One of the strongest evidence bases for physiotherapy is the use of exercise for stress urinary incontinence. Our assessment will take an hour, including a detailed history and an assessment of your pelvic floor strength and fluid balance.
Urinary Incontinence Physio
Part of our Womenâs Health Physiotherapy service at Barbican Physio
Urinary incontinence â the involuntary leakage of urine â is more common than many people realise. It can present as leakage when you cough or exercise, a sudden urgency to reach the bathroom, or a combination of both. However it shows up, it can affect confidence, physical activity and day-to-day comfort.
At Barbican Physio, urinary incontinence physio sits within our Womenâs Health Physiotherapy service. Our experienced womenâs health physiotherapists provide sensitive, evidence-based assessment and treatment, always tailored to you. We take time to understand not only your bladder symptoms, but how they are affecting your wider health and lifestyle.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Urinary incontinence is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, and there are different types of incontinence. The most common include:
- Stress incontinence â leakage during coughing, sneezing, lifting or exercise
- Urge incontinence â a sudden, difficult-to-delay need to pass urine
- Mixed incontinence â features of both
You may also notice increased frequency, waking at night, difficulty fully emptying your bladder, or a feeling of pelvic heaviness. These symptoms are often linked to changes in pelvic floor muscle strength, coordination or overall pelvic floor dysfunction.
Identifying the type of incontinence and the contributing factors allows us to build a treatment plan that is specific and effective.
How Our Womenâs Health Physiotherapists Can Help
Your initial urinary incontinence physio appointment lasts approximately one hour. We begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, bladder habits and any related concerns such as constipation or pelvic discomfort.
Where appropriate, we may assess your pelvic floor muscles to understand how they are functioning. This assessment helps us determine whether the muscles are weak, overactive, poorly coordinated, or simply not engaging effectively during movement.
Our approach reflects the wider Barbican Physio philosophy: thorough assessment, clear explanation and collaborative rehabilitation. We work with you to set realistic goals and create a plan that fits into your routine.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor muscle training has one of the strongest evidence bases in physiotherapy for managing urinary incontinence, particularly stress incontinence.
However, correct technique is essential. Many people are unsure whether they are activating the right muscles.
Your treatment programme may include:
- Individually prescribed pelvic floor exercises
- Progressive strengthening and endurance work
- Functional retraining so the pelvic floor supports you during everyday activities
Rather than simply providing exercises, we ensure you understand how and when to engage your pelvic floor â whether thatâs during exercise, lifting, or returning to higher-impact activity.
Bladder Training and Behavioural Support
For those experiencing urgency or urge incontinence, strengthening alone may not resolve symptoms. In these cases, bladder training techniques can help retrain how your bladder responds to sensation. We may guide you through strategies to gradually increase time between bathroom visits, manage urgency calmly, and review fluid habits. These techniques are introduced carefully and adapted to your comfort level.
Additional Treatment Options
In some situations â particularly where muscle activation is difficult â we may incorporate adjuncts such as electrical stimulation to support pelvic floor rehabilitation. This is always discussed fully and used as part of a structured treatment plan.
Urinary incontinence physio is often recommended before considering more invasive interventions. Where patients are exploring medical management or surgical treatment, physiotherapy can also play an important role in preparation and recovery.
A Supportive and Personalised Approach
We understand that discussing bladder symptoms can feel sensitive. Our womenâs health physiotherapists provide discreet, professional care in a supportive environment.
With appropriate pelvic floor physiotherapy and consistent guidance, many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and support long-term pelvic health.
Book an Appointment
If you are experiencing urinary leakage, urgency or other bladder symptoms, our Womenâs Health Physiotherapy team at Barbican Physio is here to help.
Contact us to arrange your urinary incontinence physio consultation and begin a personalised programme designed to restore confidence and control.