Bladder & Continence
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Leakage with coughing, sneezing, exercise or lifting is common — but it is not something you simply have to put up with.
- No referral required
- Evidence-based care
- Individual treatment
- Albany, WA
About this condition
What is stress incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence is leakage of urine when pressure inside the abdomen rises — with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, running or exercise. It happens when the pressure on the bladder is more than the support from your pelvic floor. Importantly, it doesn't always mean the pelvic floor is simply 'weak'.
Signs & symptoms
You might notice leakage when you…
- Cough or sneeze
- Laugh
- Lift children, shopping or weights
- Run or jump
- Do gym exercises or play sport
- Change position quickly
- Exercise with a full bladder
Why it happens
Why it happens
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Pelvic floor weakness or poor coordination
- Menopause and hormonal changes
- Chronic coughing or constipation
- Repetitive heavy lifting or high-impact exercise
- Previous pelvic surgery
How we help
How physiotherapy helps
Pelvic floor muscle training is recommended in clinical guidelines as an initial treatment — but because leakage isn't always about strength, we assess what's really driving it.
Understand the cause
Strength, coordination, timing and pressure — not just squeezes.
Pelvic floor training
A program built around your assessment and goals.
The Knack & technique
Timing your pelvic floor with coughs, lifting and impact.
Return to exercise
Gradually build back to running, lifting and sport.
Explore
Related conditions
When to see your GP
Most bladder leakage responds well to physiotherapy. See your GP if you also notice:
- Blood in your urine
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Pain or burning with urination
- A sudden change in bladder function
Get started
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you leak with a cough or you've stopped running because of your bladder, we can help you regain control.