, many people achieve excellent improvements in stress urinary incontinence symptoms.
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Book a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Appointment

If you are experiencing bladder leakage during exercise, coughing, or everyday activities, specialist physiotherapy can help.

Early treatment can significantly improve symptoms and prevent long-term pelvic floor problems.

Take the first step towards better pelvic health.

Book a pelvic health physiotherapy assessment today.

Our team will guide you through the Stress Urinary Incontinence Pathway and support you every step of the way.
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