Bladder symptoms are common — but they are not something you simply have to live with. At Pelvitone Physical Therapy in San Diego, we provide specialized pelvic floor physical therapy for urinary incontinence, urgency, frequency, and bladder pain conditions in both women and men.
Many bladder issues are caused by poor coordination between the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and nervous system. Our treatment focuses on restoring strength, control, and confidence — not just masking symptoms.
Conditions We Treat
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It can occur with movement, urgency, or without warning.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is considered a first-line conservative treatment for bladder control issues.
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks with:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Jumping
- Running
- Lifting
- Exercise
This is especially common postpartum, during perimenopause, and in active individuals. Weakness or poor timing of the pelvic floor muscles is often the cause.
Targeted pelvic floor strengthening and pressure management training significantly improve symptoms in most patients.
Urinary Urgency & Frequency
If you feel like you always need to know where the nearest bathroom is — or you are urinating more than every 1–2 hours — your pelvic floor may be overactive or poorly coordinated.
Urgency and frequency are often related to:
- Pelvic floor tension
- Nervous system sensitivity
- Hormonal changes
- Bladder irritation patterns
Therapy focuses on retraining bladder signals and improving muscle coordination.
Urinary Retention
Difficulty starting urination or fully emptying the bladder may be related to pelvic floor overactivity or coordination deficits.
Symptoms may include:
- Hesitancy
- Weak stream
- Feeling of incomplete emptying
- Needing to strain
Pelvic floor therapy focuses on relaxation, breathing mechanics, and nervous system regulation.
Urinary Incontinence in Postpartum & Perimenopause
Postpartum
Pregnancy and delivery can stretch and weaken pelvic support structures. Leaking during workouts, coughing, or lifting is extremely common — and treatable.
We focus on:
- Rebuilding strength safely
- Coordinating core and pelvic floor activation
- Return-to-exercise programming
Perimenopause & Midlife
Hormonal changes affect tissue elasticity and muscle support. Many women notice bladder symptoms appearing suddenly in their late 30s, 40s, or 50s.
Pelvic floor therapy supports:
- Bladder control
- Urgency reduction
- Long-term pelvic stability
Bladder Dysfunction in Men
Men also experience urinary incontinence, urgency, and retention — especially with aging, athletic strain, or prostate-related conditions.
We commonly treat:
- Post-void dribbling
- Urgency
- Core instability affecting bladder control
- Post-prostate procedure recovery
Pelvic floor physical therapy for men focuses on strength, coordination, and pressure control — not just repetitive kegels.
Our Treatment Approach
At Pelvitone, your evaluation includes:
- Pelvic floor muscle assessment
- Deep core coordination
- Breathing mechanics
- Movement and load management
- Bladder habit review
Treatment may include:
- Pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation training
- Bladder retraining
- Core rehabilitation
- Manual therapy
- Behavioral strategies
- Return-to-exercise guidance
Our goal is to restore automatic control so you do not have to constantly think about your bladder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kegels fix urinary incontinence?
Sometimes — but not always. Many people need timing, coordination, or relaxation training instead of simply squeezing more.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Many patients notice improvement within several visits, with continued progress over weeks as strength and coordination improve.
Is urinary incontinence normal after childbirth?
Common, yes. Normal, no. It is highly treatable.