Giggle Incontinence: How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

By Dr. Zarina Vitebsky, DPT, MSPT, PRPC, TPS, LPF, DN on 1/12/2024

Overview

Explanation of Giggle Incontinence

Giggle incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence that occurs when a person involuntarily leaks urine while laughing, coughing, or sneezing. It is most commonly seen in children and young adults, and is often caused by a weak pelvic floor.

Importance of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor. It is an important treatment option for giggle incontinence, as it can help improve bladder control and reduce or eliminate episodes of leakage.

Summary of Giggle Incontinence

Types of Incontinence

There are several types of incontinence, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence. Giggle incontinence falls under the category of stress incontinence, which is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. This type of incontinence is triggered by physical activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as laughing, sneezing, or exercising.

Causes of Giggle Incontinence

There are various factors that can contribute to the development of giggle incontinence. These include:

• Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles: The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for supporting the bladder and controlling urinary function. If these muscles are weak, they may not be able to properly support the bladder, leading to incontinence.

• Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen, can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and contribute to giggle incontinence.

• Pregnancy and Childbirth: The weight of the growing baby during pregnancy and the strain of childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and cause incontinence.

• Menopause: As women age and go through menopause, their estrogen levels decrease, which can lead to weakened pelvic floor muscles and incontinence.

• Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, leading to incontinence.

• Chronic Coughing or Sneezing: Conditions such as asthma or allergies that cause frequent coughing or sneezing can put strain on the pelvic floor muscles and contribute to incontinence.

• Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, can affect the nerves that control bladder function and lead to incontinence.

If you are experiencing giggle incontinence, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. Pelvic floor physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and improving bladder control.

Role of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Giggle Incontinence

Anatomy of the Pelvic Floor Muscles

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles located at the bottom of the pelvis. They form a sling-like structure that supports the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles are made up of three layers: the superficial, intermediate, and deep layers. The superficial layer is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the urethra, while the intermediate and deep layers help with maintaining continence.

Function of the Pelvic Floor Muscles

The main function of the pelvic floor muscles is to provide support to the pelvic organs and maintain continence. These muscles work together with the abdominal and back muscles to provide stability and control during activities such as coughing, sneezing, and laughing. They also play a role in sexual function and childbirth.

How Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles Contribute to Giggle Incontinence

When the pelvic floor muscles are weak, they are unable to provide proper support to the pelvic organs. This can lead to a variety of issues, including giggle incontinence. When a person with weak pelvic floor muscles laughs, the muscles are unable to contract and prevent urine from leaking out of the bladder. This can result in involuntary urine leakage, also known as giggle incontinence.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Giggle Incontinence

How it Can Help with Giggle Incontinence

Giggle incontinence, also known as stress incontinence, is a type of urinary incontinence that is triggered by laughing, coughing, sneezing, or other physical activities. This is often caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help strengthen these muscles, improving bladder control and reducing episodes of giggle incontinence.

Other Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

In addition to helping with giggle incontinence, pelvic floor physical therapy has many other benefits for overall pelvic health. These include:

• Improved Bladder Control: By strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic floor physical therapy can improve bladder control and reduce symptoms of other types of urinary incontinence.

• Reduced Risk of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Weak pelvic floor muscles can also lead to pelvic organ prolapse, where the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) can drop down into the vaginal canal. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help prevent or reduce the severity of pelvic organ prolapse.

• Reduced Back Pain: Strong pelvic floor muscles can also help support the spine and improve posture, reducing back pain and discomfort.

• Improved Posture: Weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to poor posture, which can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal issues. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help improve posture by strengthening these muscles.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Techniques for Giggle Incontinence

Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are a type of pelvic floor muscle exercise that can help strengthen the muscles responsible for bladder control. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which are the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. By strengthening these muscles, individuals with giggle incontinence can improve their bladder control and reduce the frequency of involuntary urine leakage.

To perform Kegel exercises, start by identifying the pelvic floor muscles. This can be done by stopping the flow of urine midstream. Once you have located these muscles, contract them for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Repeat this 10 times, 3 times a day. As you become more comfortable with the exercises, you can increase the duration of the contractions and the number of repetitions.

It is important to note that Kegel exercises may not be suitable for everyone with giggle incontinence. It is recommended to consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist to determine if these exercises are appropriate for your specific condition.

Biofeedback training

Biofeedback is a technique that uses electronic sensors to provide visual or auditory feedback about muscle activity. In the case of giggle incontinence, biofeedback can be used to help individuals learn how to properly contract and relax their pelvic floor muscles. This can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty identifying and isolating these muscles on their own.

The process of biofeedback training involves placing sensors on the pelvic floor muscles and using a computer or other device to display the muscle activity. The therapist will then guide the individual through exercises, such as Kegel exercises, while monitoring the muscle activity on the screen. This allows the individual to see and understand how their muscles are working and make adjustments as needed.

Biofeedback training can be a useful tool in conjunction with other pelvic floor physical therapy techniques for giggle incontinence.

Electrical stimulation

Electrical stimulation is a technique that uses a small electrical current to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. This can help strengthen these muscles and improve bladder control in individuals with giggle incontinence. The electrical stimulation is delivered through a device that is inserted into the vagina or rectum.

The process of electrical stimulation involves working with a pelvic floor physical therapist to determine the appropriate level of stimulation and duration of treatment. The therapist will then guide the individual through the process, which may involve a series of sessions over a period of time.

It is important to note that electrical stimulation may not be suitable for everyone with giggle incontinence. It is recommended to consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist to determine if this technique is appropriate for your specific condition.

Other techniques

In addition to Kegel exercises, biofeedback training, and electrical stimulation, there are other techniques that may be used in pelvic floor physical therapy for giggle incontinence. These include bladder training, which involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom breaks to help improve bladder control, and diet and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding bladder irritants and maintaining a healthy weight.

Pelvic floor massage may also be used as a technique to help relax and release tension in the pelvic floor muscles. This can be done by a pelvic floor physical therapist or through self-massage techniques taught by the therapist.

It is important to work with a pelvic floor physical therapist to determine the best combination of techniques for your individual needs and to ensure proper technique and progress.

Incorporating Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy into Daily Life

Importance of consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to pelvic floor physical therapy. Just like any other form of exercise, regular and consistent practice is necessary to see results. This is because the pelvic floor muscles are like any other muscle in the body and require consistent training to become stronger and more functional.

Tips for incorporating pelvic floor physical therapy into daily routine

Incorporating pelvic floor physical therapy into your daily routine can be simple and effective. Here are some tips to help you make it a regular part of your day:

• Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to do your exercises at the same time every day.

• Find a comfortable and private space to do your exercises, such as your bedroom or bathroom.

• Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable and stronger.

• Try to incorporate pelvic floor exercises into other daily activities, such as while brushing your teeth or waiting in line.

Reach Out to Us

If you are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunctions associated with the issues above, please reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com.

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