Urinary Incontinence: Physiotherapy Assessment & Rehabilitation
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine and is a common pelvic floor concern affecting women of all ages. At Fit 2 Function Allied Health, we provide evidence-based assessment and physiotherapy to help you regain control, confidence, and comfort in daily life.
This page explains what urinary incontinence is, how it is assessed, and how physiotherapy can support symptom management and recovery.
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence can present as:
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Leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or exercise (stress incontinence)
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A sudden, urgent need to urinate that’s difficult to delay (urge incontinence)
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A combination of both (mixed incontinence)
It may occur during or after pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or due to pelvic floor weakness, nerve entrapment, nerve injury, lifestyle factors, or underlying health conditions.
How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
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Detailed history of symptoms, triggers, and frequency
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Physical assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength, coordination, and function
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Assessment of movement patterns, strength and lifestyle factors
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Occasionally, referral for further medical evaluation if symptoms are complex
Early physiotherapy assessment can prevent worsening symptoms and treat many causes of incontinence reducing the need for invasive interventions.
Physiotherapy management
Physiotherapy aims to restore pelvic floor function and bladder control using evidence-based strategies:
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Targeted pelvic floor exercises to improve strength, coordination, and timing
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Bladder and Bowel retraining and habit modification to reduce urgency and frequency
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Lifestyle advice including fluid management, posture, and activity adjustments
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Hands-on therapy for muscle release or neuromuscular retraining when indicated
With consistent guidance, most women see improvement in control, confidence, and quality of life.
Return to normal activity
Recovery focuses on gradual and progressive reintroduction of activities that previously caused leaks:
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Exercise, lifting, running, or jumping
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Workplace or daily functional tasks
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Leisure and social activities
Our physiotherapists provide ongoing assessment, exercise progression, and support to ensure safe, long-term improvement.
Beyond rehabilitation
Many women benefit from progressing into our Women’s Strength Program, where pelvic floor-safe strength training supports long-term symptom control and confident return to exercise.
Book a urinary incontinence assessment
If you experience bladder leaks or urgency, our pelvic health physiotherapists can assess your pelvic floor, identify contributing factors, and create a personalised rehabilitation plan.
Learn more about women’s pelvic health & physiotherapy
Explore our other pelvic health condition pages to understand evidence-based assessment, rehabilitation, and life-stage–specific care:
Urinary Incontinence | Pelvic Organ Prolapse | Overactive Bladder & Urgency | Pelvic Pain | Pregnancy Physiotherapy | Birth Preparation | Postpartum Recovery | Constipation & Bowel Dysfunction
Our expert pelvic health physiotherapists provide private, individualised care focused on restoring comfort, confidence, and long-term pelvic health across pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
