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Expert incontinence physiotherapy in Oakville — evidence-based pelvic floor rehabilitation for urinary and fecal incontinence. Registered physiotherapists. Direct billing. Same-week appointments.
1 in 5
Canadian seniors experience urinary incontinence
Source: Canada.ca / Health Canada51%
of sufferers never discuss it with a healthcare provider
Source: ICS Canada Survey70–80%
improvement rate with pelvic floor physiotherapy
Source: Ontario Health Technology Assessment 20242.5×
more common in women than men (urinary)
Source: Statistics CanadaWhat Does Incontinence Mean?
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine or stool — a common but highly treatable condition affecting the bladder and bowel. It is not a disease; it is a symptom of underlying pelvic floor dysfunction, neurological changes, hormonal shifts, or musculoskeletal imbalances.
According to Health Canada, more than 1 in 5 Canadian senior adults experiences some type of bladder control problem. A 2024 study estimated 1.4–2.5 million Canadian women and 1.3–2.2 million Canadian men live with overactive bladder. Despite its prevalence, incontinence is dramatically under-reported — often dismissed as a normal part of aging.
The good news: with the right physiotherapy assessment and targeted pelvic floor rehabilitation, most patients see measurable improvement within 6–8 weeks.
Types of Incontinence Treated at RCP Health
Incontinence is not one condition — it has distinct types, each with different causes and treatment approaches. Our registered physiotherapists assess your specific type and build a targeted programme.
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Leakage of urine during physical activity that increases abdominal pressure. Present in approximately 35% of incontinent adults. More common in women, particularly after childbirth or surgery.
Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI)
A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage before reaching the toilet. Also called overactive bladder (OAB). Accounts for 60–70% of incontinence in seniors (Health Canada).
Mixed Incontinence
A combination of stress and urge incontinence — the most complex type to treat. Requires a thorough assessment to identify the dominant component and tailor treatment accordingly.
Overflow Incontinence
Frequent dribbling of urine when the bladder cannot fully empty, causing overflow. Often linked to bladder obstruction or weak detrusor muscle. More common in men with prostate issues.
Fecal Incontinence
Involuntary loss of solid or liquid stool. Estimated 1–1.5 million Canadians are affected (Frontiers in Gastroenterology, 2024). Highly treatable with pelvic floor physiotherapy and biofeedback.
Functional Incontinence
Normal bladder/bowel function but inability to reach the toilet in time due to physical or cognitive limitations. Common in seniors, post-surgical patients, and those with neurological conditions.
Recognising Incontinence Symptoms
Incontinence presents in many ways. If you experience three or more of the following, a pelvic floor assessment at RCP Health is strongly recommended. Early intervention produces significantly better outcomes.
Leakage with Physical Activity
Urine leaks when coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or during exercise — the hallmark of stress incontinence. Even small amounts during daily activities are significant.
Sudden Urgency to Urinate
A strong, sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to defer. May result in leakage before reaching the toilet. Classic sign of urge incontinence or overactive bladder.
Frequent Urination (8+ Times/Day)
Voiding more than 8 times per day or more than once per night (nocturia). May indicate overactive bladder or bladder irritation. Normal voiding is every 3–4 hours when well hydrated.
Feeling of Incomplete Emptying
A persistent sense that the bladder has not fully emptied after urination. Associated with overflow incontinence and may lead to frequent small voids and urinary tract infections.
Bowel Leakage or Urgency
Inability to control bowel movements, urgency before a bowel accident, or unexplained soiling. Fecal incontinence affects an estimated 1–1.5 million Canadians and responds well to physiotherapy.
Pelvic Heaviness or Pressure
A sensation of bulging, heaviness, or pressure in the pelvic region — may indicate pelvic organ prolapse often associated with incontinence. Worse with prolonged standing or activity.
⚠ When to seek immediate care: Sudden onset incontinence following trauma, loss of sensation in the groin or perineum, inability to urinate, or incontinence paired with severe back pain may indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate assessment prior to physiotherapy.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Incontinence?
Any leakage — regardless of amount
Even occasional leakage during exercise, sneezing, or urgency is not normal. Early treatment prevents progression and produces the fastest results.
Incontinence limiting your activities
When you avoid exercise, social activities, travel, or intimacy because of incontinence, physiotherapy can restore your confidence and freedom.
After childbirth or pelvic surgery
Post-natal incontinence, post-prostatectomy leakage, or post-hysterectomy bladder changes all respond well to structured pelvic floor rehabilitation at RCP Health.
How Physiotherapy Treats Incontinence
Our evidence-based 4-step process identifies the root cause of your incontinence — not just the symptom — and builds a personalised rehabilitation programme to restore lasting bladder and bowel control.
Comprehensive Assessment
Pelvic floor muscle testing, bladder diary analysis, functional movement screening, and assessment of contributing factors including posture, breathing, and lifestyle.
Personalised Treatment Plan
A targeted programme combining pelvic floor muscle training, bladder retraining, manual therapy, biofeedback, and lifestyle modifications — tailored to your specific type and severity.
Active Rehabilitation
Progressive pelvic floor strengthening or down-training (relaxation), core integration, functional movement re-education, and bladder retraining techniques.
Self-Management & Prevention
Home exercise programme, dietary and fluid guidance, long-term bladder health strategies, and a graduated return to full activity — including high-impact sports.
Our Physiotherapy Techniques for Incontinence
RCP Health uses a multi-modal, evidence-based approach — combining hands-on therapy, technology, and behavioural strategies for comprehensive incontinence treatment.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT)
The gold standard first-line treatment for stress and mixed urinary incontinence. A 2024 Ontario Health Technology Assessment confirmed PFMT produces clinically significant improvements in 70–80% of patients. Our physiotherapists teach correct muscle identification, engagement, and progressive loading.
Critically, not all patients need strengthening — some require down-training to relax an overactive (hypertonic) pelvic floor. An incorrect approach can worsen symptoms. RCP Health's assessment ensures you receive the right programme.
- Correct muscle identification and activation technique
- Progressive resistance and endurance training
- Functional integration: pelvic floor during lifting, exercise, coughing
- Down-training for hypertonic (overactive) pelvic floor
- Evidence-based repetition and hold protocols (10 × 10-second contractions)
Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback uses sensors and real-time visual or auditory feedback to help patients identify, isolate, and correctly engage pelvic floor muscles. Many patients cannot feel or consciously control these muscles — biofeedback bridges this gap.
At RCP Health, biofeedback is particularly effective for patients who have been doing Kegel exercises incorrectly (bearing down instead of lifting up), for those with hypertonic pelvic floors, and for post-surgical patients rebuilding neuromuscular control.
- Real-time muscle activity visualisation
- Corrects incorrect contraction patterns (bearing down vs lifting)
- Highly effective for patients unable to feel pelvic floor engagement
- Used for both strengthening and relaxation training
- Accelerates motor learning and neuromuscular re-education
Manual Therapy for Pelvic Floor
Hands-on manual therapy addresses the musculoskeletal contributors to incontinence — including overactive hip flexors, tight piriformis muscles, restricted lumbar fascia, and trigger points within the pelvic floor itself. These external contributors are often overlooked in standard treatment.
- External pelvic floor and abdominal wall release
- Hip flexor and piriformis soft tissue therapy
- Lumbar and sacroiliac joint mobilisation
- Scar tissue mobilisation (post-surgical, post-episiotomy)
- Trigger point therapy for referred pelvic pain
Bladder Retraining
A structured behavioural programme that systematically increases the intervals between voiding to re-establish normal bladder capacity and reduce urgency. Particularly effective for urge and mixed incontinence, and overactive bladder (OAB).
Health Canada recommends keeping a "bladder diary" as a first step — tracking voiding frequency, leakage episodes, and fluid intake to identify patterns and set a baseline for retraining.
- Bladder diary analysis and pattern identification
- Urge suppression techniques (pelvic floor "quick flick" contractions)
- Timed voiding schedule with gradual interval extension
- Fluid management and dietary advice (caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods)
- Urgency deferral strategies for daily life and sleep
Electrical Stimulation (TENS / IFC)
Electrical stimulation uses gentle electrical currents to stimulate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles that cannot be voluntarily contracted, or to modulate the nerve signals driving urgency and frequency. Particularly effective for severe weakness, post-surgical cases, and neurogenic incontinence.
- Passive pelvic floor strengthening for very weak muscles
- Urgency reduction via sacral nerve modulation
- Effective for post-prostatectomy and post-surgical incontinence
- Painless, non-invasive, 20–30 minute sessions
- Combined with active PFMT for optimal results
Benefits of Incontinence Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for incontinence is safe, evidence-based, non-surgical, and non-pharmaceutical — with benefits that extend far beyond bladder and bowel control.
No Surgery or Medication
Physiotherapy is the recommended first-line treatment — before medication, injections, or surgical procedures. Most patients achieve their goals without any invasive intervention.
Lasting Results
Unlike medications that manage symptoms while you take them, pelvic floor rehabilitation builds lasting strength and neuromuscular control — results that continue long after treatment ends.
Improved Confidence & Quality of Life
Patients report significant improvements in social participation, exercise, intimacy, travel, and sleep — reducing the anxiety and isolation that incontinence causes.
Treats Root Causes
Our physiotherapists identify the underlying biomechanical, neurological, and behavioural factors driving your incontinence — not just manage the symptom.
Applicable at Any Age
Pelvic floor physiotherapy produces improvements at any age — from young active women with post-natal incontinence to men recovering from prostate surgery and seniors with age-related changes.
Prevents Progression
Early treatment prevents mild incontinence from becoming severe, reduces the risk of pelvic organ prolapse, and prevents the social withdrawal and psychological impact of untreated symptoms.
Is It Too Late to Do Kegels?
This is one of the most common questions our physiotherapists receive. The answer is almost always no — it is not too late.
Research consistently shows that pelvic floor muscle training produces improvements at any age — from 20-year-old athletes to 80-year-old seniors. Muscle tissue retains the capacity for adaptation throughout life.
However — doing Kegels incorrectly can worsen symptoms. Studies show that up to 50% of women taught Kegel exercises from a pamphlet or video perform them incorrectly (bearing down rather than lifting up). A physiotherapist assesses whether you need strengthening or relaxation, and coaches correct technique using biofeedback.
Bottom line: There is no age at which physiotherapy stops being beneficial. The best time to start pelvic floor rehabilitation was yesterday. The second best time is today.
Assessment First — Always
Your physiotherapist confirms your pelvic floor is weak (needs Kegels) or overactive (needs relaxation) before prescribing exercises. This is the single most important step.
Technique Before Volume
Correct identification of pelvic floor muscles (not glutes or abdominals) is essential. Biofeedback confirms you are contracting the right muscles before increasing repetitions.
Progressive Loading
Begin with short holds (3–5 seconds), progress to 10-second holds, then functional integration during everyday activities. Volume and intensity increase gradually over 8–12 weeks.
Functional Integration
The goal is automatic pelvic floor engagement during coughing, lifting, and exercise — not just during dedicated Kegel sessions. Functional training is where lasting results are built.
Lifelong Maintenance
Pelvic floor health requires ongoing attention — 3 sessions per week indefinitely prevents regression and maintains the gains achieved during rehabilitation.
Home Exercises for Incontinence
These exercises are general guidance. Your RCP Health physiotherapist will prescribe a specific programme based on your assessment. Always confirm correct technique before increasing intensity.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Perform twice daily — confirm technique with your physiotherapist
- 1Slow Kegel hold — Gently lift and squeeze the pelvic floor (imagine stopping urine flow). Hold 10 seconds, relax completely for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Do not hold your breath or clench buttocks.
- 2Quick flicks — Rapidly contract and release the pelvic floor 10 times (1 second on, 1 second off). These fast-twitch fibres respond to sudden increases in pressure (coughing, sneezing). Do 3 sets.
- 3The Knack manoeuvre — Deliberately contract the pelvic floor just before and during a cough, sneeze, or physical exertion. This "knack" prevents stress leakage and rebuilds the automatic protective reflex.
- 4Pelvic floor relaxation (for hypertonic patients) — Diaphragmatic breathing with conscious pelvic floor release. Inhale and allow the pelvic floor to fully relax and drop. Essential for patients with urge incontinence or pelvic pain.
Bladder Retraining Exercises
Combine with your physiotherapist's bladder diary programme
- 1Urge suppression — When urgency strikes, stand still, perform 3–5 quick pelvic floor contractions, and distract yourself mentally. Wait for the urge to pass (30–60 seconds), then walk calmly to the toilet. Never rush — this worsens urgency.
- 2Timed voiding — Urinate on a fixed schedule (e.g. every 2 hours), regardless of urgency. Gradually extend the interval by 15 minutes per week until reaching a 3–4 hour voiding interval. Based on your bladder diary.
- 3Fluid management — Drink 1.5–2 litres of water daily in regular small amounts. Reduce or eliminate caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners — all proven bladder irritants.
- 4Bladder diary — Keep a 3-day record of voiding times, leakage episodes, fluid intake, and urgency levels. This data is essential for your physiotherapist to prescribe an accurate retraining programme.
Important: Pelvic floor exercises must be tailored to your specific condition. Incorrect Kegels can worsen symptoms in patients with hypertonic (overactive) pelvic floors. Always book an assessment before beginning an independent programme.
Managing Incontinence: Products & Support
While physiotherapy addresses the underlying cause of incontinence, the right products provide dignity and confidence during your rehabilitation journey.
Absorbent Pads & Guards
Medically designed absorbent pads for light to heavy urinary incontinence. Available in varying absorbency levels for day and night use. Recommended brands: Depend, TENA, Poise. Should not replace treatment — use during your physiotherapy recovery.
Compression & Pelvic Support
Medical-grade pelvic support garments and compression products (Sigvaris, Bauerfeind) that provide abdominal and pelvic support — helping reduce stress incontinence during exercise and daily activity while pelvic floor strength is rebuilding.
Skin Protection for IAD
Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) affects 18–46% of people with incontinence. Our team can recommend appropriate barrier creams, zinc oxide preparations, pH-balanced cleansers, and no-sting barrier films to protect skin integrity during incontinence management.
Related Conditions: Pigmenti & Dermatitis
Two conditions frequently searched alongside incontinence deserve clear, accurate explanation — Incontinentia Pigmenti and Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis.
Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP)
Incontinentia Pigmenti is a rare X-linked genetic disorder (also called Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome) — it is not related to urinary or fecal incontinence. The name refers to the appearance of skin cells under a microscope, not bladder control.
IP causes progressive skin, eye, teeth, and central nervous system abnormalities. It affects approximately 1 in 50,000 individuals — predominantly females — and has no cure, though supportive care manages complications effectively.
- Managed by dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology, and dental teams
- Physiotherapy may be involved in neurological rehabilitation components
- Contact a genetics specialist or neurologist for IP management
Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD)
IAD is a form of irritant contact dermatitis caused by prolonged skin exposure to urine or liquid stool. It affects an estimated 18–46% of people living with incontinence (PMC, Cochrane Review).
IAD appears as skin redness, maceration, and erosion around the perineal and perianal areas. It is both painful and a significant risk factor for pressure ulcers.
- Prevention: frequent cleansing, barrier creams, pH-balanced skin cleansers
- Treatment: zinc oxide preparations, no-sting barrier films, moisture-wicking products
- Physiotherapy indirectly prevents IAD by reducing incontinence episodes
- Consult your physiotherapist or wound care specialist for severe IAD
Pelvic Health Conditions We Treat
Incontinence rarely occurs in isolation. Our pelvic floor physiotherapists treat the full spectrum of pelvic health conditions.
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. Most common in women post-childbirth and post-menopause.
Urge Incontinence / OAB
Overactive bladder with sudden urgency and leakage. Responds well to bladder retraining and pelvic floor therapy.
Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence
Urinary leakage following prostate cancer surgery. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the gold standard post-surgical rehabilitation.
Post-Natal Incontinence
Bladder or bowel leakage following vaginal delivery or C-section. Early physiotherapy significantly improves recovery speed.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Descent of the bladder, rectum, or uterus into the vaginal canal. Physiotherapy is first-line treatment and effective prevention.
Fecal Incontinence
Involuntary bowel leakage. Responds to pelvic floor rehabilitation, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation therapy.
Conditions Related to Incontinence
Incontinence often co-exists with related pelvic, spinal, and musculoskeletal conditions. Our physiotherapists assess and treat the whole person.
Related Services at RCP Health Oakville
RCP Health offers a comprehensive range of physiotherapy and rehabilitation services alongside incontinence treatment.
Physiotherapy
Evidence-based rehabilitation
Custom Orthotics
Foot support & biomechanics
MSK Physiotherapy
Musculoskeletal assessment
Manual Therapy
Hands-on joint & soft tissue
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Deep tissue healing
At-Home Physiotherapy
We come to you in Oakville
Massage Therapy
Soft tissue & pelvic release
Posture & Spinal Alignment
Core and spinal rehabilitation
Geriatric Physiotherapy
Age-related continence care
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about incontinence physiotherapy at RCP Health? Call us at 1.888.332.7372 or book a free 15-minute consultation.
Book Free ConsultationYes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the first-line treatment for stress and urge urinary incontinence, with 70–80% of patients achieving significant improvement or complete resolution. A 2024 Ontario Health Technology Assessment confirmed its clinical effectiveness. Early assessment and treatment at RCP Health produces the best outcomes.
Almost never. Research shows pelvic floor exercises produce improvements at any age. However, unsupervised Kegels can worsen symptoms in patients with an overactive (hypertonic) pelvic floor — up to 50% of people perform them incorrectly. A physiotherapist assesses whether you need strengthening or relaxation and coaches correct technique, often using biofeedback.
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is covered by most extended health benefit plans in Ontario. RCP Health directly bills Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, Blue Cross, Green Shield, and 20+ other providers. WSIB and MVA claims are also accepted. Many patients pay $0 out-of-pocket.
No referral is required to book at RCP Health. Call 1.888.332.7372 or book online at rcphealth.ca/appointment/. Some insurance plans require a physician referral for reimbursement — check your plan before your first visit. Our team will guide you on your initial call.
Yes. RCP Health's registered physiotherapists travel to your home across Oakville and the Halton Region. At-home pelvic floor physiotherapy is ideal for patients with mobility limitations, post-surgical recovery, or demanding schedules. The same evidence-based care — in the privacy and comfort of your home.
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Join hundreds of Oakville patients who have reclaimed confidence, comfort, and freedom from incontinence at RCP Health. Same-week appointments. Direct billing. Registered physiotherapists only.
📍 700 Dorval Drive, Unit 304, Oakville, ON | Mon–Fri 8am–7pm | Sat 9am–2pm