Patient Information: Female, Age 80
Diagnosis: Mixed Incontinence
History: This woman, an independent living resident with a 40-year history of incontinence, was referred to outpatient therapy due to increased incontinence episodes. She had mixed incontinence (impaired urge sensation and pelvic floor muscle weakness) resulting in decreased socialization. She was considering the use of a pessary (a insertable prosthetic device that may help with stress incontinence) and took medication for overactive bladder.
Pre-Therapy Status:
•Urinary Incontinence Frequency: Ten episodes per day.
•Continent Confidence Questions (from GSE-UI): Low confidence (1/10) for ability to get to the bathroom when at home. Low confidence (1/10) for ability to hold back urine when coughing or sneezing. Low confidence (1/10) for ability to go on social outings without urine loss.
Therapy Information:
•Modality: OmniVersa® Ultrasound/Electrotherapy System.
•Frequency: 2x per week.
•Protocol Specifics: Continence improvement pelvic muscle exercise to increase strength and coordination of the pelvic floor musculature for the first four weeks. Treatment progressed to include patterned electrical neuromuscular stimulation (PENS) pelvic floor protocol to improve bladder control.
•Duration: 12 weeks.
•Other Therapy Services Provided: Patient education.
Outcome:
•Urinary Incontinence Frequency: Four episodes per day without medication.
•Continent Confidence Questions (from GSE-UI): Confident (8/10) for ability to get to the bathroom when at home. Confident (8/10) for ability to hold back urine when coughing or sneezing. Confident (7/10) for ability to go on social outings without urine loss.
This woman is very pleased with her outcomes stating: “I needed help to correct my urinary urgency and leakage, and I found it! I have the tools to keep my bladder working as well as it did in my 50’s! An added plus, as your inner core strength improves, so does your balance, walking, posture, and mental outlook.”