Incontinence is extremely common and bothersome in competitive gymnasts, but many of them never talk about it or are aware of management options that are well supported by research – such as pelvic floor training. ⁠
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This article explored the rates of both urinary and anal incontinence in girls and women who participate in gymnastics. ⁠

Urinary incontinence commonly includes:

• Stress urinary incontinence (leaking when pressure builds up in the body (intra-abdominal pressure) or when ground reaction forces are absorbed in the body
• Urge incontinence (leaking when trying to get to the toilet on time)

Anal incontinence commonly includes:

• Fecal smearing (leaking poo)
• Flatal incontinence (leaking wind or gas uncontrollably)

Primary findings:

• 67% of gymnasts had urinary incontinence & 84% had anal incontinence
• Urinary incontinence risks factors include:
  • Age (older than 16-17 yrs)
  • Training (4 or more days pw)
  • Straining to void (wee)
• Most provocative movements for urinary incontinence included:
  • Takeoff and landing during acrobatic elements
• 83% of athletes with urinary incontinence reported negative effects on sport performance
• Primary anal incontinence risk factor included:
  • Years of specialisation in training
• 41% of athletes had never heard of pelvic floor muscles

If you (or your daughter) are experiencing incontinence during training or competitions it is critical that you/they are assessed and treated by a SKILLED PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIO who has:⁠

• Access to real time ultrasound in order to assess bladder function and emptying capacity
• YEARS of experience – Children are very impressionable and it is so important that they are assessed and treated in a way that is nurturing, tailored and collaborative so that they can get the best outcomes. ⁠

Please don’t hesitate to contact our admin team to book in with one of our PELVIC FLOOR physios or alternatively, book online via our online booking page.
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#alchemyinmotion #alchemyinmotionnoosa #physiotherapynoosa #physiotherapynoosajunction #physionoosa #physionoosajunction #womenshealthphysio #pelvicfloorphysio #incontinence⁠