Restoring Ease * Continence * Function * Confidence

Urinary incontinence and pelvic pain are experienced by at least 10% of the American population. Unfortunately, there can be so much shame and stigma surrounding these conditions that many people suffer alone and never pursue treatment.

The Alta Bates Summit Physical Therapy Program for Urinary Incontinence & Pelvic Pain offers many treatment options and solutions in a sensitive and healing environment. The goal of the program is to help people return to a full and satisfying life.

Urinary Incontinence
The involuntary loss of urine can lead to social or hygienic concerns. Stress incontinence can occur with increases in abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing and laughing. Urge incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine in association with a strong desire to urinate. Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence. Physical therapy offers elective treatment options such as pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder retraining and use of biofeedback to help restore continence and healthy bladder habits.

Pelvic Pain & Dysfunction
Pelvic pain and dysfunction can be caused by muscle, nerve or joint problems of the lumbosacral/pelvic girdle region. It can also arise post-surgically or from trauma and abuse. People with pelvic pain and dysfunction often experience a multitude of difficulties with sitting, walking, defecation, urination and intercourse. Typically this condition leads to the impairment of the pelvic floor muscles to both relax and contract. Pelvic floor relaxation techniques, manual therapy, modalities, biofeedback and exercises are physical therapy approaches to help decrease pain and restore function.

What Our Patients Say

"This program has been a life saver for me. Where other programs have failed, in two months this skilled and compassionate approach has helped me make substantial progress in overcoming a 15-year long struggle with incontinence. I am incredibly grateful that my doctor referred me to this program." -- J.R., San Francisco, CA

"With the guidance of my physical therapist, I have learned techniques which help me identify tension-holding patterns in my body. This experience initiated a powerful release of fear and pain. The whole process has made me more aware of my body and more patient with myself." -- M.R., Emeryville, CA

"Doing the pelvic floor work has changed my life. Before working with this program I had over 10 years of urinary frequency which had constricted my life considerably. Now I feel in control and find myself even going for long walks without anxiety. I also feel more in touch with my body and my sexuality." -- K.H., Berkeley, CA

Appointments and Fees
For more information about our program, please call (510) 204-4596. A physician prescription for evaluation and treatment is required prior to scheduling an appointment. To schedule an appointment, please call (510) 204-4599.

Many insurance plans cover these physical therapy services. Please contact your provider to verify coverage. Equipment rentals and purchases are usually not covered.