Leaking when running

What is stress urinary incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine with rapid increases in intra-abdominal pressure e.g., cough, laugh, sneeze, jump, skip, run etc. It may happen as soon as the action is performed or may only occur after repetitive actions for example, “I am okay for the first 3km, then I leak.”

Why do I leak when I run?

Our pelvic floor and pelvic organs go through changes over the course of our lives including childbirth and menopause which can result in changes to our resting tone, muscular strength, and coordination. We need to have optimal bladder support and pelvic floor strength and tone to be able to maintain continence during running.

How can physiotherapy help?

Stress urinary incontinence is not a diagnosis, it is a symptom, we need to discover what is causing it! Here at SPS, your women’s health physiotherapist will provide a thorough assessment and design a treatment protocol which is specific to your symptoms and goals.

Should I stop running?

Research shows that running can be beneficial to helping train the pelvic floor, however everything needs to be done in moderation and at a correct level to ensure you are not creating further issues for your pelvic floor. Your pelvic health physiotherapist will help guide you with your running and ensure the program will benefit you.