Women with Osteoporosis Can Prevent or Treat Incontinence with Pelvic Floor Exercises
How Are Osteoporosis and Incontinence Related?
Women with osteoporosis often experience height loss due to spinal deformities caused by vertebral fractures. The resulting curvature of the spine alters the position of pelvic organs, increasing pressure on the pelvic floor and raising the risk of both urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Additionally, women suffering from urge incontinence, overactive bladder, or nocturia (frequent nighttime urination) are at higher risk of falls and fractures, as they rush to the bathroom—often in a hurry or without caution. The fall risk associated with incontinence becomes even more concerning for postmenopausal women with osteoarthritis.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Prevent or Improve Urinary Incontinence in Women with Osteoporosis
A 2016 study from the University of Montreal [1], demonstrated the significant benefits of pelvic floor exercises in preventing and managing urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The study, published in the Journal of the North American Menopausal Society, included 46 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and urinary incontinence. Participants were divided into two groups. One group received weekly physiotherapy sessions for 12 weeks, which included pelvic floor muscle training. The other group received dietary and exercise recommendations to improve bone density and medication, but no physiotherapy sessions.
At the end of 12 weeks, women who underwent physiotherapy experienced a 75% reduction in urine leakage episodes, while the control group showed no improvement. One year later, the physiotherapy group maintained or even improved their results, whereas incontinence in the control group remained unchanged or worsened.
Dr. Chantal Dumoulin, the study’s author, stated that this was the first study to assess pelvic floor muscle retraining for women with both osteoporosis and stress or urge incontinence.
Three years later, in 2019, Australian physiotherapist and associate professor Pauline Chiarelli of the University of Newcastle reached the same conclusions as Dr. Dumoulin. She analyzed data from a 15-year longitudinal study on women’s health, involving over 30,000 women[2]. Both researchers emphasized the importance of pelvic floor exercises, not only for treating incontinence in women with osteoporosis but also as a preventive measure for those who have not yet developed symptoms.
The Expertise of the heads of PT PRAXIS®
Osteoporosis, whether caused by natural menopause or cancer treatments for breast or gynecological cancer, is a debilitating and dangerous condition that impacts overall health and longevity. However, despite its prevalence, osteoporosis and its complications—such as urinary incontinence—can be prevented and managed.
At PT PRAXIS®, we assess each patient’s physical abilities and develop a personalized rehabilitation program to help prevent and restore pelvic floor function, improving both incontinence and quality of life.
References:
[1] Sran, M., Mercier, J., Wilson, P., Lieblich, P., & Dumoulin, C. (2016). Physical therapy for urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or low bone density. Menopause, 23(3), 286–293. doi:10.1097/gme.0000000000000594
[2] Continence Foundation of Australia – Osteoporosis and Incontinence
