Bladder Leaks Aren’t Normal: How Physiotherapy Can Help Women Regain Control

Bladder leaks  whether it happens when you cough, laugh, jump or feel a sudden urge  are common, but that doesn’t make them normal. In Australia, up to 35–40% of women experience urinary incontinence, yet many put up with it quietly. At Praxis Rehab Physiotherapy in Belair, we help women understand and manage bladder issues through supportive and effective physiotherapy.

Why Does It Happen

The pelvic floor muscles support the neck of the bladder as well as the urethra (the tube from where the urine exits) and help keep your continent. Bladder control problems often stem from weakened pelvic floor muscles and/or ligamentous fascial support, hormonal changes, childbirth, surgery, chronic coughing, being overweight/obesity or ageing. Bladder issues are based on the circumstances during which the incontinence occurs. You may experience:

• Stress urinary incontinence (leaks during physical movement or pressure)

• Urge incontinence (a sudden, uncontrollable need to go)

• Overactive bladder (frequent, urgent need to urinate day or night)

• Mixed patterns of leakage

  
  

Australian clinical guidelines recommend pelvic floor physiotherapy as the first-line treatment for urinary incontinence and success rates are high.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapists trained in women’s pelvic health, take a holistic approach to rebuilding strength and control.

Here’s how physiotherapy can help:

1) Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Individualised exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and prevent urinary incontinence. We guide you to do them correctly, avoiding the common mistake of bearing down instead of lifting up.

2) Bladder Retraining

We discuss bladder calming strategies to retrain the bladder, this process helps gradually stretch out your bladder’s capacity and retrain the nerves to respond properly, easing urgency and improving control.

3) Lifestyle Advice

From fluid management to diet changes, exercise advice and changes of habits, simple shifts can make a big difference to bladder control.

4) Ongoing Support

We empower you with tools, confidence and education to take charge of your pelvic health for life.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Here’s what usually happens at your initial and subsequent consultations:

1. A Friendly Chat - We’ll listen to your symptoms and discuss your goals.

2. Pelvic Floor Assessment - Internal or external (if you're comfortable).

3. Filling up a Bladder Diary - Helps us understand habits and triggers.

4. Tailored Program - Exercises, bladder retraining steps, and daily strategies.

5. Support Plan - Ongoing coaching and care

FAQs

Is it normal to leak when I laugh or exercise? 

No. It’s common, but not normal. Stress incontinence often responds well to physiotherapy  especially when addressed early.

What is an overactive bladder and can it be treated? 

Overactive bladder means a frequent and sudden urge to urinate with or without incontinence, could be daytime or nighttime or both, in the absence of bladder infection. Yes, it can be improved through physiotherapy, bladder retraining and lifestyle adjustments.

Can I get help even if I’ve had this for years?

Absolutely. Many women find relief even after dealing with symptoms for decades. It’s never too late.

Do I need a referral?

No GP referral is required, but your visits may be subsided if you have a care plan or private health insurance.

How long until I see results?

Many women notice improvement within 4–6 weeks, with regular physio and home exercise programs.

If you’re experiencing leaks, frequent urges, or poor sleep due to your bladder, book in to see us at Praxis Rehab Physiotherapy today. With warm, expert care and proven methods, our women’s pelvic floor physio, Sangeeta Sharda, is available at Belair clinic to support you.

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