
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Urinary Incontinence
Physiotherapy in
Edmonton
Leaking urine when you laugh, cough, sneeze, exercise, or suddenly feeling like
you can't make it to the bathroom in time can be frustrating and embarrassing.
The good news is that urinary incontinence is common and, in many cases,
highly treatable.
At Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness, our pelvic floor physiotherapists provide personalized urinary incontinence physiotherapy in Edmonton to help you regain bladder control, reduce leakage, and return to the activities you enjoy with confidence.
Whether your symptoms began after pregnancy, during menopause, after surgery, or developed gradually over time, we're here to help.
One-on-One Care
Experienced Pelvic Floor
Physiotherapists
Personalized Treatment Plans
Direct Billing Available
What Is Urinary
Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. While it becomes more common with age, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions, it is not considered a normal part of aging.
Many people quietly change their lifestyle around bladder leaks by:
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Wearing pads every day
-
Avoiding exercise
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Mapping out every public washroom
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Limiting fluids
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Going to the bathroom "just in case"
While these habits may seem helpful, they can actually make symptoms worse over time.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on treating the underlying cause rather than simply managing the symptoms.

Types of Urinary Incontinence We
Treat
Stress Urinary
Incontinence
Stress incontinence happens when pressure inside the abdomen increases and the urethra doesn’t get adequate closure.
Common triggers include:
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Coughing
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Sneezing
-
Laughing
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Running
-
Jumping
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Heavy lifting
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Exercise
This type is especially common after pregnancy and childbirth but can affect anyone.
Urge Urinary Incontinence (Overactive Bladder)
Urge incontinence causes a sudden, overwhelming urge to urinate that can be difficult to control.
You may notice:
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Frequent trips to the bathroom
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Waking several times overnight
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Leaking before reaching the toilet
-
Strong urgency triggered by running water or arriving home
Many people unknowingly train their bladder to become more sensitive by using the bathroom too often "just in case."
Mixed Urinary Incontinence
Some people experience both stress and urge incontinence. Your physiotherapist will identify which symptoms are contributing to your leakage so treatment can be tailored specifically to you.
Common Causes of
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence can develop for many different reasons. During your assessment we'll determine which factors are contributing to your symptoms.
Pregnancy and childbirth
Pelvic floor muscle weakness
Menopause
Chronic coughing
Constipation
High-impact sports
Pelvic surgery
Prostate surgery
Aging
Obesity
Bladder irritation
Neurological conditions
How Pelvic Floor
Physiotherapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physiotherapy addresses the muscles, connective tissue, breathing patterns, posture, and bladder habits that influence bladder control.
Treatment may include:
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Pelvic floor muscle assessment
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Individualized strengthening exercises
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Relaxation techniques for overactive muscles
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Bladder retraining
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Urge suppression strategies
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Core and breathing coordination
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Manual therapy
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Lifestyle and fluid recommendations
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Education on bladder habits

Every treatment plan is customized to your symptoms, goals, and comfort level.
What Happens During Your First
Appointment?
Your first appointment is approximately one hour.
Discuss Your Symptoms
We'll begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, pregnancy or surgical history, bladder habits, lifestyle, and your goals for treatment.
Review Medical History
Your physiotherapist reviews your health background to understand the full picture behind your symptoms.
Physical Assessment
Your physiotherapist reviews your health background to understand the full picture behind your symptoms.
Personalized Treatment Plan
You'll leave with a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms, goals, and comfort level.
Can Urinary Incontinence Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes. In many cases, pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the first recommended treatments for urinary incontinence.
Research shows that targeted pelvic floor muscle training can significantly reduce leakage and improve bladder control without medication or surgery. When appropriate, a pelvic floor physiotherapist may also provide pessary fitting to offer additional support and help manage symptoms.
Why Choose Shift Physiotherapy &
Wellness?
At Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness, we understand that bladder leakage can feel uncomfortable to talk about. Our pelvic floor physiotherapists provide compassionate, one-on-one care in a private setting where you can ask questions without judgment.
Our goal isn't simply to reduce leaks. It's helping you feel confident enough to:
Exercise Again
Return to the workouts and movement you love without worry.
Laugh Without Worry
Enjoy everyday moments without a
second thought.
Sleep Through the Night
Reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom and rest easier.
Travel Confidently
Enjoy everyday life without planning
around the nearest washroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take Back Control of Your
Bladder
Whether you're dealing with stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or frequent
bladder urgency, our pelvic floor physiotherapists are here to help. Book your
pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment at Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness in
Edmonton and take the first step toward better bladder control.
