How does pelvic floor physical therapy help incontinence?

• A. Strengthens pelvic floor muscles, improves urethral support, and reduces leakage.
• B. Destroys pelvic floor muscles to relax.
• C. Converts stress incontinence to urge incontinence.
• D. Has no effect on leakage.

Answer: (A)

Pelvic floor physical therapy reduces leakage by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and urethra and by retraining how these muscles activate with movement. When the pelvic floor is strong and well-coordinated, it increases urethral closure pressure during activities that raise abdominal pressure—like coughing, sneezing, or lifting—so urine is less likely to leak.

Therapy usually includes targeted exercises such as Kegels, plus techniques like biofeedback and functional training to improve endurance and the timing of contractions with daily activities. This approach helps most people with stress incontinence and can benefit those with mixed incontinence by improving overall pelvic floor function and awareness.

It does not destroy pelvic floor muscles, it does not convert stress incontinence into urge incontinence, and it does have a meaningful effect on leakage.